conversion from bolt rope to loose foot

[CAPTAIN FANTASTIC]

I intent to convert my main sail from bolt rope which slides into the boom groove to loose foot, however, I dont intent to modify the main, instead I will simply slide out the bolt rope from the boom groove and tie the clew to the end of the boom. Has anyone tried this?

 

[causeway]

Yep, that's what I've done except I'm using the Cunningham to make it less baggy too. Seems to work well.

 

[Ardenfour]

Yup, same here, I fitted a small block from the clew to boom end and led the line back to the gooseneck, so can adjust from there

 

[William_H]

Yes you just take the bolt rope out of the track. Although I am not sure why you would remove the bolt rope if it is OK in place. Most loose footed main do not have a bolt rope or in my case a slot to fit the bolt rope in.
Tie the clue close to the boom to raise the boom as high as possible. (to avoid heads) I use a piece about 1 metre of double sided velcro to hold the clew to the boom. This was sold as cable tie material. it has hook on one side pile on the other. incredibly strong with 3 or 4 wraps. or just few turns of rope. It needs t slide on the boom to allow for adjustment. good luck olewill

 

[Border Terrier]

Steve Goacher in Bo'ness by Windermere has just done the job for me.
A super job from a great sail loft.

 

[chrisbitz]

I'm surprised no one else hasn't thought this, but I would imagine that the cut and shape of the sail would be significantly different between a bolt rope bottom and a loose foot bottom?

One is expected to be always straight, and one is expected to be always curved...?

 

[causeway]

I don't know about sail cutting specifics but I know mine looks much better now. Took a lot of belly out of the sail. In getting my backstay tensioner back on Wednesday so I might change it back if I can get some bend in the mast but I doubt it.

 

[chrisbitz]

I don't know about sail cutting specifics but I know mine looks much better now. Took a lot of belly out of the sail.

That's a very interesting point - as I originally wanted to change to a loose foot, and was dissuaded by the experts, but one of my complaints is the amount of belly in the sail when going to windward!

Maybe I'll try it by just taking the bolt rope out of the slot, or won't that have enough effect - does it have to be removed?

 

[Birdseye]

I'm surprised no one else hasn't thought this, but I would imagine that the cut and shape of the sail would be significantly different between a bolt rope bottom and a loose foot bottom?

One is expected to be always straight, and one is expected to be always curved...?

yes. one main I had with a bolt rope had a curved panel cut into the foot to give the necessary sail curvature, which of course you dont need loose footed. so check your sail because you could end up with the wrong shape, too much cirve , and low drive.

also remember the sail cover - that will need a bolt rope into the boom groove if it is to work right and not let the furled sail flop off to one side.

 

[causeway]

That's a very interesting point - as I originally wanted to change to a loose foot, and was dissuaded by the experts, but one of my complaints is the amount of belly in the sail when going to windward!

Maybe I'll try it by just taking the bolt rope out of the slot, or won't that have enough effect - does it have to be removed?

The bolt rope may have shrunk. I took it out of its slot and use the flattening reef instead.

 

[Border Terrier]

I'm surprised no one else hasn't thought this, but I would imagine that the cut and shape of the sail would be significantly different between a bolt rope bottom and a loose foot bottom?

One is expected to be always straight, and one is expected to be always curved...?

Quite right Chris. That is why input from an experienced sailmaker is worth the expense.

 

[causeway]

Did I not read in a sail trimming thread recently that the top third of a sail that the top third of the sail does two thirds of the work? Legitimate question.

I just know that my sail certainly suits it's new look and seems to work OK.

Maybe in light wind it would work better being fuller but with my boat at that point I might as well put the engine on if I want to get somewhere.

Any loose footed sail i've seen has a 'bowed' section at the foot but I think this is straightened when the outhaul is loose and the sail has fuller shape.

I don't know but I reckon it's worth a go before a possibly spendy trip to the sail maker.