Do you have a Loose Foot?

[bmz]

A loose foot permits you to shape your main for maximum efficiency and power.

[Scrimshaw4]

If you have in mast furling you automatically have a loose footed main.

[Yachtmasteroz]

Sounds interesting, the consensus seems to be that lose foot is better.
I have lugs on my main and was wondering if there is a problem if I just don't put them in and make it lose footed?

[JPA Cate]

Originally Posted by Yachtmasteroz

Sounds interesting, the consensus seems to be that lose foot is better.
I have lugs on my main and was wondering if there is a problem if I just don't put them in and make it lose footed?

Why not give it a go next time you take the boat out? It won't make as much difference as buying a new main does, but you may be able to see improvement, if you pay close attention.

Ann

[ctl411]

Double loose foot, main and mizzen.

[lateral]

Not yet, but plenty of other members feel like they are coming loose.

Switched to loose and are converted.

[StuM]

Thanks guys,

That seems to be a big enough sample to justify my scepticism about the original claim.

[NCSailor]

Loose footed main on my Gulfstar 37. Replaced the main a number of years ago, still learning how to trim the sail but I do like the loose footed main.

[knockabout]

loose foot when main is fully up/has foot after one wind of the boom furler/needs rust stains on the sail cloth to grip the wind

[SailRedemption]

When we eventually do replace our main it will be loose footed. We have a bolt rope in a slot on the boom, the clew connects to a boom car so it isn't too hard to slide in the groove.

See more @ redemptiverepair.com

[Don C L]

Originally Posted by StuM

Thanks guys,

That seems to be a big enough sample to justify my scepticism about the original claim.

Oh I'd say most of RESPONDENTS here have loose feet, but I am not sure the original claim is all that far off base.......

[George DuBose]

Loose footed. Better overall sail shape. Easier to reef. Would never go back to slides on the foot.

[fallingeggs]

I will go loose foot on my next mainsail. Could be a few years unless I screw something up.


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[ebsail]

Yes- Had my main made last year with a loose foot. Oday 25

[thinwater]

First 2 boats were loose foot.

Current boat became loose foot when main was repalced.