Removable sail cover with a stack-pack/lazy-jacks?

Robert Wilson

Robert Wilson

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Instead of a permanently attached sail cover used with lazy-jacks, I wondered if there is a simple system for removing the sail-cover when the main is hoisted - and easily attaching when the main is down?

I am beginning to like the idea of a stack-pack system, but don't like the obtrusive boom/sail cover in the way (practically and visually) when sailing.
I thought that attachments at the gooseneck and boom-end might work. The cover would be attached fore and aft with strops/shackles/ etc, fit under the boom and be zipped/fastened over the top of the flaked sail.

Any experience(s), ideas, warnings, tips?

TIA, as usual.

RW
 
Robert Wilson said:
Instead of a permanently attached sail cover used with lazy-jacks, I wondered if there is a simple system for removing the sail-cover when the main is hoisted - and easily attaching when the main is down?

I am beginning to like the idea of a stack-pack system, but don't like the obtrusive boom/sail cover in the way (practically and visually) when sailing.
I thought that attachments at the gooseneck and boom-end might work. The cover would be attached fore and aft with strops/shackles/ etc, fit under the boom and be zipped/fastened over the top of the flaked sail.

Any experience(s), ideas, warnings, tips?

TIA, as usual.

RW
Click to expand...

If you make the lazy-jacks such that they can be puller forward and attached to the mast of the gooseneck. The a removable cover can be straight forward with no interference by the lazy-jacks when putting the cover onto the boom
 
A standard boom cover with slots cut for the lazy jacks and velcro flaps (or snap type clips on the flaps) to close off the slots. A standard mainsail boom cover might not fit a fully battened main sail at the luff or clew ends because the batten cars and batten leach end stack-up height, if you were thinking of converting an existing boom cover.
 
You will soon get used to the stack pack on the boom when sailing and it is nowhere near as intrusive as you imagine. On the other hand if it is well designed and made you will bless it every time you sail - and particularly when finishing sailing for the benefits it offers.

Why add complications to solve a supposed problem that only exists in the mind rather than reality?
 
I agree with all three of the previous posts :)

Simplest is to slack off the lazy jacks and secure them at the gooseneck before fitting a conventional cover, as Roger suggests.

Our previous boat was gaff rigged; gaff topping lifts come down both sides of the sail like a very simple set of lazy jacks, and our cover was made with slots and flaps as BoB describes. Bit fiddly if you have four lines each side coming to the boom instead of one like we had, but doable. Exact positioning along the length of the cover might be a problem.

Tranona is most likely correct as ever. Though I would add that stack packs can be made to roll away and secure unobtrusively along the boom with a couple of buckles. Ours has this feature and I use it very occasionally, on a long leg like a Channel crossing when I don't expect to need to reef and we're well off the wind with the outhaul of the loose-footed sail let well out. But this probably only amounts to about once a year on average - the cover just isn't enough of a concern to bother 99% of the time.

Pete
 
We have a stack pack on the mizzen but decided against it for the main.
Our lazy lines pull forward as others suggest to lie along the boom.
We now just drop the main into the lazy lines and throw a couple of ties over it, we often wait until returning to the marina for a final tidy up of the sail, and fitting the cover.
Our new cover is a 2 piece job with a simple tapered tube along most of the boom and a separate sort of apron around the mast and covering the sail where it rises steeply from the boom.
The two bits overlap and it just seems an easier way to do it.
As the main is new we sometimes have to raise it again when moored and flake it down carefully under controlled conditions. We are told that the sail will soon 'learn' its flaked position....roll on the day!!
 
I have a FB main and lazy jacks which are left permanently in place. This is combined with a traditional sail cover without any slots or flaps. There should be no conflict as long as the jacks come down and go UNDER the boom to attachment points on the opposite side:
lazycover.jpg
 
knuterikt said:
Our stack pack has got som small eyes and hooks so we can roll the sides of the stack pack and stow on the boom.
Rarely used though.
Click to expand...

+1 we do that with the mizzen, there are stiffening rods along the upper part of the flaps, we just fold one over the other and secure with a few ties. Keeps down windage and protects zip from sun and water ingress.
 
I have lazyjacks but no stackpack. I stow the lazyjacks by bringing them forward on to the Ram's horns before putting the cover on. Works for me.
 
A good selection of answers and advice. Thank you, one and all.
The whole scenario seems most encouraging and I shall give the various suggestions/ideas serious thought.
I need to replace my very worn and splitting sail cover this winter, which prompted me to ask for thoughts on lazy-jacks and cover.

Thanks.

Robert W
 
On my Victoria 800 I opted for lazyjacks but no stackpack as I feel a stackpack detract from the looks of a boat.
I have a similar setup to BabaYaga and I would reiterate the advice to secure the lazyjacks under the boom. Set this way, a conventional boom cover fits over the sail and boom without problems and once set up no further adjustment to the lazyjacks is necessary.
 
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