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FraidNot · 27-02-2010, 02:07

My 411 has aft spreaders - so on a run the main will easily lay onto the aft angled spreaders.
Is this an issue?
Should I limit how far I let the boom out so that there is not too much main laying onto the spreader? Or is this a non-issue, and I can let the boom well out and lay the main along the spreader length?

Abaco · 27-02-2010, 02:37

FraidNot,

Keep an I on the main when you bring it down and over time if you start to see some wear caused by the chafe of the spreaders you can add a spreader patch with some sticky back sailcloth.

osirissail · 27-02-2010, 04:31

You really do not want to allow the mainsail to lay against the spreaders or the shrouds. It will wear holes in the rather expensive sail. Been there, done that, had to pay to get the sail repaired.
- - On downwind runs deploy your foresail/ genoa fully and if necessary pole it out. Then haul in on the mainsail and use it as a "funnel" to direct the wind into the foresail/genoa. If done properly this will keep the foresail/genoa full without the need for poling it out.

speciald@ocens. · 27-02-2010, 05:12

I may be hard to keep the main off the upper spreader on a down wind run because of sail twist. Have spreader patches installed (made from sticky-back Dacron) to protect the sail material.

**skipmac** · 27-02-2010, 05:53

I assume you are using a boom vang to pull down on the main and flatten the sail? If not, give that a try. It will allow you to let the boom out much further before the sail hits the spreaders.

Cheechako · 27-02-2010, 07:14

as said, use the headsail to full advantage. Having a tackle to attach the boom to the toerail and flatten the main will help...maybe not so much with your aft swept spreaders. You can reef the main and use the tackle and let the headsail do the most work also. Might be best to put reinforcing patches on the main prior to it wearing through.

barnakiel · 27-02-2010, 07:23

Even with non-swept spreaders the main will touch the spraeders.

- keep the vang tight in stronger winds,
- protect the sail,
- trim it a bit more in.

Swept spreaders are easy for the builder, but not much fun for extended downwind sailing, except if you have a fast off the wind boat with a genaker (something like a J-97, etc..).

Non-mass production cruising boats still have non-swept spreaders.

b.

pressuredrop · 27-02-2010, 07:29

b. - just curious how swept spreaders are easier for the builders, seems like a crap shoot to me?

**s/v Jedi** · 27-02-2010, 08:37

Not mentioned yet is that too much pressure on the spreaders leads to rig failure. Spreaders are designed to cope with compression force only.

cheers,
Nick.

barnakiel · 27-02-2010, 08:44

Then look at how many chainplates there are for the non-swept spreader vs. the swept one.

b.

Randyonr3 · 27-02-2010, 08:47

If you are going out for any distance, the wear on the sail is one of the biggest problems...
If I know that I've got a long distance to travel on a downwind leg, as more than just a couple days, I'll take the time to climb the mast and wrap the spreaders with carpet, and add a couple baggywinkles to the lines.. not really pretty but it sure saves the sail..

tsampsel · 27-02-2010, 08:53

Quote:

Originally Posted by osirissail

You really do not want to allow the mainsail to lay against the spreaders or the shrouds. It will wear holes in the rather expensive sail. Been there, done that, had to pay to get the sail repaired.
- - On downwind runs deploy your foresail/ genoa fully and if necessary pole it out. Then haul in on the mainsail and use it as a "funnel" to direct the wind into the foresail/genoa. If done properly this will keep the foresail/genoa full without the need for poling it out.

Great idea on the funnel concept. I assume this only works wing and wing?