Repair or Replace

[Greenhand]

Originally Posted by Kevin84

Actually, I want the boom shorter. From what I've read the easiest way to reduce the weather helm on the T37 is by shortening the foot of thr main from 15' to 13'. Besides, the sails all need replacing anyway. The current main was used when the PO bought it and its already been cut down once to fit the mast. That and the Yankee has also been blown out.

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If you are getting new spars and rigging, my understanding is that the weather helm can be dealt with by removing the rake from the mast.

[sparrowhawk1]

Originally Posted by Greenhand

If you are getting new spars and rigging, my understanding is that the weather helm can be dealt with by removing the rake from the mast.

And last but not least get a baton less main sail with a reverse Roach

[Jim Cate]

Originally Posted by sparrowhawk1

And last but not least get a baton less main sail with a reverse Roach

And kill whatever windward performance the designer achieved...

Jim

[JPA Cate]

Before doing too much, I'd suggest talking to 5 or 10 other 37 owners. For instance, with the long boom, even if it is "too long", your new sail can be cut shorther on the foot. i know you just bought the boat, but you will be advantaged by not making major decisions till you've sailed her a bit. Talk to some other owners and explain the deficiency of the mast--seems like it may have already been shortened--ideally, you'd want to know what the mast height should be. Frankly, I disagree with getting the hollow cut main, but lots of folks with similar boats do like them. My preference is always towards higher performance because one can always shorten sail, but in light airs, I don't like to motor if I can sail. Many years cruising behind this point of view--about 27.

Ann

[sparrowhawk1]

Originally Posted by Jim Cate

And kill whatever windward performance the designer achieved...

Jim

If your vessel has weather helm reducing the size of your main sail increases performance. I know a reverse Roach is not the best shape but many cruisers choose it because of its simplicity and minimal chafe. I was just pointing out a third option

[Kevin84]

If I end up repairing the mast, I'm just going to buy a sail with a shorter foot. I don't like the idea of a battenless main. Was actually thinking of going with full battens. The mast has not been shortened, the current main sail was cut down to fit on the mast. It was originally from a larger boat that the PO bought used. It's pretty badly worn.

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[sabray]

My KP has weather helm if I leave it un reefed at 15 plus knts. So I reef at that point. Some owners have shortened the foot. I like all that I can get when it's light so I won't mess with the design. Sail trim can overcome what appears to be weather helm. I would sail it a bit before making modifications. Repairing the mast if the issue is limited to the foot should be very doable.


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