Loose-Footed Main

[casual]

I am having a new main built for a Cabo 38,Tha sailmaker ask about a loose footed main,I have no idea as to the advantage or disadvantage,This is a crusing boat and not close winded,anyone got an opinion,I would welcome any and all.Thanks for the replys

[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.

[Vasco]

Loose footed is the way most mains are going. Of course, all in-mast furling mains are loose footed.

[s/v Jedi]

Talk with the sailmaker about your type of boat and specifically about your boom. What changes, if any does it need, is it strong enough, what about an outhaul etc., questions like that but include the ones above at minimum.

Loose footed is better, they didn't do this for a long time because the sail materials were not as good as today. With loose footed, all the forces are transferred to the gooseneck fitting (where tack attaches) and the boom end (where clew attaches). That is just fine but with boltrope attachment between main and boom, the forces were spread all over the boom, that's why you need to check.

Any decent sailmaker must be able to tell you.

ciao!
Nick.

[Bash]

Originally Posted by casual

This is a crusing boat and not close winded

to my thinking, the advantage to a loose-footed main is not when you're close hauled, but rather when you reach broadly, especially in lighter breeze. At that point you can give the main much more belly, and match its shape to that of the jib.

With a loose-footed main I tend to play the outhaul more than I did with a shelfed main. Many boats have inadequate outhaul systems, and are unable to take advantage of a loose-footed main as a consequence.

Once you switch to a loose-footed main, you'll never go back.

[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.

The only advantages of the contained foot is if you wanna collect rain off the sail and on a run my boy used to take a nap on the boom. He'd fall out of a loose foot main...

[Bash]

Originally Posted by Ex-Calif

The only drawback I have reead about is a potential to get foot flutter.

I would think a main would have to be horribly stretched by the time foot flutter became a problem.

Or poorly built in the first place.

Regardless, I haven't noticed this to be a problem for the three loose-footed mains I've owned.

[James S]

Originally Posted by Ex-Calif

my boy used to take a nap on the boom. He'd fall out of a loose foot main...

I used to sleep in mine....was great.
Loose footed now.

[Ex-Calif]

Originally Posted by Bash

I would think a main would have to be horribly stretched by the time foot flutter became a problem.

Or poorly built in the first place.

Regardless, I haven't noticed this to be a problem for the three loose-footed mains I've owned.

I have never seen it either. Just parroting the "truth" that I read on the internet - LOL

Drift alert! I have found pictures of my boat with a full curved leech, "straight" cut, and even square head sails (fugly that one) - short battens, full battens, loose foot. When I eventually replace my blown out main I will post all the pictures and see if we can all figure it out...

[Hud3]

With my loose footed main, I would frequently claw off a lee shore in a gale, without using my 56 hp diesel, just for the sport of it!

Definitely the way to go!

[Bash]

Originally Posted by Hud3

With my loose footed main, I would frequently claw off a lee shore in a gale, without using my 56 hp diesel, just for the sport of it!

Did you find it helpful to sharpen your claws first?

[Blue Stocking]

Originally Posted by Hud3

With my loose footed main, I would frequently claw off a lee shore in a gale, without using my 56 hp diesel, just for the sport of it!

Definitely the way to go!

You you.

[highseas]

Met a guy in Mexico who's main was not only loose footed,he did away with the boom altogether.He seemed to think it was great.

[s/v Jedi]

Originally Posted by highseas

Met a guy in Mexico who's main was not only loose footed,he did away with the boom altogether.He seemed to think it was great.

Right. Would love to see pictures of how that works down wind.

cheers,
Nick

[skipmac]

Originally Posted by s/v Jedi

Right. Would love to see pictures of how that works down wind.

cheers,
Nick

Simple. Use your spare whisker pole.