A quick web search turned up nothing in my quest for a storm jib for my 18.5. My wife likes to sail pretty "flat" so in addition to reefing the main I am looking for a smaller jib. Any ideas?
Storm jib for 18.5
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There probably isn't a storm jib made specifically for your boat. What you will have to do is measure the sail you have and look for a somewhat smaller head sail. The one critical thing will be how/where you lead the jib sheets. A different sail will probably need to have its sheets lead to a different spot on the rail/foredeck. You could install a new set of leads to fit the new sail after you get it and see how it fits your boat.
I just bid on a used jib on e-bay for my old daysailer. It didn't have the original head sail when I got it and the one it came with didn't fit very well. I'm hoping this sail will work, but I'll have to see after I get it.
I think a furler is the way to go. I have a furler on my Hunter 216 and I really like it. I never had one before but I was always looking at boats that had them and was envious. I find the boat with a fractional rig sails very well in stronger winds with the jib furled. If you are still overpowered in stronger winds try a reefing system. If after all that you still feel overpowered you probably are and should stay home and maybe catch a game on T.V.
Thanks everybody for the good comments. I think I will look for a small furler rig. I assume this means the existing forestay needs to be replaced?
Storm jibs are very heavy sails designed for very high winds. They don't make them for 18' boats because those boats are suppose to go home when the conditions get to 'Small craft warning', well before a sea going boat would deploy their storm jib.
I agree a smaller jib is the way to go, and a furler allows you to choose the size.
Furlers for small boats replace the fore stay.
I agree a smaller jib is the way to go, and a furler allows you to choose the size.
Furlers for small boats replace the fore stay.
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