Bud Brown
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4/1/2025 1:12 PM
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For those of you ramp launching, wheel bearings and lighting/brake wiring and light fixture maintenance is going to be a large issue. Get some kind of bearing buddy system. Pump grease into the wheel bearings each time before dipping the trailer. Disassemble the hubs once per year to insect for bearing corrosion. All non-sealed electrical connections/ splices that go under water will get wet. Water will wick up into the wiring. Especially, water in the wiring will not dry for a long time, corroding while it is wet. The trailer pictured in the post has electric brakes. When you need to stop and the brakes have failed due to corroded wiring connections, the results may not be optimum. Ensign Sailing Forum - Recent Messages
Message Details Bird Deterrents Posted by: Vic Roberts on 3/31/2025 at 7:00 AM Erik Israelson of Fleet 72 also reports that a rope above the boom works for him. “I too have tied a line 6 inches above my boom - from the mast to backstay….. works perfectly.” Vic Roberts  Return To TopBird Deterrents Posted by: Zeke Durica on 3/31/2025 at 7:46 AM
Chlorine is a real fast corrosion agent for aluminum. Maybe not as fast as bird droppings but, I’d be careful with that one.
Zeke
Main sail feeder Posted by: Anthony Cannone on 3/31/2025 at 10:37 AM Hello fellow Ensign sailors,
Does anybody have experience with a feeder/guide for the main sail bolt rope into the mast track?
I've attached an image of one I'm considering but I am wondering if its worth the $$ or if an alternative is available.
Thank You, Tony Cannone Ensign 530 --- Attachment(s) ---mainsail-feeder-rf-ma.jpg (28.3 KB) Main sail feeder Posted by: Bryce Bordnkecher on 3/31/2025 at 10:59 AM My boat originally came with that Spinlock feeder. I swapped it out for one from Seasure b/c the design was more low-profile. I thought that would help it feed better by keeping the bolt rope closer to the mast and more inline with the slot. I still have to keep my hand pressed on the sail/bolt-rope/mast-slot to keep the sail from binding in the groove as I raise the main.
Main sail feeder Posted by: Bryce Bordnkecher on 3/31/2025 at 10:59 AM My boat originally came with that Spinlock feeder. I swapped it out for one from Seasure b/c the design was more low-profile. I thought that would help it feed better by keeping the bolt rope closer to the mast and more inline with the slot. I still have to keep my hand pressed on the sail/bolt-rope/mast-slot to keep the sail from binding in the groove as I raise the main.
Main sail feeder Posted by: Bud Brown on 3/31/2025 at 11:03 AM Anthony,
Never tried something like this because the bolt rope on Lorelei has been sprayed with McLube and goes up and down so easily.
This looks enticing, but my bet is that the bolt rope will still get caught between the two balls because mainsail fold-backs cause a lack of alignment. The best day sailing, singlehanding solution for ease of raising and lowering the mainsail has been slugs and a slug stop above the bolt rope slot in the mast. Of course, that small gap between the aft side of the mast and the luff results in a small loss of performance, but when you're out for fun, who cares? Slugs also cause a higher bulge where the main gathers which often affects the fit of the cover.
I don't see anything on this fitting that prevents it from sliding up and down. Perhaps it's used with a slug stop. Main sail feeder Posted by: Brian Munroe on 3/31/2025 at 11:09 AM
On my other boat I use Tides Marine sail track and loved it.
I do not know if that system has been applied to an ensign.
Brian
From: Anthony <ensignsailing@ensignclass.com>
To: Ensign <ensignsailing@ensignclass.com>
Date: Monday, 31 March 2025 11:37 AM EDT
Subject: [Ensign Sailing] Main sail feeder
Hello fellow Ensign sailors,
Does anybody have experience with a feeder/guide for the main sail bolt rope into the mast track?
I've attached an image of one I'm considering but I am wondering if its worth the $$ or if an alternative is available.
