Converting bolt main - big job?

[Greenheart]

I think the Osprey boom is around nine foot long - and the foot of the sail occupies all but the last eight inches of that length. I expect the mainsail/genoa ratio is a bit more towards the headsail aboard the Jaguar - as it is aboard many cruising yachts above dinghy-size. The Osprey's main is 100sq ft, the genoa is 50sq ft. Tends to feel like a lot more, in a force 4!

I like the idea of a fully battened mainsail for reduced flogging, but I'd never pay what any sailmaker would demand for the work.

Performance is the least of my concerns - I just need to be able to hoist, drop and reef without helping the sail into the track.

 

[jamie N]

I did this mod 3-4 years ago, and would't go back to a bolt rope, being that most of my sailing is solo. The Holt slugs are bullet proof AND cheap, happily spaced at 900mm on my Folkboat. The whole thing makes reefing so much simpler and safer in that one doesn't leave the cockpit to either reduce sail, OR to take out the reef if conditions moderate.

 

[Greenheart]

Thanks for that.

It only begs the question, why have I waited six years to do something so obvious and easy? :hopeless:

 

[PeteCooper]

I have recently changed from plastic sliders to using the bolt rope - initially it was more awkward but then I fitted a pre-feeder and now consider this to be on of the best mods I have made. I now steer with the tiller between my legs keeping her head to wind as I hoist Previously the slides would occasionally jam necessitating a trip, albeit a very short trip, to the mast.

 

[SiteSurfer]

Just to set the record straight, it was the Genoa I pulled out of the bag all those years ago ��, thee main was in fact fitted with sliders, you live and learn eh?

 

[Greenheart]

Thanks Site Surfer, I'd realised that. I'm still glad you made the mistake or I'd just have carried on swearing at my bolt-rope. :encouragement:

I fitted a pre-feeder and now consider this to be on of the best mods I have made..

Sounds clever, Pete...any pictures or links to details? I can't begin to imagine how it would (or could) tame my unruly mainsail which routinely jumps its track even when I'm feeding it in with one hand and hoisting with the other.