Suggestions for H34 Genoa size

markwbird · Mar 30, 2017

I use a 110. Good general size. Of course, it depends on the wind.

Joe · Mar 30, 2017

If you single or short hand a lot, a 110 will be easier to handle and provide good visibility from the cockpit...... A 110 with a full roach main is my preference for single or short handed sailing in moderate conditions. But I see you're in west coast fla.. so a 135 you can roll up to 110 might be a better choice.

kloudie1 · Mar 30, 2017

I use a 110.. in as much wind as you are stating, first reef in main and full 110. Our conditions are generally lighter and a 110 is a bit small for 8-10 G 15. Glad to hear that Hood is offering a good deal on replacing the old furler..

Justin_NSA · Mar 31, 2017

Late to the party, but I don't have an H34. Your choice of furlers says it is designed to reef as well as furl. Do you want to limit yourself to a 110 if the wind goes lighter? Just a thought.

Capt Robbie · Mar 31, 2017

I have h34 and I have both 110 and 150
The 110 is good in the spring and late fall when the winds an my area are heavier 25-35 knots average. The 150 is great for the summer months when the winds are lighter 10-15 knots average.
I tend to used my 150 more often due to the lighter air.
I had a newer 150 made with multiple weight sail cloth with the heavier cloth on the outer edge for when I reef. Some people will arguably disagree with this concept but I don't race anymore, so I sacrifice a little sail shape for convenience. Changing sail as all if us know is not hard to do but it's a PITA , let's face it I am at a point in my life now that I have better things to do with my time an energy . Between taking the old sail down, folded, bagged, and stored away and putting the other one on.

After having the newer 150 made I used it almost 100% of the time now. If I were to make it again I would have a clear window installed because it is a little difficult to see under while sailing in congested waters as I do.

barnstormer · Mar 31, 2017

PGIJon said:
Hi All... after the tornado and having to replace the furler, BTW, I'm going with the Hood Seafurl 5 253 replacement plan... Since they don't offer replacement parts for the old 810, they offer the replacement at a very aggressive price.

Anyway... I've decided that it's time to replace the head sail. We never race and only coastal cruise. Any thoughts as to the right size? What size do you use? Are you happy with it?
Thanks... Jon

I too went with the Hood Seafurl 5 to replace my 810 and you are right, they gave me a big discount for the old 810. You will love your new seafurl compared to the old one. I changed my genoa from a 150 to a 135 and wouldn't go back to the 150 since I do a lot of tacking on the lake that I'm on. I just sail for fun and don't race and find the 135 to be easier to handle especially when the wind pipes up.

Justin_NSA · Apr 1, 2017

PGIJon said:
Capt. Thank you for your input... While the 150 seems a bit large for my sailing style... I began reconsidering the 135 after reading everyone's comments. As you point out it's sometimes difficult in congested waters, so instead of a window, I'm thinking about having they cut it high... Any thoughts on a high cut versus a window? -Jon

I always heard windows aren't a good idea with a furler. The plastic doesn't furl evenly with the sail.

barnstormer · Apr 6, 2017

PGIJon said:
Barnstormer... I'm actually relieved to hear from someone who went from the 810 to the Seafurl 5. How do you compare it to the continuous line furler? Is it easy to reef? I've actually never used a single line furler..... Thanks... Jon

My old furler just had one line (800 maybe?) and worked o.k. but was 20yrs old and when I got a halyard wrap I told myself that is not happening again! I installed a halyard restrainer and a new seafurl 5 and its a world of difference. I have read numerous comments about problems with the Hood continuous line furlers and that is why Hood had a retrofit to change them to single line. Most furlers are single line and when set up correctly they are easy to control.

splax · Apr 7, 2017

I like the 135 for sailing below 20 kts, but I find the original winch size a bit too small. Remember the winch and sail sizes are a couple...

heart of gold · Apr 10, 2017

130 with foam luff. Mine works beautifully. I can role it up to 100% and it still works very well. In 10 to 15 knots I can do hull speed on a close reach. I also up graded the primary winches years ago with Harken 46's. My boat came with an up graded forestay and a size 2 Harken furler. It has never given me a problem.

splax · Apr 10, 2017

Jon,
I was considering taking advantage of that special, but I didn't think it applied to the
HARKEN #35 Two-Speed Performa Self-Tailing Winch , which I think would be a good choice for the 135 in brisk air. The Maxwell 25's are barely enough to kedge off when aground, not that I specifically have personal knowledge of that particular situation.

heart of gold · Apr 25, 2017

I didn't have the new 130 with the original winches but did had an old 135. It was a struggle to sheet it in with the Maxwells, that and the fact that the North American winch handles were sloppy made me decide to upgrade to the larger winches. My wife likes them a whole lot more as well as she is generally the one who has to do the sheeting.