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**StuM** · 05-09-2016, 15:35

A poster in another thread recently said "loose footed main, but those seem pretty rare nowadays" which got me wondering.

So I thought I'd ask around What do you have?

Tayana42 · 05-09-2016, 16:11

Yes, I bought a loose footed main a year ago. My boat is a moderately heavy 42' cruiser with a true cutter rig. I have a Dutchman flaking system on the main. Sail shape is good and controllable. Reefs well. So far so good.

S/V B'Shert

SailRedemption · 05-09-2016, 19:50

I don't on my high aspect main on a true cutter performance cruiser.. That's how I bought the boat. I race on boats with loose footed mains. Supposedly it gives more sail area and offers better downwind performance but I'm no expert.

See more @ redemptiverepair.com

**Don C L** · 05-09-2016, 20:00

I got a new/used full-battened main 2 years ago and took the slugs off the foot to see how I liked it. I like it and I like it when I reef and tie up the foot.

Panope · 05-09-2016, 20:09

No. Wish it was.

Boom is very long and bendy. Main Sheet is spit with half the load at mid-boom and half at the aft end. I figured that a laced foot would distribute loads a bit better.

Steve

Kokanee · 05-09-2016, 20:24

No, not me. I've even got a club footed jib which I usually run for a foresail. Great for singlehanding, especially in a tight channel but not a top speed performer.

UNCIVILIZED · 05-09-2016, 20:40

You get a LOT better control over the sail's shape with a loose footed main. And with any sail cloth produced in the last 50 years, there's no reason that you can't have one that's loose.
In theory there's a miniscule performance loss, as you lose the end plate seal on the boom. But usually the enhanced shape control makes up for this & then some. Besides, slugs are a pain in the rear, ugh! Especially when it's time to put the main or or take it off.
If you're going to go with one that's attached to the boom, a bolt rope is much easier, & you get a better end plate seal to boot.

Personally I'd never go back to a main that's attached to the boom, except perhaps on a historic vessel.

44'cruisingcat · 05-09-2016, 21:22

Yes..

**Jim Cate** · 05-09-2016, 23:53

Haven't had other than loose feet since the first new mainsail I bought for Insatiable I, some 25 years ago. Much prefer the shape control and boom access afforded by loose feet.

Jim

Stumble · 06-09-2016, 08:10

I haven't used anything but a loose footed main in decades. I wouldn't consider anything else.

reed1v · 06-09-2016, 08:34

Quote:

Originally Posted by Stumble

I haven't used anything but a loose footed main in decades. I wouldn't consider anything else.

Agree. On our tub(w43 ketch) we had a battenless, loose footed main and found it easy to control, reef, and for most points of sail except direct to windward as fast as our old main system. The mizzen was left alone

Lancerbye · 06-09-2016, 09:26

Loose footed, no boom, and aft mast furling. Senior friendly. Love it.

duefocena · 06-09-2016, 09:40

Both my original Doyle offshore main and my new tri-radial Ullman main are loose footed. Much better shape and can really get it round for downwind. Easier to slab reef as well. Wouldn't have a cat without one.