Thank You,
Tony Cannone
Ensign 530
Attachment(s):
mainsail-feeder-rf-ma.jpg (28.3 KB)
Main sail feeder Posted by: Patricia Metzler on 3/31/2025 at 1:05 PM Hi Tony, I had unsuccessful experiences with two different mainsail guides; each had to be returned with great difficulty (ordered from overseas, Latvia, I think).
I ordered the one you pictured and it was an epic fail for us, because the head board did not fit between the hard metal guides.
Then, I had high hopes for this one, thinking there was sufficient room for the head board. Nope. It was slightly better, but didn't work. I returned it and the seller said he never got it, even though delivery records showed it was delivered back to the seller. Finally gave up on getting my refund after a few months of back-and-forth..  Bryce mentioned that he still had to have hands on either side of the sail, which defeats the purpose to me. My biggest concern is needing to have someone on deck to drop the main in rough conditions, or in an emergency.
Good luck, and please post something here if you find a successful solution. One guy in our fleet swears by slugs in the sail, and I have to admit they do slide more easily, though not without their own problems.
Pat Main sail feeder Posted by: Patricia Metzler on 3/31/2025 at 1:11 PM PS on my earlier post - Our old main has a thicker bolt rope than the newer one; the newer main does raise and lower better; but no amount of McLube on the bolt rope will get the thicker bolt rope to slide without binding! When your pants are too tight, you still have to wiggle and tug! ;-) Hi Tony, I had unsuccessful experiences with two different mainsail guides; each had to be returned with great difficulty (ordered from overseas, Latvia, I think).
I ordered the one you pictured and it was an epic fail for us, because the head board did not fit between the hard metal guides.
Then, I had high hopes for this one, thinking there was sufficient room for the head board. Nope. It was slightly better, but didn't work. I returned it and the seller said he never got it, even though delivery records showed it was delivered back to the seller. Finally gave up on getting my refund after a few months of back-and-forth..  Bryce mentioned that he still had to have hands on either side of the sail, which defeats the purpose to me. My biggest concern is needing to have someone on deck to drop the main in rough conditions, or in an emergency.
Good luck, and please post something here if you find a successful solution. One guy in our fleet swears by slugs in the sail, and I have to admit they do slide more easily, though not without their own problems.
Pat
Main sail feeder Posted by: Bryce Bordnkecher on 3/31/2025 at 2:17 PM Hey Pat, who makes your Main sail?
Fortunately for me, I have sufficient space between the bolt rope and head board to feed through a prefeeder.
I single-hand a lot, and I believe the pre-feeder definitely helps me raise the Main or at least frees up a hand. It should be acknowledged that it is not perfect. I don’t think it is possible to just stand in the cockpit and raise a bolt rope Main… unless I’m missing something. I think you absolutely have to climb up on the cabin and raise the main from the mast.
For my particular pre feeder, the luff of the sail needs to be more forward and horizontally in line with the feeder/mast. If I try raising with a lot of sail pulling from further back in the middle of the cockpit, the bolt rope will jam in the feeder. The spinlock version might handle this angle of attack better. Maybe I’ll switch back this year and give it a test.
My process is to pull the Main halyard down with one hand and while the sail is being raised I’ll keep it pressed into the mast slot/groove. After one pull to get it started and past my usual sticky spot at the beginning/head of the sail, it’ll usually just go without the hand pressing the sail into the slot and I can use both hands to raise the main. I'll pull down the main halyard and pile it forward on the deck. Once raised, I’ll pull the main halyard through the cheek block at the mast and cleat. I do it this way because there is less drag on the system while raising and occasionally, the bolt rope will jam up going into the slot (usually in the same spots too). I’ll just ease the sail back down a couple inches and help guide it in again for a pull. My Main sail is from 2019 I think (Banks Sails), and maybe a newer sail would feed a little better start to finish, but once in the groove my sail moves great. Bolt rope size is perfect. My process does sound a little clunky, but it's pretty quick.
I also want to mention that I bought too large of a main Hayward—10mm. Don’t make this mistake. 8mm would definitely feed through the lower cheek blocks a lot easier.
