Posted by Scott Widmier
on 3/1/2009, 18:15:53, in reply to "Re: Boomless main"
I have a boomless sprit mainsail on a little 12' dory I built. A simple rope traveller didn't work well so Jim Stumpf recommended thumb cleats on either side of the boat. You simply flick the mainsheet over the leward cleat and get good sheeting angle.
The biggest problem I have with a boomless mainsail is the added tension on the mainsheet. Not only are you having to hold the angle of the sail but you are also having to stretch the sail out even when the wind wants to make it bag. Think of the tension you add on your boomed sail with the outhaul and add that to the normal pull you feel when sailing your boat.
I am now going to add a simple boom to my boat using a hook and loop arrangement for the gooseneck. That way I can easily remove it to brail up the mainsail.
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