The Boat Mill

Genoa Sheet Length Calculator

Estimate each genoa sheet from clew-to-winch route, genoa foot, winch wraps, drum diameter, and spare tail. Path geometry — not a sheet working-load or hardware selector.

When to use

Use when replacing genoa sheets and you can measure (or tape) the lead from clew through the car to the winch with the sail eased for tacking.

Enter route, foot, wraps, drum OD, and spare.

Not a substitute for measuring the old sheets end-to-end or maker load tables.

Calculator

Path with sail eased enough to tack cleanly.
Foot of the largest headsail these sheets serve.
Turns left on the drum while working the sheet.
Drum diameter where the sheet wraps.
Cockpit tail and splice allowance.
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How this is calculated

Forum practice sums the eased lead, often a foot-length allowance for tacking the clew, winch circumference × wraps, and spare.

wrap_ft = wraps × π × (drum_od_in / 12)
sheet_ft = route + foot + wrap_ft + spare

LOA×1.5 rules of thumb exist; this calculator uses measured segments. Not a load calculator.

Worked example

Defaults: route 28, foot 16, wraps 3, drum 3.5 in, spare 6 → wrap ≈ 2.75 → sheet ≈ 52.75 ft each.

Route 22, foot 12, wraps 2, drum 3, spare 4 → ≈ 39.57 ft.

Limits / assumptions

Assumptions: one continuous sheet per side; foot allowance helps when the clew crosses; drum OD is the winding diameter.

Limits: continuous-line systems, barber haulers, and inside/outside leads need a messenger measure.

Responsibility: planning aid only — buy matched pairs.

FAQ

Why add foot?

When you tack, the old sheet must reach until the new sheet takes over. Foot is a common planning allowance; measure your worst-case lead if you can.

LOA × 1.5?

Some guides use that. Prefer route + foot + wraps when you can tape the path.

Vs furling line?

Furling line rolls the sail. Sheets trim the clew — different path and calculator.

Vs LP percent?

LP sizes sail overlap. This page sizes sheet length only.