too low boom

[tadpole]

Many thanks for responses. I apparently didn't explain my problem very well. I have a through-mast reefing boom which I need to raise about 9-12". I cannot slide the boom up. I have to get new fittings and re-attach the boom. (I am prepared to buy a new slab-reefing main). But I am not sure of the simplest way to fit the boom higher up. Any suggestions, please?
Thanks in anticipation.

 

[Strathglass]

The safest way would be to leave the existing gooseneck fittings on the mast and fit an additional set at your new position. Who is the mast manufacturer? If they are still in business they could probably send you the required parts. Otherwise you may be able to adapt bits from another mast manufacturer or have custom bits made.
When you go for a new sail I repeat that you should go for a flatening reef it has many advantages, like being able to lift the outer end of the boom up by 9-12" with a single line.

 

[philip_stevens]

As I suggested earlier, try the Westerly yahoogroup for some Westerly owners advice

regards,
Philip

 

[Twister_Ken]

Do you need to raise the gooseneck? Surely what you need to raise is the clew to give you headroom in the cockpit and clearance over the sprayhood. There's no rule that says the boom has to be horizontal - in fact the latest Open designs do away with the gooseneck, and the boom meets the mast at deck level.

Have the new sail cut so that the leech is shorter than the current sail by 12 inches, while the foot and luff remain the same length. That will solve the problem. Any sailmaker will cope with this.

 

[charles_reed]

refitting the boom higher up will reduce your mainsail area and probably result in lee helm, especially in light airs.

Get in touch with the original mast manufacturers or the architect who designed the boat and check out the full implications of your proposed modification.

You should be able to get the gooseneck fittings from the manufacturer, failing that try Z-Spars.

 

[philip_stevens]

Tadpole,
I think some of the people replying to you have got a bit of the wrong end of the stick.

I had the same system as you have, in my previous boat, a Colvic Sailer 26.

To others, the through mast roller reefing system goes right through the mast to a square spigot on the foreside of the mast where a handle rolls the main boom. To alter this arrangement requires a new fitting both forward and aft on the mast to take the spigot/roller arrangement.

I don't have an answer for you, but I thought I would try to explain your system - at least I think this is your system. Yes/No??

regards,
Philip

 

[pvb]

Good advice - at last! (nm)

 

[tadpole]

Thanks, folks, for your help. Philip, you're quite right about our roller boom arrangement. I think Twister Ken sums it up and I'll get our new sail with a shorter leech, thereby lifting the clew end of the boom without having to move the boom upwards per se. Incidentally, I did try the Westerly chat group but there were no suggestions forthcoming. Thanks again