If you want to be able to stand in the cockpit and raise the Main, I think it has to be on slugs already sitting up on the boom.
TLDR A pre-feeder does help, but it's not perfect, and you will have to be on standby to fix a jam.
Main sail feeder Posted by: Patricia Metzler on 3/31/2025 at 2:49 PM hi Bryce, Thanks for the reply. My older main is a North, and newer one is quantum Tips and/or tricks for launching via boat ramp Posted by: John Foglesong on 3/31/2025 at 2:26 PM We have relocated our Ensign from lake Chautauqua in NY to Eagle Creek Reservoir in Indianapolis. Historically the Marian where we stored the boat had a crane and they always dropped our ensign in the water at the beginning of the season and then pulled it in the fall. Our new sailing club only has a boat ramp, it is deep and steep and they typically launch much bigger keel boats than an ensign, e.g., J22s and 30 ft cabin cruisers, so I'm not worried about the depth of the launch. However, I was wondering if anyone has experience launching via ramps and has any tips or tricks for us. Not too concerned about launching, but wondering about the best way to pull the boat out. We have a standard trailer (picture attached) and so there is now winch to help secure the boat as you pull out of the water. I was thinking of adding a U-bolt to the mast crutch and then using a dock line to the front cleat to help keep the boat in place and make sure it is aligned with the bunks etc. Any thoughts or good resources that I can reference?
Cheers, John
--- Attachment(s) ---IMG_0816.jpeg (4.7 MB) IMG_0817.jpeg (5.4 MB) Tips and/or tricks for launching via boat ramp Posted by: Fran Trapp on 3/31/2025 at 7:13 PM John A beautiful boat. Here in South Carolina we launch all the time.
I (and most others here) use a tongue extension. Mine is made by Triad and has a wheel on front that makes it a lot easier. You also need keel guides on your trailer. With those two add ons it is a piece of cake
Good luck hope to see you next midwinters And there will be a crane for those that need it Sent from my iPhone
Tips and/or tricks for launching via boat ramp Posted by: Bryce Bordnkecher on 3/31/2025 at 11:36 PM Hey John.
I have the same-ish trailer. I will tie a trucker hitch on that mast rest in plane with the bow to keep the boat in place as I pull out. I like your idea of adding a dedicated attachment point with a U-bolt.
Would love to hear other people's thoughts but I always retract that bow rest. I’ve had it beat up my bow. I would love to replace it with something more custom-fit. Then, i’d be more comfortable using it as a positive stop for spacing the boat on the trailer. For now, I don't use the bow rest on my trailer. it’s a little bit of a calculated guess lining up the boat on the trailer. I look at how the bulkhead lines up with the trailer axles and try to center the weight between the axles. This last fall I had to dip the boat back in the water to slide it forward on the trailer.
For launch at our location we need a 20ft(or more) tongue extension. The grade into the water is very shallow. I borrow my clubs extension which is different sized sections of square tubing slotted together with large clevis pins. Attached is a slightly older version of the extension. This whole extension can be made with a kit from northern tool, square tubing, and a bit of welding for the wheel assembly.
To accommodate this extension, I had a section of 3x3 square tube welded onto my trailer just below and behind the tongue. You can just make it out in an attached image. The extension slots into the open section of tubing and is held in place with a large clevis pin.
Lastly, I’m attaching some video of the club pulling another Ensign out with said trailer extension.
-Bryce --- Attachment(s) ---Image_3-31-25_at_10.49_PM.jpeg (57.0 KB) Screenshot_2025-03-31_at_11.11.05_PM.png (2.4 MB) IMG_8455.jpeg (173.6 KB) ScreenRecording_10-06-2023_13.mp4 (6.8 MB) You have received this message as a member of: Ensign Class Association Replies: See the links included with each message - Do not reply to this emailChange preferences (including opt-out): Online Profile. Click on 'Forum Memberships' to change your settings for this forum, or 'Forum General Preferences' for all forums.
