135 Genoa and the 23.5 or 240

[Al Beattie]

I am planning on purchasing a new head sail for my 1994 Hunter 23.5. The HOW Chandlery lists a 135 roller furling Genoa made by Doyle. Is there anyone out there using this sail on a 23.5 or 240?Seems like on the 23.5, flying to much sail is more of a problem than flying to little and I am wondering how the 135 sail shapes up when it is furled in to say 80%.

 

[Doug King]

Partially Furled Sails Set Rather Poorly

unless specifically designed with a padded luff or similar to retain sail shape as they are rolled up. This of course makes them more expensive.Frankly I think the Doyle sails supplied with the smaller Hunters are all very poor in cut and shape to start with. Few even fit the rig properly. No reflection on Doyle lofts, I'm sure these sails were cut in mass quantity by the low bidder.I'd recommend that you go to a good local sailmaker and talk to him about what your goals are with your boat. We had a new main and jib made, and the boat is faster, doesn't heel as much, and is easier to steer. The difference is dramatic and well worth the money (about $1500 for the H-19). A four-batten main with a bit more roach + 2nd reef, and a *good* 130 or 135% jib (with or without padded luff as you choose) would make such a difference that you would think you were on a new boat.Fresh Breezes- Doug King

 

[Tim Osborne]

Just in the process.............

Hi Al,I agree with Doug's sentiments and am just in the process of having a new headsail made by a local sailmaker ( they're in the UK anyway ! ). My H240 currently has a 'hanked on' 100% headsail which will be replaced by a furling headsail size to be determined by the expert eyes of the sailmaker who's going to measure the boat in-situ to get the job just right. I personally feel 135% may be a tad too big and depending how it's cut, could foul the spreaders and / or inner shrouds when clos hauled - depending how it's been cut. Nevertheless, I reckon a full 135% sail would be more of a compromise between size and shape when compared to a 110% or 120% for example. I'll let you know what the outcome from the forthcoming measure up is.One point I would make though - you can greatly improve the set of a partially furled sail if you can change the sheeting angle - which, normally speaking you can't on an H240. To this end I've added tracks and cars to give the sail a better chance. It was really simple to do, once you've plucked up the courage if drilling holes through your coach roof - at least it's way above the water line! - under normal circumstances!!With regards from the UKTim Osborne