grampian 23 boom

[jimmd]

i have a 1975 grampian 23 that is in need of a new mainsail. the mainsail appears to be original as it has the grampian manufacturer tag as well as the grampian logo with hull number. i'm finding that all the literature has P=23.7 and E=9.3. the grampian info web sites that are available confirm this and nowhere do i find any other info. my boat (by measurement) has P=24 and E=7.6. neither the boom or the sail "appear" to have been altered. it would be easier to find a sail to match the manufacturer specs rather than "my" specs. should i be looking for a replacement boom that would accomodate a longer foot and if so where could i possibly find one? there are some sails available that come very close to the manufacturer specs but i have not found any that come close to my specs.

[sailingdog]

Jimmd-

Are you measuring the sail or the mast and boom??

The literature may specify 23.7 since sails stretch a bit, and that may account for the disparity between the 23.7 and the 24 you've measured. The 9.3 makes it sound like your boom is shorter than would be normal.

Unless you're looking to replace your boom with a longer one, you're probably better off having a sail loft send someone to measure your boat for a new mainsail. It might cost a little more than the internet sail lofts, but the improvements in customer service will probably be well worth it.

[jimmd]

the mast height was measured by running a steel tape up the halyard. that would give a litte flexibilty in the luff measurement. the foot of the sail is 7.6 and there is enough room on the boom that it could carry a foot of almost 8 feet. i would not mind changing the boom if i could find one as that would open the door to some stock sails. where to find a boom?

[sailingdog]

A Grampian 23 is a pretty small boat... you might try a marine consignment shop. Another option would be club that has a J/24 fleet, since they might have a boom to sell, which might do the trick. The "E" on a J/24 is 9.8', and you can generally shorten a boom without too much work. Lengthening one is a problem.

[jimmd]

thanks for the help. i'll do some looking.

[sailingdog]

The one thing you should double check is the distance between the boom and the backstay... if you've got the room... a j/24 boom might do quite nicely.