Changing goose neck attachment point

[Ted Beyer]

We own a 1977 PY26 and after a winter of an extensive refit we finally launched this past weekend. One of the new items purchase is a full batten main. Upon hoisting we found that the luff is slightly longer than it should have been, the head board does not pass thru the slot between backstay and mast. This new sail was cut with fuller roach and has a pretty wide headboard. When tacking we had to lower main and let it tack thru, then raise again. One solution I am considering is to move the goose neck down by 3 -4". It appears that, that is more than enough to correct the problem. It would require the drilling and Tapping of 6 new holes in mast. Is this a good solution? THe boom would still clear head height while standing in cockpit. Or would it be better to send it back and have recut? Can they recut to correct?
Any comments are welcome.
Thanks Ted Beyer

[Jeff H]

I have raced on a Cal 25 where we had to slightly lower the mainsail on each tack. It's a pain in the butt but it works. I have a few thoughts here:

First of all, the sail loft who made your sail should have measured more carefully and frankly should be responsible for recutting the sail.

Second, the luff of the mainsail will need to be stretched on breezy days much tighter than in moderate to light air. Depending on the conditions the sail may need to be stretched as much as 4 or more inches to take the scallops out. So, if you have not accounted for stretch in high winds, you might need to lower the boom even further than you have thought.

Lowering the boom creates problems with the angle of the boom vang. 4 inches is quite a lot in that regard. It may also create a problem if you have a bimini, dodger or boom tent.

Jeff