P42 Spinnaker

[Old Sailor 2]

You folks are so full of useful information I turn to you with my needs. This time I am considering buying a spinnaker. Our boat did not come with a very complete sail inventory. So, for my 1992 Passage I am wondering if there is a good source for slightly used spinnakers, is that a good idea, is this site a great place to buy a spinnaker if I have to buy new?? And is an asymmetrical or symmetrical spinnaker best for cruising and what are good dimensions for the spinnaker? Any other advice on spinnakers would be helpful. THANKS! Sandy

 

[Bill Roosa]

If you are going the real spinnaker route you will need a spinnaker pole ($$$$$) and a fitting on the mast for same, a pole topping lift fitting on the mast and line for same, turning blocks to bring the topping lift aft, and some sheet turning blocks at the aft end on the toe rail. You can probably get by with your regular jib sheet winches. The asym just needs three blocks with snap shackles for tack and both sheets.
Both real and asym will need a spinnaker halyard and fitting at the mast that allows the halyard to take a load in any direction. Just using the jib halyard will not work as the spinnaker is a "flying sail and the pull on the halyard is not in line with the halyard block at the mast. Use of a jib halyard block WILL result in the halyard getting jammed between the block and the mast proper as the line gets pulled sideways.
So if your boat is set up to fly a spinnaker you're set and I'd recommend salirite for a new one. don't have any idea about a used one. The one for our 40.5 Hunter cost $1500 plus the blocks and lines which I had on hand

 

[Old Sailor 2]

If you are going the real spinnaker route you will need a spinnaker pole ($$$$$) and a fitting on the mast for same, a pole topping lift fitting on the mast and line for same, turning blocks to bring the topping lift aft, and some sheet turning blocks at the aft end on the toe rail. You can probably get by with your regular jib sheet winches. The asym just needs three blocks with snap shackles for tack and both sheets.
Both real and asym will need a spinnaker halyard and fitting at the mast that allows the halyard to take a load in any direction. Just using the jib halyard will not work as the spinnaker is a "flying sail and the pull on the halyard is not in line with the halyard block at the mast. Use of a jib halyard block WILL result in the halyard getting jammed between the block and the mast proper as the line gets pulled sideways.
So if your boat is set up to fly a spinnaker you're set and I'd recommend salirite for a new one. don't have any idea about a used one. The one for our 40.5 Hunter cost $1500 plus the blocks and lines which I had on hand

Thanks Bill. I will check all this out the next time I am on board. If memory serves we are set with spinnaker halyard but gotta check. Thanks again.

 

[Alan]

Used sails are definitely a good alternative and there are plenty to be had. Check out The Sailwarehouse, Bacon Sails, Atlantic Sail Traders, and Minny's Yacht Surplus. Used sails are only a fraction of the cost of new and in most cases serve just as well. You will be looking for an asymmetrical or cruising spinnaker. The luff should be something around the "I" of your rig and the foot about 1.8 "J".

 

[Old Sailor 2]

Used sails are definitely a good alternative and there are plenty to be had. Check out The Sailwarehouse, Bacon Sails, Atlantic Sail Traders, and Minny's Yacht Surplus. Used sails are only a fraction of the cost of new and in most cases serve just as well. You will be looking for an asymmetrical or cruising spinnaker. The luff should be something around the "I" of your rig and the foot about 1.8 "J".

Perfect Alan. thanks! I will be in touch with Bacon Sails and see what they have.