Mainsheet length

[Lost Parent]

Just sitting out back in my new moorage and wondering when I install my new mainsheet how much extra line do I need after the boom is extended out all the way...do not want to waste line ....by the way old line is way to long

 

[justsomeguy]

How too long is the old mainsheet?

 

[FB111A]

Less line flying around in the cockpit is a good thing. I would see what the designers specified, then push the boom all the way out and see how much less would still be

Useful than the too much you have now.

 

[Lost Parent]

Twenty feet to long

 

[bffatcat]

how much main sheet?

just push the boom out all the way. simulate down wind sailing.pull it in maybe 1" cleat or jam it off . You dont want it beyond 90 degrees . finally tie a stopper knot at that point.
a figure 8 is good its easy to untie. You can leave the tail for future adjustments If there is to much cut some off

 

[Ross]

Re: how much main sheet?

remember if it is too short you can splice it but if it is too long you are stuck.. Start with a 600 foot reel and run out as much as you need and save the rest for other purposes.

 

[Ray Bowles]

Once on someone else's boat he could not extend his boom all the way out because his mainsheet was too short. I made up a 4 foot pendent and put it between the boom and the upper mainsheet block. It saved about 12 to 16 feet of line and allowed full extension.
Just another sailing idea.
Ray