Hi Dan, I ordered a new main for my M-17 in 2010, from Elliot/Pattison Sailmakers. I selected luff rope over slugs, because that's what I was used to, but didn't realize I was getting a loose-footed main until it arrived. It was a happy accident. The loose foot allows much more control over draft. I installed a new outhaul to make adjustment easy under way (see attached). When lowered, I roll the main instead of trying to flake it, and strap it to the boom under a sail cover. I have a hunch that flaking with slugs might be easier. I can't comment on slugs vs bolt rope for performance under sail. Rich Makela M-17 #233 - Harmony Lake Calhoun -----Original Message----- From: montgomery_boats [mailto:montgomery_boats-bounces@mailman.xmission.com] On Behalf Of Dan Farrell Sent: Tuesday, February 24, 2015 11:03 AM To: Msog List Subject: M_Boats: Free footed, slugged main for m17? Howdy folks, I'm in the market for a new main sail. Currently I have an Armstrong main with bolt ropes at the luff and foot, and as far as i know mast and boom are original. I have a few considerations on which I'd like to solicit the mailing list's opinions. Will the mast accommodate slugs? It seems like slugs would allow the sail to flake, whereas a bolt rope doesn't really flake well. But I'm interested in anyone's opinion on slugs vs bolt rope. After 36 years or so of use, the mainsheet has warped the boom so that it bends slightly down in the middle, and that can't be optimal for performance. I thought a free footed main sail might work around that issue simply and easily; I've heard they preserve better sail shape anyway. Does anybody on the mailing list have opinions to share regarding use of a free footed main on an m17? If anybody had thoughts on any of this, I'd love to hear it. Thanks all.