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GordMay · 26-04-2003, 22:48

Your sailmaker should be able to offer the best advice,; but for what it's worth.
Loose-Footed mainsails offer a few advantages:
1) They are easier to rig & de-rig.
2) The outhaul is easier to Trim - less friction.
3) You can get a fuller roach shape (more draft) for light airs & downwind work.
4) They MAY impose less side loading on the boom? Comments anyone???
5) They MAY suffer less chaffe?
The main disadvantage would seem to be in upwind work. You might get some "foot flutter" when trimmed hard.
All in all, I think a loose-footed main could be a good choice for the cruiser.
Look forward to other (more expert & perhaps contrary) comments.
Regards,
Gord

26-04-2003, 22:48	#2
GordMay Registered User Join Date: Mar 2003 Location: Thunder Bay, Ontario - 48-29N x 89-20W Boat: C.L.O.D. (Cruiser Living On Dirt) Posts: 12,582	Loose-Footed Mainsails Your sailmaker should be able to offer the best advice,; but for what it's worth. Loose-Footed mainsails offer a few advantages: 1) They are easier to rig & de-rig. 2) The outhaul is easier to Trim - less friction. 3) You can get a fuller roach shape (more draft) for light airs & downwind work. 4) They MAY impose less side loading on the boom? Comments anyone??? 5) They MAY suffer less chaffe? The main disadvantage would seem to be in upwind work. You might get some "foot flutter" when trimmed hard. All in all, I think a loose-footed main could be a good choice for the cruiser. Look forward to other (more expert & perhaps contrary) comments. Regards, Gord __________________ Gord May ~~_/)_~~ (Gord & Maggie - "Southbound") "If you didn't have time/$ to do it right in the first place, when will you get the time/$ to fix it?"