Not a good idea.
The FACT is that raising the boom and recutting the sail shorter will materially decrease righting moment, which I think worse than decreasing sail area. This will provide for a less-stable boat with an increased tendency to heel and probably the need to reef earlier. Moreover, by decreasing the mainsail's size, especially at its widest point, this will move forward the centre of effort. This will decrease the boat's natural weather helm and result in a noticable problem holding the boat on a tight tack. With all the complaints about Hunter boats not tacking well, one ought certainly NOT to take any step that will make the effect seem worse. In several posts under the Hunter 27 traveller question I went over some of the reasons why LOWERING the boom about 6-8 inches would have noticeable benefits in performance, comfort under way, and decreased heel angle (increased righting moment). Raising the boom by the same amount on any boat may not seem like it'd hurt much but it will certainly NOT help sailing characteristics in these areas. With due respect for Barrie's desire to have a comfortable dodger on the boat, I do NOT advocate altering the rig or permanently compromising sail trim, particularly not on something intended to be a safe, well-rounded family sort of product. I know many people may report the opposite of what I have said is going to happen. But not all owners will understand why the designer put the boom where it already is nor understand what the likely physics issues are going to be by changing it. It is only prudent to accept that hearsay and circumstantial perception and/or 'experience', without benefit of serious expertise, may not provide the best nor even safest answer. I am sure that vendors or local marinas could, without regard to your safety or comfort, encourage any work that will net them a few dollars and, though this sounds harsh, those people are not always the most knowledgeable you could ask anyway. Only after consultation with and approval from a bona-fide designer or sailmaker would I ever suggest that such a thing as raising the boom to make way for a convenience be undertaken. At best it is an expensive trade-off, and any true expert will tell you that. Surely there is another way to fit a decent dodger you can live with. Please take this seriously and in the (educative) spirit intended. J Cherubini II Cherubini Art & Nautical Design Org. JComet@aol.com