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Ward Woodruff
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4/1/2025 8:27 AM
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For those of you ramp launching, wheel bearings and lighting/brake wiring and light fixture maintenance is going to be a large issue. Get some kind of bearing buddy system. Pump grease into the wheel bearings each time before dipping the trailer. Disassemble the hubs once per year to insect for bearing corrosion. All non-sealed electrical connections/ splices that go under water will get wet. Water will wick up into the wiring. Especially, water in the wiring will not dry for a long time, corroding while it is wet. The trailer pictured in the post has electric brakes. When you need to stop and the brakes have failed due to corroded wiring connections, the results may not be optimum. Ward Woodruff 413-847-0620 cell On Apr 1, 2025, at 3:00 AM, Ensign Sailing Forum <ensignsailing@ensignclass.com> wrote:
Ensign Sailing Forum - Recent Messages
Message Details Bird Deterrents Posted by: Vic Roberts on 3/31/2025 at 7:00 AM Erik Israelson of Fleet 72 also reports that a rope above the boom works for him. “I too have tied a line 6 inches above my boom - from the mast to backstay….. works perfectly.” Vic Roberts Bird Deterrents Posted by: Zeke Durica on 3/31/2025 at 7:46 AM
Chlorine is a real fast corrosion agent for aluminum. Maybe not as fast as bird droppings but, I’d be careful with that one.
Zeke
Main sail feeder Posted by: Anthony Cannone on 3/31/2025 at 10:37 AM Hello fellow Ensign sailors,
Does anybody have experience with a feeder/guide for the main sail bolt rope into the mast track?
I've attached an image of one I'm considering but I am wondering if its worth the $$ or if an alternative is available.
Thank You, Tony Cannone Ensign 530 --- Attachment(s) ---mainsail-feeder-rf-ma.jpg (28.3 KB) Main sail feeder Posted by: Bryce Bordnkecher on 3/31/2025 at 10:59 AM My boat originally came with that Spinlock feeder. I swapped it out for one from Seasure b/c the design was more low-profile. I thought that would help it feed better by keeping the bolt rope closer to the mast and more inline with the slot. I still have to keep my hand pressed on the sail/bolt-rope/mast-slot to keep the sail from binding in the groove as I raise the main.
Main sail feeder Posted by: Bryce Bordnkecher on 3/31/2025 at 10:59 AM My boat originally came with that Spinlock feeder. I swapped it out for one from Seasure b/c the design was more low-profile. I thought that would help it feed better by keeping the bolt rope closer to the mast and more inline with the slot. I still have to keep my hand pressed on the sail/bolt-rope/mast-slot to keep the sail from binding in the groove as I raise the main.
Main sail feeder Posted by: Bud Brown on 3/31/2025 at 11:03 AM Anthony,
Never tried something like this because the bolt rope on Lorelei has been sprayed with McLube and goes up and down so easily.
This looks enticing, but my bet is that the bolt rope will still get caught between the two balls because mainsail fold-backs cause a lack of alignment. The best day sailing, singlehanding solution for ease of raising and lowering the mainsail has been slugs and a slug stop above the bolt rope slot in the mast. Of course, that small gap between the aft side of the mast and the luff results in a small loss of performance, but when you're out for fun, who cares? Slugs also cause a higher bulge where the main gathers which often affects the fit of the cover.
I don't see anything on this fitting that prevents it from sliding up and down. Perhaps it's used with a slug stop.
--
Main sail feeder Posted by: Brian Munroe on 3/31/2025 at 11:09 AM
On my other boat I use Tides Marine sail track and loved it.
I do not know if that system has been applied to an ensign.
Brian
From: Anthony <ensignsailing@ensignclass.com>
To: Ensign <ensignsailing@ensignclass.com>
Date: Monday, 31 March 2025 11:37 AM EDT
Subject: [Ensign Sailing] Main sail feeder
Hello fellow Ensign sailors,
Does anybody have experience with a feeder/guide for the main sail bolt rope into the mast track?
I've attached an image of one I'm considering but I am wondering if its worth the $$ or if an alternative is available.
