Replacing Headboard With Welded Ring Feasibiltiy

[forsailbyowner]

Im switching out mainsails as the one ive been using is more patch than original material lol. The sail Im going to use luff is about 6" too long. Im contemplating removing the headboard and taking the top 8" or so and modifying the leech between head and 1st batten. Is there a problem with using a welded ring and dacron webbing instead of a headboard? I have everything to do this but would have to purchase stuff to reinstall headboard. Thanks in advance.

[JPA Cate]

Our new mainsail was made from the beginning to have the welded ring and spectra strapping, so yes, that is done. However, the leech modification may be tricky. As it is a second hand sail anyway, you haven't much to lose, and some knowledge to gain. Be sure to anchor the leech line securely. And good luck with the project. Sorry, no pix with me here in the US.

Good luck with it.

Ann

[guyfromiowa]

Sailrite video on Youtube. We just did this to two of our sails.

Install A Corner Ring In A Sail Using Webbing - Preview Video - YouTube

[islandplanet]

No problem using a ring but it's gonna be interesting to see how you manage to make it work if you're chopping the top. Sail is going to me pretty wide in that area.

[Jim Cate]

Re Ann's earlier post:

I found a photo of the head of our new main for your info...

Cheers,

Jim

[kalipso]

This is something I've been looking for the answer too. The video posted above really cleared my idea what to choose instead of the headboard I have now.