Boom / Gooseneck height

[Fire99]

Hi all,

The questions are coming thick n fast today

On lowering my sail yesterday, my gooseneck slipped down the mast. (The turnbuckle had come loose) How should you reset the height? I've returned it pretty much to it's original location (from photographic evidence ) but obviously i'd like to know the more scientific approach.

Thanks as always for your help.

Nick

 

[sailorman]

Hi all,

The questions are coming thick n fast today

On lowering my sail yesterday, my gooseneck slipped down the mast. (The turnbuckle had come loose) How should you reset the height? I've returned it pretty much to it's original location (from photographic evidence ) but obviously i'd like to know the more scientific approach.

Thanks as always for your help.

Nick

leave the gooseneck loose.
hoist the sail to max the halliard will allow.
push down the gooseneck untill the "Luff" just sets to the desired tension

 

[Fire99]

leave the gooseneck loose.
hoist the sail to max the halliard will allow.
push down the gooseneck untill the "Luff" just sets to the desired tension

Blimey that was pretty painless. That's great. Thanks alot for your help and quick reply.

Is there a rule of thumb on Luff tension? (I've been a yacht owner for about 6 weeks now. )

 

[LadyInBed]

Is there a rule of thumb on Luff tension?

Yes, push down hard with one hand, leaving the other hand free to tighten the clamp.

 

[Fire99]

Yes, push down hard with one hand, leaving the other hand free to tighten the clamp.

Now these are the kind of answers I can handle!! Thanks for your help.

 

[aquaplane]

That was the only way to tension the luff on our old Westerly, no winches for the halliards.

 

[Fire99]

That was the only way to tension the luff on our old Westerly, no winches for the halliards.

Well they say simple is best.. Sometimes.

 

[Woodlouse]

I'd do as suggested above, but actually set the gooseneck an inch or so lower. This will enable you to get adequate tension on the luff when hoisting, and allow for a bit of stretch in the sail.

Luff tension depends on the wind strength. Basically if the luff is curved between the slides then it's not enough. You want it nice and straight. More wind requires more tension.

 

[Billjratt]

I assume there are no traces of black bands on the mast?
If so, they are meant to mark the limits of the sail for racing class purposes - align the top of the boom with the lower one.

 

[Fire99]

Thanks guys. I can't see my boat has been racing for some time (or ever). I've reset it yesterday and things appear much better thanks.