In addition to the outhaul, a loose footed main needs to be mechanically attached to the boom at the clew. If there is not a single slug at the clew, you need to strap the clew cringle to the boom with a velcro strap. A short sail tie will work in a pinch.
How do you tie the clew to the boom?
Clew tie
- Thread a corner tie (3mm) through the clew grommet and around the boom, wrapping it twice around.
- Tie a square knot in the free ends so that the sail just touches the top of the boom, but does not overlap.
- Set the square knot by pulling both ends tightly and pulling up on the clew.
What is a clew strap?
With a clew strap, the clew moves nearly as easily as a traveler car system. Flattening the sail requires only a firm pull and no purchase, and a winch is needed if there is wind in the sail. When the outhaul is eased, the clew automatically slides forward in all but the lightest airs.
How do you secure a boom?
Inspect the entire machine for loose or unsecured items. Make sure the jib and platform are in the stowed position. Secure the platform with a nylon strap placed parallel to the strap guides. Do not use excessive downward force when securing the boom section.
What is a clew on a sailboat?
Clew – The corner where the leech and foot connect is called the clew on a fore-and-aft sail. On a jib, the sheet is connected to the clew; on a mainsail, the sheet is connected to the boom (if present) near the clew. Clews are the lower two corners of a square sail.
What line attaches the clew?
The Outhaul
The Outhaul Attaches to the Sail’s Clew
The outhaul is a line that connects to the clew of the mainsail (the ring in the lower aft corner) and pulls the sail back toward the end of the boom. On most boats, this line or wire cable passes around a block (pulley) down into the boom, as shown in this photo.
What does the outhaul do on a sailboat?
An outhaul is a control line found on a sailboat. It is an element of the running rigging, used to attach the mainsail clew to the boom and tensions the foot of the sail. It commonly uses a block at the boom end and a cleat on the boom, closer to the mast, to secure the line.
What is the topping lift on a sailboat?
The topping lift (more rarely known as an uphaul) is a line which applies upward force on a boom on a sailboat. Part of the running rigging, topping lifts are primarily used to hold a boom up when the sail is lowered. This line would run from near the free end of the boom(s) forward to the top of the mast.
How long should sail ties be?
*The standard length for the sail ties is: – Corners: five 3 mm wide, 60 cm/ 24″ long.
How is the sail attached to the boom?
The block is typically attached to the boom by means of a bail, which is a U-shaped piece of metal, flattened at the ends to allow attachment with screws or rivets. In smaller boats such as dinghies it is used to control the angle of the sail to the wind on each point of sail.
How do you secure a boom lift?
Securing The Boom Lift
– Lower the forks to the ground of the vehicle then tilt them forwards slightly before they reach the ground. – Behind each of the wheel of the machine, place wooden blocks and fasten them into place using screws. Ensure the blocks are secure and firm against the wheels.
How do you transport a boom lift?
When you’re preparing your aerial lift or boom lift to be transported, make sure the boom lift is not extended and fully retracted. If the aerial lift has a 360 turntable, affirm that it has the wheels and and the axels fully retracted as well. If your’s is an aerial lift, confirm it’s been fully lowered and folded up.
How far apart should mast steps be?
Recommended spacing is a step every 14 3/4″ on alternating sides of the mast. Two steps installed 47 1/4″ from the masthead provides stability (when used in conjunction with a bosun’s chair or harness) for sheave, instrument and other masthead repairs.
What is a tabernacle mast?
A metal or wooden structure, in the shape of an open box, which locates and supports a deck-stepped mast. A bolt passing through tabernacle and mast can provide a pivot point for lowering the stick.
What is a mast step on a sailboat?
Mast stepping is the process of raising the mast of a boat. It may be a ceremonial occasion on a new boat, a necessary step (as in stepping the mast of a small sailing dinghy or gig), or simply routine (as following seasonal maintenance on a sailboat).
Where is the clew?
The clew is the bottom back corner of the sail (furthest from the mast).
What does a headsail do?
A tighter headsail creates a flat, close winded and low drag sail shape best for heavier airs and flat water. A looser backstay gives you a deeper, more powerful sail shape better in lighter airs and bumpier water. As the wind increases the forestay will sag more thus more backstay is needed.
What holds the sails on a ship?
Mast
Mast: The mast is a large, vertical pole that holds the sails up. Some boats have more than one mast.
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