Our H356 is apparently one of the few with a "real" main, i.e., not the kind that rolls up in the mast. The sail cover that stores the main on the boom works pretty well, but the stitching that holds the zipper is shot, so it will be in for repairs this winter. It dawned on me that the process of collecting and covering the sail might go much easier if I reverse the direction of the zipper Hunter supplied, so that the zipper goes from mast to end of boom during the covering operation, rather than aft to fore as it goes now. Any thoughts?
Mainsail cover zipper
- Thread starter Paul356
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No flaking
No flaking system, just the lazy jacks that came as standard equipment. They've worked pretty well. Recent example: Dropped the main into the lazy jacks recently in advance of a squall. Winds hit 40, 50 for a short time. Sail stayed put.
No flaking system, just the lazy jacks that came as standard equipment. They've worked pretty well. Recent example: Dropped the main into the lazy jacks recently in advance of a squall. Winds hit 40, 50 for a short time. Sail stayed put.
Replaced aft to mast
We recently put a new zipper in our "Stack Pack" style mast cover. It is on a '00 340 with lazy jacks. We purchased the non locking zipper from Sailrite and had a local awning company install the zipper so it starts at the aft end of the boom and zips to the mast. We keep a short "leader line" clipped on the zipper pull. I use it to pull the zipper back to the bimini (a large bimini) and then toss it back towards the arch. I then climb up on the arch, grap the line and pull back. I use the line (a strap actually) to secure the zipper to the end of the boom. To zip up the procedure is reversed.
We recently put a new zipper in our "Stack Pack" style mast cover. It is on a '00 340 with lazy jacks. We purchased the non locking zipper from Sailrite and had a local awning company install the zipper so it starts at the aft end of the boom and zips to the mast. We keep a short "leader line" clipped on the zipper pull. I use it to pull the zipper back to the bimini (a large bimini) and then toss it back towards the arch. I then climb up on the arch, grap the line and pull back. I use the line (a strap actually) to secure the zipper to the end of the boom. To zip up the procedure is reversed.
Yes
Sailmakers don't appear to have had an original thought since the first stack pack sail covers were made for much smaller boats. I have now built two zip up sail coats and the both have the zip running from gooseneck to boom end. I find it much easier - and safer - to join the two halves of the zip whilst standing at the mast. I have also attached a light line from the zipper to a point midway along the cover so now I can pull it open or shut without need to lean on/over the dodger, All much less likely for me to go overboard. Also I have taken the lazy jacks vertically up to the topping lift so the whole can be raised or lowered from the cockpit after the sail is set. The lazy jacks attach to the cover about 18" if front of each batten end so now the batten ends cannot get caught either raising of lowering the sail.
Sailmakers don't appear to have had an original thought since the first stack pack sail covers were made for much smaller boats. I have now built two zip up sail coats and the both have the zip running from gooseneck to boom end. I find it much easier - and safer - to join the two halves of the zip whilst standing at the mast. I have also attached a light line from the zipper to a point midway along the cover so now I can pull it open or shut without need to lean on/over the dodger, All much less likely for me to go overboard. Also I have taken the lazy jacks vertically up to the topping lift so the whole can be raised or lowered from the cockpit after the sail is set. The lazy jacks attach to the cover about 18" if front of each batten end so now the batten ends cannot get caught either raising of lowering the sail.
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