New main for a Catalina 30

[glassdad]

I have a 1985 Catalina 30 standard rig with a very blown out main. I am looking to replace it. I sail in the So. California Channel Islands area. I do mostly daysails with some overnights. The winds vary between 10 kts and 25kts on any given day. My question is, should I get all full battens? Some sailmakers show 1 full and 3 partial. Others show all partial. All offer options for full. Should I get a loose footed sail or a bolt rope? What weight cloth? Most seem to show 7.3 oz dacron but is this right for the kind of sailing I do?

Any help is much appreciated!

[sailingdog]

I would recommend getting a loose-footed sail with at least two full battens. The reason for the loose foot is that it will be easier to control the sail shape in heavier winds. The full battens will help with sail shape in lighter winds, as well as help prevent the sail from flogging when you're raising and lowering it.

[davidpm]

Originally Posted by sailingdog

The reason for the loose foot is that it will be easier to control the sail shape in heavier winds.

How exactly does that work? In heavy wind you want it tight either way yes?
Loose Foot vs. Attached Mainsail

[sailingdog]

Yes, but with a boltrope attached-foot mainsail, there is a lot more friction fighting you when you're trying to tension the foot of the sail. Also, if the boltrope shortens up, you will have problems getting the foot tensioned properly, and this does happen. Also, attaching your reefing lines is more difficult, since an attached-foot mainsail would require you to have slots or grommets added for where the reefing lines are going to pass through or have padeyes attached to the boom for the reefing lines.

Originally Posted by davidpm

How exactly does that work? In heavy wind you want it tight either way yes?
Loose Foot vs. Attached Mainsail

[davidpm]

Is there any way to stop the flutter of the foot on a loose foot main? It is really annoying when it happens.

[swadiver]

Glassdad,

I have a 86 Catalina 30 Tall Rig and my area is just south of you around Long Beach, Ca. I bought a main sail with 4 battons (two full) and loose footed. I was on the fence with the loose foot as well. I'm glad I went with the loose foot. I can control the sail shape much better with this configuration. I also installed a new in boom out haul and upgraded my Traveler and this helps as well.

[Sabreman]

Loose footed is also cheaper to build because a shelf foot does not have to be constructed, grommets and slides added.

Foot flutter can be stopped by adjusting the outhaul and foot line. If you don't have a foot line, have one installed.

7.4 oz seems about right for a Cat 30. We use 7.4 oz for our genoa and about 8.3 oz for a Sabre 38. I'd recommend staying with a crosscut dacron for your purposes. We're buying a new main for Victoria and will go with loose footed w/ footline, 2 full/2 partial battens, 8.4 oz Contender Supercruise (or similar).

[glassdad]

I have mid boom sheeting and the original outhaul, from 1985. Will I need to upgrade the gear to go with a loose foot?

[glassdad]

Also why 2 partial and two full battens? Would it be better to go with 4 full battens?

[sailingdog]

Originally Posted by glassdad

Also why 2 partial and two full battens? Would it be better to go with 4 full battens?

Yes, IMHO, four full battens would be better.