outhaul slug connection to clew

[Bill22177]

I am looking for a way to connect the clew of my loose-footed main to the outhaul wothout using the standard slug on the boom. I am concerned that without some sort of attachment point in addition to the sheave in the boom. the outhaul line will jump off the sheave. Any suggestions?

 

[Ed]

Look at the race boats

I am not sure why you do not want to use the slug for the outhaul, but if you look at pictures of the boom's of raceboats these day, you see that they are using a strap wrapped around the boom.During my purchase of a loose-footed main, I pointed out a neighbouring boat that did not have the slug, but only used the outhaul, passing over a sheave and into the boom to go forward. The sailmaker indicated that although it works, the sheave is not designed to take the considerable forces and will eventually break.Something to consider!Ed

 

[Ken]

holding tank

My holding tank fills up...just about2 hrs from port.

 

[Allen]

Ed's Right, Ken's Lost

I just ordered a new loose footed main & my sailmaker suggested that I use the outhaul and a "clew strap". The outhaul positions the clew fore & aft and the strap keeps it at a fixed hight over the boom.Loose footed mains place too much force on the normal slugs that fit along the boom channel which will lead to either failure or the inability to adjust the outhaul while under load.As for Ken? Not sure what to offer there!!Allen Schweitzers/v FalstaffC-30 Hull #632

 

[artfem2]

Track

I have a loose footed main on my 1988 TRBS Cat 30. It was installed by previous owner. A short track, maybe 3 feet, was installed on the boom, just forward of the sheave at the end of the boom. The bitter end of the outhaul is attached to the car runs up through a small block attached to the clew, back down a block on the car and back over the sheave and through the boom, then leasd back to the cockpit. The car is left free to run forward and aft. As sail is unfurled, it is pulled to the carfirst then car and clew are drawn back aft until sail is fully set. Very easy to furl, unfurl or reef (sail furls behind the mast). Can be reefed under load with the small windch on the cabin top, but typically I head up slightly. Works well and mimics the system I have seen on much larger boats.