You'll have no regrets!

Posted By: Dave Kautz, P-15 #1632 & O'day 192 #313, SF Bay
Date: 6/21/09 9:26a.m.

Report: outside forum guidelines

In Response To: Lapper sail (Marty, P-15 "Powerless")

The lapper makes a bigger difference than you might think, since there is only 7 sq. ft difference in the sailplan. After a couple seasons with the lapper, I found I used my std. jib so little that I sold it. You can ask the guys at last Wednesday's Estuary sail whether it makes any difference in performance or not....... Yes, the lapper uses the original placement of the fairleads and cleats for the standard jib, but you will need to place the tack down lower, so the sail will just clear the cowl vent at the bow. You can't use the pendant of the standard jib which makes it so easy to see under that sail. Whether to sheet inside or outside of the shrouds depends on personal preference AND the age of your boat. Older boats, like Jerry Barrilleaux's, have chainplates mounted out on the side of the hull, later boats have inboard shrouds and use a U-bolt on the side deck. My advice would be to route the sheets outside the shrouds if you have the inboard arrangement - you can still sheet tight enough for good pointing and the sail shape further off the wind, where you can really put that extra sail area to work, will be much better.