C-27 Mainsail

[deisher6]

Charlie - the local loft built a new fully-battened main for our 27/2 ('97).  That was before the trip to Maine and back.  We like it, although it's hard to store those four battens on board when you put away the sail for the winter.  It is not exactly "loose-footed", however.  There are slugs in the bolt rope that keep it fairly tight to the boom.

Does that help any?

Hey Steadyone:
I thought that I would get out of Wes' thread and start a new one.

After using Wes's new main, I might have to move up my purchase.  (Wes will be smiling when he reads this!)

Thanks for the scoop, it certainly does help.

How do the full battens work out in light winds?
How many reef points do you have?
Are the battens generally parallel to the boom?

Thanks again.

regards charlie

[BobK]

Charlie,
FX made the sails for my 27 last year.  The main has two full battens at the top and two standard length ones below.  I like to sail in heavy wind so there are two reef points in the main.  It is also loose footed on the boom.  I made lazy jacks with 4 attachment points on the boom that contain the sail quite well.  Both sails are constructed with 6.5 oz Dacron.  I have been satisfied with the performance of these sails.
BobK   

[deisher6]

Thanks BobK:
Your sail sounds much like Wes's main, with the exception that his has a foot rope.  I really liked how the top two battens kept a nice sail shape in light winds.  We didn't get any heavy winds, so it is good to know that the design is good for heavy winds also. 
Again thanks.
regards charlie

[frank]

PS...BobK...check your messages  :-)

[Steady1]

Ahoy, Charlie!  Sorry for the delayed response.  Been away from the computer trying to get things squared away shoreside so we can prep the boat for cruise to New England this summer.

The full battens seem to me to a) give the main better shape in all conditions and b) help bring the sail down smartly.  We also have the Dutchman system which, based on some limited experience, is far superior to lazy jacks or the "stack pack" options.

The battens generally are parallel to the boom.  And we have two (2) sets of reef points.  To keep her sailing on her lines, we take in the first reef at 12 kts. or thereabouts, if it looks like the wind will hold.  We've been pleased at how well she does with that second reef, when needed, even when going to windward.

Good luck with whatever options you decide on!

Bill

[deisher6]

Thanks Bill:
Steering is next, then sails.  I think that I will go with full battens, two reefs.
regards charlie

[CaptJohn]

 I just replaced my main and headsail...furling 155 headsail.....full battened two reefs loose footed main with battcars ...have all but lines on harken lazy jacks I installed the batt track and schurr sails out of Pensacola supplied the rest..changed the boat for sure

[deisher6]

Hey CaptJohn:
Do you have any pictures or a website explaining bat track & bat cars.
I must be getting, nope I am old.
Thanks for the scoop, I am very much looking forward to new sails.

regards charlie