Is a boom really necessary with a fully battened main?

I'd just sort of pull a wee rope a la venetian blinds to concertina it and then haul the clew up the mast with the erstwhile topping lift now renamed the clew uphaul
 
Assumnig that you are looking for a sensible answer (always a dodgy premise) then yes. You'll need the boom to 'pole out' the main when going downwind at least. And you'll need it to clout your head on when you come up the companionway.
 
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And you'll need it to clout your head on when you come up the companionway.

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Don't be silly Chris, jimi could be wearing a funeral director's top hat, but would still be well clear of the boom on any boat over 20 feet in length.
 
tighten a cord that pulls the sail out to the end of an overlength stiff battern, one about 4" diameter, made of aluminium .. preferably anodised woud do! /forums/images/graemlins/laugh.gif
 
Why. Some of these old classic boats ate loose foote, have no battens and seem to manage .. is that cos their boom is at the top of the mast aka a gaff
 
Okay I am convinced by the strength of these arguements, who wants to buy two booms?

I will of course need to buy them back when somebody posts, "Should I use a boom on my loose footed sail".
 
I can't think why, I'm just musing on just how you'd get the main well out with the wind aft, esp in light airs.

Can certainly recommend the funeral directors hat as a boom aviodance technique.
 
Are we about to see the new spritsail rigged Glen Rosa then? Or are you about to patent a fully battened gaff mainsail, guaranteed to upset Classic Boat Old Farts and Modern AWB enthusiast alike?
 
I was just about to suggest the arrangement on a Dart 18. Fully battened main, with a big roach and a shorter foot, with the main sheet led well aft, and a powerful vang. All worked a treat and the boat went like the proverbial off a shovel. I have always questioned the need for a boom after sailing that boat.
 
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