same fixed lines for 3 different sails?

J64TWB · Joined: 24 Dec 2013 Posts: 1685

Who uses different harness line lengths for different sails?

Have a new quiver of Retros (7.5, 6.5, 5.5). They all use the same boom. The 7.5 has been dialed in using my fixed 30” lines on my 130 liter board. I marked the boom height on the sail so it’s a no brainer for future use.

When I tried the 6.5 on my new 104 liter, using the same boom and height and 30” lines they were too long? Looking to mark this sail as well. Don’t really want the hassle of adjustable lines. Both boards have straps as far out as possible with seat harness for free ride blasting.

If I want to stay with fixed lines do I need to find a compromise line length for all sails? On a side note, do people change boom heights for different sails? I really want to have everything fixed, marked and dialed in so I don't have think when rigging. Is it possible using one boom with fixed lines for 3 sails and 2 boards?

windward1 · Joined: 18 Jun 2000 Posts: 1400

Are you also expecting the harness lines to stay in the same position for those different sails? If so, you are expecting too much.

I am not sure if you could find a compromise length that satisfies you for all three sails. You might want to go ahead and try and adjustable length harness lines. They really are not all that bad. If you get a race adjustable harness lines they are changeable on the fly.

J64TWB · Joined: 24 Dec 2013 Posts: 1685

I know I will have to adjust them fore and aft. Just wondering if length changes much, and boom height.

NOVAAN · Joined: 28 Sep 1994 Posts: 1551

I bet the 130 liter board is wider. There for your stance is farther from the center line of the board. Hence the difference in feeling on the boards. That said, I use a seat harness and 22" lines on all my boards...

pmlct · Joined: 02 Mar 2010 Posts: 68 Location: Middletown CT

I agree with NOVAAN, I use fixed 30" on my big wider boards with 4 footstraps, big sails and booms and when I go down to smaller 3 strap boards I like fixed 28" lines. Boom height is the same for all. The longer lines are easier to get in and out of when slogging, the shorter lines are for when I am powered up most/all of the time. I also use a seat harness. In your case, if you use the 6.5 and 7.5 on the big board I bet the 30" lines will work the same and I would expect the 5.5 on a smaller board to feel different. Also boom width will change with length.

J64TWB · Joined: 24 Dec 2013 Posts: 1685

NOVAAN, is you boom height the same as well?

jingebritsen · Joined: 21 Aug 2002 Posts: 3371

i use the same lines for all my sails, 4.0 to 9.0

i have different boom height requirements for different conditions and boards.

easiest way to "adjust" fixed harness lines? spread them out a bit. i do rarely, mostly in really gusty gales with my smaller sails. 5.2 and up, i keep my harness lines butted together. 4.7 and down i may spread them out a bit, up to 2 fists apart.

U2U2U2 · Posted: Tue May 31, 2016 8:58 am Post subject:

I use same length on all booms, sails.

Don't see any advantage in other lengths. At times I move my lines but for the most part, the booms are designated for certain size sails, close in size, so I don't feel much need.

Good point above if using dual fitting lines to move apart, or near.
I use mono so adjustment is a little harder, they tighten more.

fathomfathom · Joined: 25 Jul 2005 Posts: 52

I change the line length depending on what my arm lengths are that day Shocked

ctuna · Joined: 27 Jun 1995 Posts: 1126 Location: Santa Cruz Ca

Even if you have variable lines
You are going to have to move them around
for the correct balance point with different sails
and maybe with different sail tuning.
And when you move them keep the same inner spacing.
No more than a hand width apart is the current philosophy.
You can mark the spots to get you very close.