New main sail questions

[Doug]

I am presently looking for replacements for my 16 year old sails. Several questions arise.1. Should I go over to a loose footed main? If yes, what are the advantages?2. Should I go with full or partial battens? Again, why?3. Should I go with lazy jacks or dutchman? I presently have no system on my boat.

 

[Mark Ploch]

New Main

Wow, wish I could type well enough to answer in depth!! But here ya go 1. There is no advantage to loose foot. If you really get right down to it an attached foot has a better end plate effect than loose footed. But the loose foot allows for better sail shape when the out haul is eased for off wind sailing or very light airs. You can go either way with this and have plenty opinions for both.2 Battens: Full battens are easier to flake, easier to trim, and are easier on the sail. They do not flog and reinforce the sail so they helpthe sail last longer. Cons: There is less control over sail shape they load at the mast and can be tuff to raise with out the proper slides or track, heavier. 3they both work great, one goes through the sail the other is on the out side. Doug You can't go wrong with any of the choices it just works best for you funtion and or looks.

 

[Bill Colombo]

New Main Answers

Doug, Loose-footed Mains are becoming more and more popular and for one good reason. They work better! A loose-footed mainsail is easier to flatten as well as to "power-up" since it is not restricted by any cloth attached to the boom. Reef-lines are not impeded by the sailcloth either. It is easier to rig vangs, preventers and storm sails on a loose footed boom. From an aerodymaic point of view there is no advantage to attach the mid-foot to the boom. Whatever "endplate effect" that might occur is negated by the turbulence surrounding the deck and cabin top. The best argument for attaching the foot to the boom is to collect rainwater in arid cruising climates. This can also be acheived on a loose footed main by adding a loose soft shelf to the foot. We build these into our blue water racing mains such as Volvo 60's and Open 50's and 60's.Full Battens extend the life of a maisail by limiting damage due to flogging. The down side is that they add weight and cost. Racing mains use 1 full batten at the top. This supports the roach and adds the least weight. Also the longer the batten the more compression on the mast. The sail can be hard to raise and lower. This is why we have come up with a 2 2 Main which is a good compromise. On bigger boats full-batten mains require mast tracks and low friction batten cars, which are relatively pricey.Both Lazy Jacks and the Dutchman sytem have their advantages and disadvantages.Both work well. It is a matter of personal preference. If price is an object lazy jacks are less expensive.Bill C.