Thank You,
Tony Cannone
Ensign 530
Attachment(s):
mainsail-feeder-rf-ma.jpg (28.3 KB)
Main sail feeder Posted by: Patricia Metzler on 3/31/2025 at 1:05 PM Hi Tony, I had unsuccessful experiences with two different mainsail guides; each had to be returned with great difficulty (ordered from overseas, Latvia, I think).
I ordered the one you pictured and it was an epic fail for us, because the head board did not fit between the hard metal guides.
Then, I had high hopes for this one, thinking there was sufficient room for the head board. Nope. It was slightly better, but didn't work. I returned it and the seller said he never got it, even though delivery records showed it was delivered back to the seller. Finally gave up on getting my refund after a few months of back-and-forth.. Bryce mentioned that he still had to have hands on either side of the sail, which defeats the purpose to me. My biggest concern is needing to have someone on deck to drop the main in rough conditions, or in an emergency.
Good luck, and please post something here if you find a successful solution. One guy in our fleet swears by slugs in the sail, and I have to admit they do slide more easily, though not without their own problems.
Pat Main sail feeder Posted by: Patricia Metzler on 3/31/2025 at 1:11 PM PS on my earlier post - Our old main has a thicker bolt rope than the newer one; the newer main does raise and lower better; but no amount of McLube on the bolt rope will get the thicker bolt rope to slide without binding! When your pants are too tight, you still have to wiggle and tug! ;-) Hi Tony, I had unsuccessful experiences with two different mainsail guides; each had to be returned with great difficulty (ordered from overseas, Latvia, I think).
I ordered the one you pictured and it was an epic fail for us, because the head board did not fit between the hard metal guides.
Then, I had high hopes for this one, thinking there was sufficient room for the head board. Nope. It was slightly better, but didn't work. I returned it and the seller said he never got it, even though delivery records showed it was delivered back to the seller. Finally gave up on getting my refund after a few months of back-and-forth.. Bryce mentioned that he still had to have hands on either side of the sail, which defeats the purpose to me. My biggest concern is needing to have someone on deck to drop the main in rough conditions, or in an emergency.
Good luck, and please post something here if you find a successful solution. One guy in our fleet swears by slugs in the sail, and I have to admit they do slide more easily, though not without their own problems.
Pat
Main sail feeder Posted by: Bryce Bordnkecher on 3/31/2025 at 2:17 PM Hey Pat, who makes your Main sail?
Fortunately for me, I have sufficient space between the bolt rope and head board to feed through a prefeeder.
I single-hand a lot, and I believe the pre-feeder definitely helps me raise the Main or at least frees up a hand. It should be acknowledged that it is not perfect. I don’t think it is possible to just stand in the cockpit and raise a bolt rope Main… unless I’m missing something. I think you absolutely have to climb up on the cabin and raise the main from the mast.
For my particular pre feeder, the luff of the sail needs to be more forward and horizontally in line with the feeder/mast. If I try raising with a lot of sail pulling from further back in the middle of the cockpit, the bolt rope will jam in the feeder. The spinlock version might handle this angle of attack better. Maybe I’ll switch back this year and give it a test.
My process is to pull the Main halyard down with one hand and while the sail is being raised I’ll keep it pressed into the mast slot/groove. After one pull to get it started and past my usual sticky spot at the beginning/head of the sail, it’ll usually just go without the hand pressing the sail into the slot and I can use both hands to raise the main. I'll pull down the main halyard and pile it forward on the deck. Once raised, I’ll pull the main halyard through the cheek block at the mast and cleat. I do it this way because there is less drag on the system while raising and occasionally, the bolt rope will jam up going into the slot (usually in the same spots too). I’ll just ease the sail back down a couple inches and help guide it in again for a pull. My Main sail is from 2019 I think (Banks Sails), and maybe a newer sail would feed a little better start to finish, but once in the groove my sail moves great. Bolt rope size is perfect. My process does sound a little clunky, but it's pretty quick.
I also want to mention that I bought too large of a main Hayward—10mm. Don’t make this mistake. 8mm would definitely feed through the lower cheek blocks a lot easier.
