A mainsail question...

[Doug W]

I have another question. I'm wanting additional reefs in my mainsail and have it in my mind that I'd love to try a loose footed mainsail.

What is better a slightly heavier mainsail? Searching online, I think I saw both 5mm and 6mm? dacron?

Also, has anyone with a tried the Tattoo mainsail? Would it fit?

Thanks!
Doug

[kadet]

I had a heaver mainsail loose footed full battened made with 2 reefs. I think it was UK 8oz (US 6.25oz) Weight High Modulus Dacron cross cut.

It is a lot heaver and a bit harder to lift out on the boom from the cabin when rigging compared to the factory Doyle. But as we get strong sea breezes here I find the sail more useful than the factory one and I don't have to reef as soon and not as deep when I do. I love the loose foot as much easier to control shape especially with an improved outhaul.

Pros:
1. Better sail shape control because there is no foot
2. Easier construction because a shelf does not have to be made & bolt rope or slides fitted = reduced cost.
3. Easier control because you don't have to fight sail on the boom
4. Easier reefing because the foot is free.

Cons:
1. A tendency for foot flutter. Put in a better outhaul

[dthiesmeyer]

I just ordered a new main from Judy B and according to her most mains are now loose footed. I ordered the Hyde Macgregor 26m Performance Mainsail (Challenge Warp-Drive Dacron)
Challenge Warp-Drive Race 6.11oz - Tri-Radial - 2 Reefs - Battens:2 Full, 2 Partial - Draft Stripes. Loose footed is the way this sail comes and will allow for better shape control. I have had a 6oz main on my Venture 21 and in moderate to heavy winds, there is no comparison with the floppy stock main. Much better shape control.

Kadet,

What is a better outhaul? I have a rope tied to the end of the boom.

Dave

[grady]

You will want a 3 to 1 so you can increase the tension while the sail is powered up. I converted mine to a 3 to 1 and made it internal. I will look to see if I have any pics.

[Doug W]

Excellent feedback guys!! I really appreciate it!

I looked at the Challenge Warp-Drive Dacron also. It's on my short list. I like the shape of the Tattoo sail but don't know if it's a better sail than my factory doyle.

I have a outhaul that has just one block and has been useless with my bolt-roped factory doyle.

I'd definitely like to see pictures of your 3 to 1 rig!

Hopefully, this will eliminate the sagginess I have often on the lower third of the mainsail no matter how tight I pull the main halyard... I'd rather deal with some foot flutter as I really like what I've seen of Loose footed mains!

Doug

[kadet]

Kadet,

What is a better outhaul? I have a rope tied to the end of the boom.

Dave

Basically what Grady said I added a block to the outhaul line and a slide to the sail clew so I have less friction and a 2:1 advantage.

[grady]

Kadet,

What is a better outhaul? I have a rope tied to the end of the boom.

Dave

Basically what Grady said I added a block to the outhaul line and a slide to the sail clew so I have less friction and a 2:1 advantage.

Ok could not find any pictures so I tried to remember what I did and draw it. I acually have 4 to 1. This is basically what I did. I used the bolts for the bail and vang for attachments.

[Highlander]

converted my mac main sail to a loose foot & added an internal outhaul & a extra reef
http://i844.photobucket.com/albums/ab1/ ... b13064.jpg

http://i235.photobucket.com/albums/ee20 ... 010113.jpg

J

[Doug W]

very nice instructional pictures and vids. It's very clear how you did that.

Where did you get the aluminum C bracket that the cam cleat was attached to? Did you fabricate that or buy one?

[Spector]

Here is some other examples of outhaul setups. I have a 2:1 external on a loose footed main (from JudyB) but plan on taking it to a 4:1 external as shown.

http://www.harken.com/content.aspx?id=3910

[Highlander]

very nice instructional pictures and vids. It's very clear how you did that.

Where did you get the aluminum C bracket that the cam cleat was attached to? Did you fabricate that or buy one?

Hi D.
that cam cleat brkt I made from 2" alum flat bar I bought @ home depot just heated it with a propane torch in the vise & slowly bend into shape , u will notice that the brkt is on a slight angle downwards @ the rear to accommodate room so as u do not bang ur knuckles on the boom when cleating the outhaul

I went out into my shop yesterday -30C Brrrr darn cold brought my boom into the house so as I could dismantle it & take some more pic,s for u "do not be jumpin all over these comments guy,s "

this was the original end plate brkt
http://i844.photobucket.com/albums/ab1/ ... 6c3a3b.jpg

u will notice I changed it to a more pear shape wider for more strength
http://i844.photobucket.com/albums/ab1/ ... 29jbyo.jpg

inside view
http://i844.photobucket.com/albums/ab1/ ... zzwvsq.jpg


here,s how u load it inside the boom so as it does not get twisted out of alignment
http://i844.photobucket.com/albums/ab1/ ... lfljwt.jpg

http://i844.photobucket.com/albums/ab1/ ... s70hf6.jpg

http://i844.photobucket.com/albums/ab1/ ... 5grlhx.jpg

http://i844.photobucket.com/albums/ab1/ ... i0hygn.jpg

http://i844.photobucket.com/albums/ab1/ ... innqcq.jpg

http://i844.photobucket.com/albums/ab1/ ... wxo3nm.jpg

http://i844.photobucket.com/albums/ab1/ ... kkhr5r.jpg

well -25C today guess I,ll take my boom back outside the highlander111 will be wondering where her boom went too !!

J

[Tomfoolery]

Here is some other examples of outhaul setups. I have a 2:1 external on a loose footed main (from JudyB) but plan on taking it to a 4:1 external as shown.

http://www.harken.com/content.aspx?id=3910

How do you reef with that arrangement?

[Highlander]

Hi Tom
In my design no problem as the original outhaul is still in place for reefing purposes
http://i844.photobucket.com/albums/ab1/ ... di1bnd.jpg

J

[Highlander]

But who needs to reef !
http://vid844.photobucket.com/albums/ab ... 0_2495.mp4

Then their,s this crazy guy remember him !!
http://vid844.photobucket.com/albums/ab ... 010128.mp4

http://vid844.photobucket.com/albums/ab ... ab0ffb.mp4

J

[Spector]

Here is some other examples of outhaul setups. I have a 2:1 external on a loose footed main (from JudyB) but plan on taking it to a 4:1 external as shown.

http://www.harken.com/content.aspx?id=3910

How do you reef with that arrangement?

Not sure the question. Reefing is independent of the outhaul. Done as normal, depending our your reefing setup