I just recently moved from a Catalina22 to a Hunter 28.5. I had no problem flaking the main on the 22. I am having some difficulry flaking the main on the bigger boat. I end up with a main that looks nice but I know I am spending too much time to get it there. Any suggestions on how to flake a main so it lays right and does not require doing and undoing until it looks right? Thanks, Robert
What is the best method to flake a mainsail
- Thread starter r. gallagher
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Here is what works for me
on my 1986 H28.5 with a 3 yr old main: When I drop the main, I make sure all the folds at the mast are on the starboard side of the mast. It would work as well if they were all on the port side. Then, starting at the aft end of the boom, I pull the sail aft while putting accordion folds in the main over the boom. When I have about two feet of it folded on the boom, I tie that portion off with a sail tie and move forward. Do another 2-ft section and tie it off. I end up using 4 sail ties. When the sail was new and stiff, this was more difficult and it hardly fit under the sail cover. Now it fits fine and only take a few minutes. I was intially concerned about flaking the sail this way would result in permanent creases in the sail where it folded, but that doesn't seem to be a problem with the sail, which is 6.5 oz Dacron. Give this a try. Its a great boat and you should take a look at our website:
on my 1986 H28.5 with a 3 yr old main: When I drop the main, I make sure all the folds at the mast are on the starboard side of the mast. It would work as well if they were all on the port side. Then, starting at the aft end of the boom, I pull the sail aft while putting accordion folds in the main over the boom. When I have about two feet of it folded on the boom, I tie that portion off with a sail tie and move forward. Do another 2-ft section and tie it off. I end up using 4 sail ties. When the sail was new and stiff, this was more difficult and it hardly fit under the sail cover. Now it fits fine and only take a few minutes. I was intially concerned about flaking the sail this way would result in permanent creases in the sail where it folded, but that doesn't seem to be a problem with the sail, which is 6.5 oz Dacron. Give this a try. Its a great boat and you should take a look at our website:
I like the term...
Gasket. It has such a nice antiquated ring to it. It also turns heads. I too have problems flaking my sail, so I don't do it any more. I now let the sail fall naturally and then gently roll the fabric on top of the boom. This way when I cover the sail nothing has a tendency to fall out, as some of my flaking does, even with sail ties... I mean, gaskets.
Gasket. It has such a nice antiquated ring to it. It also turns heads. I too have problems flaking my sail, so I don't do it any more. I now let the sail fall naturally and then gently roll the fabric on top of the boom. This way when I cover the sail nothing has a tendency to fall out, as some of my flaking does, even with sail ties... I mean, gaskets.
Perceptions
Apparently you know how to flake a sail, so that's not the problem. The problem is your perception of the time that is required to do it on the bigger boat. What the area of a C22 mainsail? 135sq. ft.? Not much more than a bedsheet. That new mainsail has a lot more acreage than the last one. It's just going to take longer. I have the same problem: moved up from C22 to C30, and I'm always trying to rush putting the main to bed because I don't want to spend more time to do the bigger sail right, and want to hide my sloppy job with the sail cover. I suppose I'm not the only one. A nasty job can be done quickly; a neat-looking, nicely-flaked sail is going to take more time. Don't worry about the time: do the job that will satisfy you, whatever your temperament. You're out there to relax, right?
Apparently you know how to flake a sail, so that's not the problem. The problem is your perception of the time that is required to do it on the bigger boat. What the area of a C22 mainsail? 135sq. ft.? Not much more than a bedsheet. That new mainsail has a lot more acreage than the last one. It's just going to take longer. I have the same problem: moved up from C22 to C30, and I'm always trying to rush putting the main to bed because I don't want to spend more time to do the bigger sail right, and want to hide my sloppy job with the sail cover. I suppose I'm not the only one. A nasty job can be done quickly; a neat-looking, nicely-flaked sail is going to take more time. Don't worry about the time: do the job that will satisfy you, whatever your temperament. You're out there to relax, right?
When I had my mainsail off the boat
I sewed small leather tags to the leach in line with the slides. When I douse the sail I push the folds port and starboard as the sail comes down. Then I just stack the tags on the boom with the sail drapeing left and right across the boom. I put the gaskets on as I work my way forward. My gaskets also have a little leather patch sewn in the middle of the length so that I "know" where middle is.
I sewed small leather tags to the leach in line with the slides. When I douse the sail I push the folds port and starboard as the sail comes down. Then I just stack the tags on the boom with the sail drapeing left and right across the boom. I put the gaskets on as I work my way forward. My gaskets also have a little leather patch sewn in the middle of the length so that I "know" where middle is.
This year I installed a Dutchman system
on my Cal 28. It really works. With about zero help the main comes down already flaked. Sometimes I have to help the first fold to go in the correct direction after that they just go where they're supposed to. As the sail gets more trained, I don't even really have to do much with the first fold anymore. After it's down, sail ties are almost optional, but I do use them just to make sure it stays in place. -Smitty
on my Cal 28. It really works. With about zero help the main comes down already flaked. Sometimes I have to help the first fold to go in the correct direction after that they just go where they're supposed to. As the sail gets more trained, I don't even really have to do much with the first fold anymore. After it's down, sail ties are almost optional, but I do use them just to make sure it stays in place. -Smitty
Thanks for responding
I appreciate the responses. Since I cannot afford a Dutchman system right now, I will rely on practice and patience.
I appreciate the responses. Since I cannot afford a Dutchman system right now, I will rely on practice and patience.
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