If you want to be able to stand in the cockpit and raise the Main, I think it has to be on slugs already sitting up on the boom.
TLDR A pre-feeder does help, but it's not perfect, and you will have to be on standby to fix a jam.
Main sail feeder Posted by: Patricia Metzler on 3/31/2025 at 2:49 PM hi Bryce, Thanks for the reply. My older main is a North, and newer one is quantum Tips and/or tricks for launching via boat ramp Posted by: John Foglesong on 3/31/2025 at 2:26 PM We have relocated our Ensign from lake Chautauqua in NY to Eagle Creek Reservoir in Indianapolis. Historically the Marian where we stored the boat had a crane and they always dropped our ensign in the water at the beginning of the season and then pulled it in the fall. Our new sailing club only has a boat ramp, it is deep and steep and they typically launch much bigger keel boats than an ensign, e.g., J22s and 30 ft cabin cruisers, so I'm not worried about the depth of the launch. However, I was wondering if anyone has experience launching via ramps and has any tips or tricks for us. Not too concerned about launching, but wondering about the best way to pull the boat out. We have a standard trailer (picture attached) and so there is now winch to help secure the boat as you pull out of the water. I was thinking of adding a U-bolt to the mast crutch and then using a dock line to the front cleat to help keep the boat in place and make sure it is aligned with the bunks etc. Any thoughts or good resources that I can reference?
Cheers, John
--- Attachment(s) ---IMG_0816.jpeg (4.7 MB) IMG_0817.jpeg (5.4 MB) Tips and/or tricks for launching via boat ramp Posted by: Fran Trapp on 3/31/2025 at 7:13 PM John A beautiful boat. Here in South Carolina we launch all the time.
I (and most others here) use a tongue extension. Mine is made by Triad and has a wheel on front that makes it a lot easier. You also need keel guides on your trailer. With those two add ons it is a piece of cake
Good luck hope to see you next midwinters And there will be a crane for those that need it Sent from my iPhone
Tips and/or tricks for launching via boat ramp Posted by: Bryce Bordnkecher on 3/31/2025 at 11:36 PM Hey John.
I have the same-ish trailer. I will tie a trucker hitch on that mast rest in plane with the bow to keep the boat in place as I pull out. I like your idea of adding a dedicated attachment point with a U-bolt.
Would love to hear other people's thoughts but I always retract that bow rest. I’ve had it beat up my bow. I would love to replace it with something more custom-fit. Then, i’d be more comfortable using it as a positive stop for spacing the boat on the trailer. For now, I don't use the bow rest on my trailer. it’s a little bit of a calculated guess lining up the boat on the trailer. I look at how the bulkhead lines up with the trailer axles and try to center the weight between the axles. This last fall I had to dip the boat back in the water to slide it forward on the trailer.
For launch at our location we need a 20ft(or more) tongue extension. The grade into the water is very shallow. I borrow my clubs extension which is different sized sections of square tubing slotted together with large clevis pins. Attached is a slightly older version of the extension. This whole extension can be made with a kit from northern tool, square tubing, and a bit of welding for the wheel assembly.
To accommodate this extension, I had a section of 3x3 square tube welded onto my trailer just below and behind the tongue. You can just make it out in an attached image. The extension slots into the open section of tubing and is held in place with a large clevis pin.
Lastly, I’m attaching some video of the club pulling another Ensign out with said trailer extension.
-Bryce --- Attachment(s) ---Image_3-31-25_at_10.49_PM.jpeg (57.0 KB) Screenshot_2025-03-31_at_11.11.05_PM.png (2.4 MB) IMG_8455.jpeg (173.6 KB) ScreenRecording_10-06-2023_13.mp4 (6.8 MB) You have received this message as a member of: Ensign Class Association Replies: See the links included with each message - Do not reply to this emailChange preferences (including opt-out): Online Profile. Click on 'Forum Memberships' to change your settings for this forum, or 'Forum General Preferences' for all forums.
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