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Questions about New Mainsail

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James Simmons
1st Mate

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USA
41 Posts

Initially Posted - 12/20/2010 : 16:33:32

I am purchasing a new mainsail for my 1981 Catalina 25 SRFK. The sail will have full battens and one reef point. I have a couple of questions:
-Should I order the sail with two reef points? I am a Lake sailor and the sail I currently have only has one reef point which seems to be OK. However, now is the time if I think I should have another.

-My current sail is loose footed. The new one is not and attaches to the boom with slugs or a boltrope. I would think the slugs would be easier to load. Any comments as to which I should use?

Thanks

Edited by - on

Steve Milby
Past Commodore

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USA
5904 Posts

Response Posted - 12/20/2010 : 18:00:39

If you're on a small lake, you can probably get by with one reef. On a large lake, or, if you like to sail in big winds, you'll probably want a second reef. A second reef isn't very expensive, if you get it on a new sail.

If you keep the boat in the water, you'll probably only bend the mainsail on once a season, so, from the standpoint of the ease of putting on the sails, it won't make much difference. I think, over time, the boltrope will be more robust. You'll never have to worry about breaking a slug and replacing it.

Edited by - Steve Milby on 12/20/2010 18:02:37

Alan Clark
Captain

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406 Posts

Response Posted - 12/20/2010 : 18:24:58

It will also make a difference if you have a standard or tall rig..

Edited by - on

dmpilc
Master Marine Consultant

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USA
4593 Posts

Response Posted - 12/22/2010 : 16:41:18

Why are you not getting another loose-footed main? Since you have a std rig, I would think that you might want the 2nd reef only if you plan to be out sailing in 25+ winds. A single reef should suffice up to that wind range. Others may disagree.
We've got a tall rig with one reef in the main, lake sailing, and I've been out only twice when I've wanted a second reef, or wish I had taken the first reef. The most recent was racing the boat Dec. 5, rounded up twice on the final leg - should have put in the reef while we were rounding the island but we were so close to a competitor, I didn't want to lose the time, wind picked up more than I thought it would.

Edited by - dmpilc on 12/22/2010 16:44:44

PCP777
Master Marine Consultant

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USA
1225 Posts

Response Posted - 12/23/2010 : 09:45:20

<blockquote id="quote">quote:<hr height="1" noshade id="quote">Originally posted by James Simmons
 I am purchasing a new mainsail for my 1981 Catalina 25 SRFK. The sail will have full battens and one reef point. I have a couple of questions:
-Should I order the sail with two reef points? I am a Lake sailor and the sail I currently have only has one reef point which seems to be OK. However, now is the time if I think I should have another.

-My current sail is loose footed. The new one is not and attaches to the boom with slugs or a boltrope. I would think the slugs would be easier to load. Any comments as to which I should use?

Thanks

<hr height="1" noshade id="quote"></blockquote id="quote">

I have two reef points and have never used them in my lake cruising. When it starts huffing I go head sail alone and get to hull speed easily. I think one reef would be fine. My main has the bolt rope and a couple slugs for reinforcement at the foot and it slides on and off in seconds.

Edited by - on

OLarryR
Master Marine Consultant

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USA
3468 Posts

Response Posted - 12/23/2010 : 10:28:59

I sail on the upper Potomac River. I had my Quantum Main made up with one set of reefing points. My past experience with the old main that had 2 sets of reefing points was that I could do without the upper reefing points. With the one set, it is located a bit higher than I recall the lower set was located on the old main and it has worked out fine.

Edited by - on

aeckhart
Master Marine Consultant

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USA
1709 Posts

Response Posted - 12/24/2010 : 15:22:12

This past september,while racing on Lake Superior, we were caugtht in winds gusting to 40 knots. I was sailing alone but managed to get the first reef in and head home. The boat performed well with just the one reef, the traveler adjusted completely to leeward, and the 135 genoa reefed down to about a 100-110. I have a second reef but didn't feel I needed it.

I can't imagine being out in anything worse than that on a small lake so a single reef should be adequate. Of course, you never know.

Edited by - on

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