Shortening Luff - moving headboard

Message Topic Search Topic Options Post Reply Create New Topic Printable Version Translate Topic

   Hello,
I bought a new, old stock, Trac-18 full batten sail which I need to cut down 10 inches. This should not be difficult, but I am unsure as to what I should use as layers of re-inforcement under the new headboard position. Currently there are multiple layers of fabric reinforcing the original position under the headboard, but this will all be cut off.  What do I sew down before rivetinging the headboard in the new position?   By chance the upper most batten of this currently pointy sail has a single short 17" batten at ~45 degrees, like a gaff, supporting the very top of a full roach.  Once cut down, this will create a near square top!   (I don't have a backstay to worry about, although a topping lift will be awkward.)  Is there anything that I should consider? Is there any reason I should not use pop rivets to re-attach the headboard?  It seems silly to buy a special rivet tool for a handfull of rivets.

(FYI,  once this sail is serviceable, I will attempt a bolt rope replacement on the original much heavier duty sail.  It would be easy enough to mess up and loose a sailing season without a backup.)

Any guidance will be appreciated.

Don

Author	Message Topic Search Topic Options Post Reply Create New Topic Printable Version Translate Topic
don54321 Members Profile Send Private Message Find Members Posts Add to Buddy List Forum Member Joined: 23 February 2012 Location: NJ Status: Offline Points: 10	Post Options Post Reply Quote don54321 Report Post Thanks(0) Quote Reply Topic: Shortening Luff - moving headboard Posted: 23 February 2012 at 11:10am
	Hello, I bought a new, old stock, Trac-18 full batten sail which I need to cut down 10 inches. This should not be difficult, but I am unsure as to what I should use as layers of re-inforcement under the new headboard position. Currently there are multiple layers of fabric reinforcing the original position under the headboard, but this will all be cut off. What do I sew down before rivetinging the headboard in the new position? By chance the upper most batten of this currently pointy sail has a single short 17" batten at ~45 degrees, like a gaff, supporting the very top of a full roach. Once cut down, this will create a near square top! (I don't have a backstay to worry about, although a topping lift will be awkward.) Is there anything that I should consider? Is there any reason I should not use pop rivets to re-attach the headboard? It seems silly to buy a special rivet tool for a handfull of rivets. (FYI, once this sail is serviceable, I will attempt a bolt rope replacement on the original much heavier duty sail. It would be easy enough to mess up and loose a sailing season without a backup.) Any guidance will be appreciated. Don