Question about boom height when sailing on a CP19

[Dogstar]

Hello Folks,

We don't have a topping lift on our CP19. We do, however, have lazy jacks. I know that when sailing the main sail should be supporting the boom. The problem that we're having is that even with the main sheet all the way up (at least we think it's all the way up), the boom is not level. In fact, it seems to angle downwards towards the stern which puts the boom squarely at head height or even lower particularly when I tighten the mainsheet. And that makes me nervous since it's in the way and someone could easily get hit. I would much prefer the boom higher out of the cockpit when sailing.

So I guess my question is - should the boom be level or even raked slightly upwards when the sail is fully up? Should I tighten the lazy jacks to keep the boom at least level or does that mess up sail trim? Would installing a topping lift ensure that the end of the boom is at least always at a level height? It almost seems like the sail is a bit too long and thus not pulling the boom fully upwards when it's raised.

Appreciate any guidance!

Dogstar

[marc]

Never been on a boat with the boom angled down toward the stern. On my 19, the boom is level or angled  slightly up when I'm reefed. I do have a topping lift but no lazy jacks. Do you use your winch to make sure the main is all the way up? When I want my sail flat, I really crank on that winch! You don't want to adjust your lazy jacks to hold the boom up, that's the job of the main. If your lazy jacks are too high, you loose the opportunity to control sail shape.
Marc

[Dogstar]

Hey Marc,

Thanks much! I haven't really cranked on the main sail winch yet. I wasn't sure if on a boat this size if I should be able to pull the main all the way up by hand. Perhaps I'll try using the winch if that's how yall do it!

I have a feeling the main isn't all the way up. I'll give the winch a try.

[wes]

Yep - crank on the winch. It takes significant force. Make sure there's no problem at the masthead to prevent the top of the sail from reaching the top of the slot.

Wes

[TedStrat]

For what it's worth, on my Eclipse if I forget to loosen the downhaul I can't raise the boom the last 6" or so. The first time out when I tacked the boom bounced on the boom arch. Once that downhaul is slack it raises nicely the rest of the way and clears the arch. That won't effect the angle but may clear your head!

[wes]

Absolutely true! The boom downhaul AND the main sheet must be slack before raising the main. Embarrassed to admit how many times I've struggled to get the sail all the way up, only to turn around and notice that the main sheet was tight as a drum. Duh.

Wes

[Bob23]

Dog: Have your sails been replaced? Are you certain that the main is the correct sail for your boat? With all the used sails available, maybe someone replaced it with a different sail. My father in law who was an incredible sailor but the most frugal man I've ever met, bought a used sail from Atlantic Sail Traders and had the same issue with his Irwin Free Spirit. Even with that old blown out and mis matched sail, I still couldn't out point him!
Best,
Bob23

[Dogstar]

Hey Bob,

That's a great thought! The sails could be original actually. I'm not positive. They're definitely not new, but they still seem to have a bit of life in them. They have the Com-Pac logo on them so I believe they're the correct sail for the 19.

We took her out this past weekend and we were able to use the winch to crank another couple inches and that made all the difference! We also managed to find the leech line in the jib. It was fluttering badly and I couldn't figure out for the life of me how to fix it! All good now.

Thanks Wes and Tedstrat. Great suggestions. I believe I have everything loosened before raising the main.

[Finbar Beagle]

Dog, my CP-19 MkII boom clears my 6'2 block head with plenty of room to spare.  I do not have a winch for the main halyard, so it does require a good heave. My boom will ride a little lower when reefed, but still clears my hat.

Regards,

[Dogstar]

Thanks for the info, Finbar. I'll try to take a picture of the sail all the way up the next time I'm out and post it here to see if things look correct.

Dog, my CP-19 MkII boom clears my 6'2 block head with plenty of room to spare.  I do not have a winch for the main halyard, so it does require a good heave. My boom will ride a little lower when reefed, but still clears my hat.

[Mas]

so....would it make sense to have a topping lift?  Have never sailed a 19 but have sailed 23's and 16's and both with a topping lift.

[wes]

Yes - a 19 requires a topping lift (unless you want the boom sitting in your lap when you drop the mainsail).

Wes

[Mas]

Yes - a 19 requires a topping lift (unless you want the boom sitting in your lap when you drop the mainsail).

Wes

Well there ya have it Dogstar! My question was shouldn't ya just have one and Wes pretty much summed up what i thought. Easy enough to rig and voila the boom height solved and no more head clunking! You also otta have a little angle towards the mast with your boom (back end up) so moisture will drain and your sheets can be tensioned properly, not that I have mine correct all the time!

Noticed you are Gulf Coast, might make coming up for the CBMWG a bit more difficult but you are welcome to join us!

[hoddinr]

If your mainsail uses sail slugs that slide up the mast, get a little bottle of dry spray lube and spray it on the slugs.
Run the sail up and down the mast a few times with the sail aligned with the wind direction and you'll find it much easier to raise the sail for months afterward.

McLube Sailkote is one brand.

Ron