Nope. It will be fine. I have had a loose foot main on our boat since 1995. To keep the concern about boom loading in proportion, remember that when it's blowing 25, and you are driving hard rail-down with one reef tied in, all of the clew load is taken at the rear of the boom. (Many years ago a sailmaker soothed my concerns for a similar question with that analogy...)I'm ordering new sails for our 32-3 and the sailmaker is recommending a loose footed main with a stackpack. Should I be concerned about the bending moment on the boom with our mid boom sheeting? I'm afraid the boom will buckle if stressed. Any suggestions?
Yup, My old '88 man had a slot cut in the foot for reefing lines.Reef lines are a lot simpler to run with a loose footed main. I think outhaul trim may also have a better shape.