Hello Boaters,

Each time we visit our trailer-based Parker 21, it seems to take a little longer to get her ready to launch. This year, we will be trying to take less junk with us, but are still thinking what we can do to speed up launches. One thought was to leave the sail on the boom, under cover of course, during summer months.

What do you do and why?

Is there a real risk of chafe?

Any tips on how to tie the cover to avoid chafe? Slack or tight?

We only just moved to roller reefing last year and really notice how much time this save us. If we could sort out the main too, this would save time and energy. Then we have to hope it does not get stolen of course...

Cheers-Ken

Ken Surplice

Ken

I'm just about to repeat on my 275 something I did on the 21 and that is to fit a sail stacker. I think this can be a real boon when short handed. I never saw any chaffing through keeping it permanently on the boom.

Don

Don Harvey

I changed a few years ago to keeping the sail on the boom on my Seal 22 for the same reasons that you mention and have had no problems. I do, however unshackle the main halyard and tie the headboard in with the sail as I found it was inclined to chafe on the cover if left on the mast

Mike Saville

Thank you Don and Mike. When I was thinking that my spending on the boat was complete, I knew I had to be mistaken.

Don - would you mind revealing where you obtained your sail stacker? We've had some cover work performed by C&J. We were pleased with the results, but it wasn't cheap. Maybe the folks still have your pattern and could run up another.

Mike - I will be sure to follow your tip, thanks.

Cheers - Ken

(about to launch for the Easter rally. Let's hope it doesn't snow like it did last year|!)

p.s. Don - I've learned to reply to the top of the tree to avoid ever deepening replies...

Ken Surplice

Ken

I cannot remember where I obtained the sail stacker for the Parker 21 from, but I'll search around for any clues. I've just obtained one for the Parker 275 from Arun sails at Bosham andf I can say I'm well pleased with the quality.

http://www.sailmakers.com 

Regards

Don

Don Harvey

Ken - most people store their mains on the boom during the season. If the cover is well secured, I wouldn't expect chafe. Why not try it and keep an eye on it next season.

Fraser Old

Hi Ken

I stored my mainsail on the boom under a cover for several years but additionally used the main halyard wound round the boom for more support

A freind however prefers to release the topping lift & leave the boom laying against the winch. He feels this places less strain on the rigging & mast.

Keith

Keith Curwain