Square top main for Nacra 6.0 NA

Apparently I have to replace my Nacra 6 main. I heard that there is an option to use a square top main instead of the original pin top one. Does anyone have an experience with this configuration?
any suggestion for where to buy a new/used main for Nacra 6.0.

TNX,
Eric

I don't have any experience with the 6.0, but I've put pentex square tops on two Supercat 20s, with great results. Both Glaser and Elliot Pattison have been great to work with, and produced top quality sails for me.

I think the only question might be whether your mast is up to the additional load up high, hopefully others will chime in.

Dave

Randy Smyth was the original designer of the Nacra 6.0 NA with the fat top main. Contact Randy for the specs and cost for the retro-fit.

Do you have a web address for Randy's loft?

I just saw him in Sarasota but forgot to get his contact info.

There were a couple Tri's and Stiletto's with huge square tops! Now I want one for my Prindle 18 and Hobie 14!

Those weren't square tops... they were rectangles.

Either that, or they hoisted the square-top sail upside down...

Is your mast a single or double diamond wire set up?

I am sure others will chime, but if a single wire, I believe that upgrading to a square top was causing some mast failures...

I thought all N.A. versions had double diamonds?

True but not all Nacra 6.0s had double diamonds and a front foil.

I believe Randy super-sized the Nacra re-designed rig called the NA for the US market and called his rig design the Nacra Express version. All of this development predated the spinnaker evolution and the various snuffer solutions. If you are updating the sailplan.... following the lead of the F18's makes the most sense... (Flat chute... self tacking jib. high aspect square top main). If you are staying with the sloop only version... then the huge jib is a big factor in going down wind.

I ran a custom Sq. top main on my N6.0na.
Was made by a loft Clear Lake TX. (Houston). Forgot the name.
NO problems with the Sq top and a chute on it.
Well- the orignal mast did invert once- we loosened the diamonds and bent it longways back again. Worked again for years. Until one light/moderate wind day with only the main and jib up, one of the spreaders broke. The mast didn't break, but it was totalled after that one.
FWIW- it'll handle a Sq top. And I ain't Randy S.

You're still sailing a 6.0? Cool

** Just realized that's my old 6.0 with the original pin top in the Avatar.

I had a Nacra 6.0 NA and had square tops for years.
The first was made by Calvert sails in Florida (Pentex Optic)
The second was made by Elliot Pattison (Dacron 6 oz)
y preference was the Dacron sail as I was not racing and it could handle the rolling of the sail and flogging while on the beach. I also liked that the had a bottom batten at the foot and the Calvert sails did not which caused excessive flogging when I dropped the mainsheet blocks and let it sit on the beach between sails.
Never had a mast problem with either set of sails

I used square tops on mine and they work great. I am a dealer for Calvert and he is very proactive on his designs. Even to the point of the Wave sail.
Here are the sails I market for Calvert
http://www.onlinemarinestore.com/store/pc/viewBrands.asp?idbrand=8&pagestyle=

Guys,

Thanks so much for so many comments.
Yes, I'm still sailing Nacra 6.0 and enjoying it.
My boat definitely has a double diamond.

I have a small question to the ones that did this upgrade, should I expect enhanced performance. How would it effect the tacking upwind capabilities.

Thanks again,
Eric

We use a Tornado fat-head main on our 6.0. Mast length differs approx.8cm only. (Tornado mast is shorter).

You should be able to point a bit higher, perhaps a bunch higher if you also get a new jib and you should feel much more responsiveness from your sail (adjustments are more noticeable).

I tell people it's like putting a new engine in your 25 year old car

I have used both Dave Calvert Nd Randy's square tops and both improved performance in both directions. If you come to the Keys in Islamorada you can try one out with rollerfurl jib and spin. I'm at the islander resort in Islamorada. Islanderwatersports

Not to mention there were a few of Roy's Toys running around out there that had a single diamond wire mast.... To add injury to insult, the had 1/8" wires too....