Outhaul for Loose Foot Main

[RichH]

Here's a 10 year old solution .... a 'fritted' extra long sailslug used to pin the clew cringle to the boom track when you dont have an outhaul 'car'.

Coated Outhaul Slug 15/32"

[Quickstep192]

Originally Posted by sailingdog

Be aware that you guys are replying to a thread that is TEN YEARS OLD.

Wow! I've been knocking around here for that long?!?

Yep, I got the outhaul squared away, but if that was ten years ago, I'm due for some new improvements!

[Biker1bob]

To continue this then, since I am dealing with the same thing myself right now.

I have a new main coming.. they asked me rope or loose foot.. I said loose foot, so that I could get shape.

Now - I should still have 2 slugs in it? fore and aft?

The clew of my current main has a large eye to attach an outhaul, but it was bolt roped into the boom slot.

SO I could find a car? or slug that will fit my slot, attach the clew to it, and then run it back?

Now I was in the same situation.. none adjustable outhaul. I have a padeye at the end, and a little cleat 12" back up the boom.

I want it adjustable - Harken has good shots of this? I am more looking for an image I can duplicate.

This is a Grampian 26 - so about 4-5" dia boom not very big.

Thanks
James

[Faster]

Nowadays most loosefooted mainsail clews are held down with a velcro strap around the boom - simple. Simply a back to back velcro strap that goes around the boom and through the clew a couple of times.

The only issue might be anything on the boom that might prevent the strap from sliding as you adust the outhaul.
The image is for a Laser, but the idea's the same. Any sailmaker can make one up for you for $10-20 I'd imagine.

[Hudsonian]

Here is the Harken reference you're looking for: Harken Outhaul Systems

[CalebD]

Quickstep192, congrats on your 10 year anniversary using sailnut. I'll bet Sailingdog is just jealous of your low post count (compared to his).

Biker1bob, I recently ordered a new loose footed main sail.
You said: "Now - I should still have 2 slugs in it? fore and aft?"
I am pretty sure you only need one slug by the clew or out haul end of the sail. The tack should attach where your formerly footed sail attached.

[JimsCAL]

Originally Posted by Biker1bob

SO I could find a car? or slug that will fit my slot, attach the clew to it, and then run it back?

Now I was in the same situation.. none adjustable outhaul. I have a padeye at the end, and a little cleat 12" back up the boom.

Sail should come with a heavy duty slug at the aft end that will fit your boom track. All you need to do is figure out how you want to rig the outhaul - internal or external, 1/2, 2/1 etc.

[Faster]

If you use a clewstrap you don't need any slug at the clew, just attach the outhaul and the strap holds the clew down to the boom. Less drag, much easier to take the sail on/off. Set the strap a bit loose, say an inch or so off the boom and the strap won't choke on the boom as you adjust the outhaul.

I found a better picture:

[Biker1bob]

Hmm ok thanks for the responses.. I am thinking I am going to do something like the external Harken 4:1 purchase.. I had them put the slug in the end of the sail did not think the strap would work in my case.

James

[jimq26]

I say this from experience. I switched to loose footed mainsails many years ago, and have always used the velcro strap to slide on the boom.
Did that on my Shark 24 as well.