New extreme roach flat top main?

[SVI]

My stock main is 6 years old, would probably need to change it 2017 season.

The stock main is 76m2, regular roach. Moderate square top on the later model is 82m2.

I think about ordering an extreme roach, flat top main from cruising laminate. How much more sq m shall I gain? Mast top to boom is 16m, boom is 7m.

The boat is FP Salina 48, 11t light displacement.
I will keep the reefed sq m the same as in the stock sail. Dyneema halyard.

What else shall I consider / be afraid of?

[44'cruisingcat]

I'm getting a new square top main in the next week or so.


The increase in my sail area will be around 5%.


But my old main was quite roachy. If your old sail is pretty triangular, you might gain more.


The main hassle with a square-top is the top batten. It's angled upward to support the top corner, so to flake the sail, either the top batten needs to be released, or the headboard needs to be released from the headboard car.


If you can easily reach the headboard, (with the sail down) it's no problem, just a pin to remove. If it's too high to reach there are automatic release systems available but they can be expensive.

[SVI]

I have no problem to access the headboard.

[Factor]

Originally Posted by 44'cruisingcat

I'm getting a new square top main in the next week or so..

You will still have to motor to windward.

[Barra]

Originally Posted by Factor

You will still have to motor to windward.

and downwind

and while at anchor

seriously though if you have and more dtails on what type of headboard you went with 44 that would be great. looking at this currently too.

gotta keep up with the trends...

[SVI]

The only downside I see is have to reef earlier.
Currently I take the first reed at AWA 28-30.

But 100m2 main will be lots of fun in light wind...

I want to reuse 2-3 lower battens. Where do I get the new, longer ones?

[44'cruisingcat]

You can probably re-use all but maybe the bottom couple. Just move them up, and cut to length.


Pity you're not in Aus. I'm buying a 20 metre length of batten to make the new bottom one (or two), but will have plenty left over.


Your sailmaker should be able to supply battens. They can be awkward to transport though.

[44'cruisingcat]

Originally Posted by Barra

and downwind

and while at anchor

seriously though if you have and more dtails on what type of headboard you went with 44 that would be great. looking at this currently too.

gotta keep up with the trends...

Because I have good access to the top of the sail, I'm just keeping the same top car system I already have. Only difference will be that the sail headboard will have a removable pin through it instead of the current bolt, connecting it to the top car(s).

If you need one of the automatic headboard release systems, our sailmaker does supply one at a reasonable price - around $300 or so. Some cost hundreds more than that. I could find out what brand they are if you need one.

[44'cruisingcat]

Originally Posted by Factor

You will still have to motor to windward.

Yeah, still motoring 100000% of the time. Finally getting used to sleeping with the motors running while we're anchored though.

[monte]

I'm surprised there is an expensive system needed. Our square top main just has a simple line that tensions and brings the headboard in to the last car under pressure from the halyard. It works well and the head drops neatly into the stack pack when it's dropped.

[thinwater]

Also increase weather helm.Depends on where you are now.

[davecalvert]

Of the current main doesn't have much roach the increase with a wide square top can be quite a bit. On racing mains, we use head widths around 40% to 50% of the foot length. On performance cruisers less. There is an issue with square top mains for cruisers having trouble releasing the head from the top slide assembly. Doyle Sails has a special headboard assembly to allow larger square top mains to automatically have the head come away from the top slides when lowered but, these start at around $2,200.00. I recommend not going with square top mains on cruisers but, going with an elliptical head design. This has the same sail area using a rounded head supported with a couple of battens spaced close together. These top battens are parallel to the boom for easy stacking.
The advantages of the extra sail area up high and better upper leech twist are simular to square top mains.

[donradcliffe]

Has anyone reported any chafing issues with the square top battens?

[SVI]

Originally Posted by davecalvert

Of the current main doesn't have much roach the increase with a wide square top can be quite a bit. On racing mains, we use head widths around 40% to 50% of the foot length. On performance cruisers less. There is an issue with square top mains for cruisers having trouble releasing the head from the top slide assembly. Doyle Sails has a special headboard assembly to allow larger square top mains to automatically have the head come away from the top slides when lowered but, these start at around $2,200.00. I recommend not going with square top mains on cruisers but, going with an elliptical head design. This has the same sail area using a rounded head supported with a couple of battens spaced close together. These top battens are parallel to the boom for easy stacking.
The advantages of the extra sail area up high and better upper leech twist are simular to square top mains.

I can then keep my stock main, why bother?

Again, I have no problem to step on the roof to put a pin. I need to unzip the bag anyway.
And last summer I ordered the smart lazy bag with 2 zippers and wide "top cover" - so I can put any size main by just extending the top cover. Very convenient.

[SVI]

Originally Posted by monte

I'm surprised there is an expensive system needed. Our square top main just has a simple line that tensions and brings the headboard in to the last car under pressure from the halyard. It works well and the head drops neatly into the stack pack when it's dropped.
Attachment 117839

No-no-no... no lines their. Chaffe = big problem when you don't expect it.