Loose-Footed Main

[jzk]

Originally Posted by Ex-Calif

My next main will be loose footed. Better for trimming the sail. The only drawback I have reead about is a potential to get foot flutter.

They have little cords to deal with this both for the foot and the leech.

[Alecadi]

Originally Posted by s/v Moondancer

My 700 sq ft main has a loose foot. It makes it easier to shape the main and easier to get it on and off.

same here

[Capt.Fred]

This is obvious, but I'll mention to loosen the clew when stowing the main to prevent stretching the foot. Capt.Fred

[David M]

I keep thinking the Rolling Stones lyrics.. "Footloose man" from You Can't Always Get What You Want.

[Celestialsailor]

Originally Posted by Ex-Calif

My next main will be loose footed. Better for trimming the sail. The only drawback I have reead about is a potential to get foot flutter.

I suppose you could use a full batten at the foot

[boatman61]

The Gaff Wing sail works great on a Cat... on a Berumuda cut mono not so sure,,,

[cabo_sailor]

My CR38 has a full battened, loose footed main attached to the mast with the Tidal Marine Strong Track system. Love it.

Rich

[casual]

ok Guy's you have me convinced,I have a few loose screws in my Head,a loose footed main should compliment my head very well,Thanks again for the input

[markpierce]

Loose-footed and boomless too, with a 12-plus-foot traveler.

[delmarrey]

I have a 443 sq. ft. loose footed main and love it. it's easy to shape and remove if need be (storms). But one drawback is the set up of the boom. If its sheets are at the end of the boom, it works best BUT if the boom is sheeted in a single spot in center with a loose foot, one has to worry about boom bending and/or braking.

For center sheeting with a loose foot, it's better to have a three point attachment system spread out over the middle 1/4 to 1/3 of the booms center, similar to this picture.

[casual]

Ok one more question,How about a roll up main into the boom,they look awsome in pictures ,I am conceding to my age any work saver I'll consider.

[Bash]

Originally Posted by casual

Ok one more question,How about a roll up main into the boom,they look awsome in pictures ,I am conceding to my age any work saver I'll consider.

In the event you want to look up discussions of this topic, it's called "In-boom furling."

[delmarrey]

Originally Posted by casual

Ok one more question,How about a roll up main into the boom,they look awsome in pictures ,I am conceding to my age any work saver I'll consider.

That's a whole nutter thread>>> http://www.cruisersforum.com/forums/...oms-60550.html

[rubyjean]

Loose footed mains are the best way to go for cruising boats. Also easier to reef and shape the sail. you can tie on anything to the boom for convience. Happy Sailing....Michael..

[Vasco]

Originally Posted by rubyjean

Loose footed mains are the best way to go for cruising boats. Also easier to reef and shape the sail. you can tie on anything to the boom for convience. Happy Sailing....Michael..

How are they easier to reef? I don't see any difference from a sail with a boltrope on the foot unless you do not have reefing lines and lash a line through a cringle and around the boom.