New Sail differences...

I just replaced my "Breezer" ('95) with a brand new "Misty" and I noticed some differences my first time with the new sail.

First, the gooseneck doesn't even stay in the bottom part of the luff track when the halyard is hooked at the top (like the sail is shorter vertically). Even with the downhaul cranked, the gooseneck sits about 4 inches higher than my old sail (and the comptip is bending like crazy). What's up with that?

Second, I cant get my main blocks to go block-to-block anymore. not even close. cranked, i can get them maybe 6 inches apart.

Has anyone else had this problem?

giving yourself more mast rake will allow for block to block.

how far down the mast track are you getting the gooseneck?

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Brad Stephens
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Your old sail was 13 years old - and stretched out.

That explains most of it.

I can get the top of the gooseneck to sit just inside the track. Again, with the comptip bent pretty well.
I figured stretching of the old sail would have some effect, but I was just wondering, in general, if this was fairly normal.

Extremely normal.

Brian C

thanks Dog I missed that one!

_________________
Brad Stephens
[email protected]
(866) 786-5266 <--- Advice HOTline
http://www.sunjammers.com
www.facebook.com/sunjammers

so just to make sure,
Someone using new sails can only get the goosneck entirely into the lower track by cranking on the downhaul?

how far should the top of the mast be bending with the downhaul set? I thought mast bend came from sheeting the main tightly. I still have a lot to learn!

Thanks guys!!

You were probably too busy fishing.

Brian C

Most likely. It's possible that the luff cut out is in a slightly lower position on your mast than new masts.



Depends. More wind calls for more downhaul. Light wind - light downhaul.

The downhaul flattens out the sail, making it more controllable in the higher winds. The mast bend also allows the head of the sail to twist off, dumping energy up high and lowering the center of effort in the sail. That makes it easier to keep the boat upright.

If you want to see a lot of mast bend, check out a windsurfing sail sometime. We run 6:1 and 8:1 downhauls, and still need tools to get enough tension.





And this is a good place to learn.

Brian C