165-170 Genoa

[gerald]

I am starting my research on adding a larger genoa in the 165 to 170 range to my sail inventory. I have the stock rf main and 140 genoa that are in excellent shape along with an excellent asymetrical but I do not have an upwind genoa for that 6-12 true wind range. The boat is so underpowered that a 150 will not help much. I plan on using a block on the toerail rather than adding track initially. Has anyone else addressed this issue yet?

 

[Brian]

Watch the spreaders

Have a close look at your existing 140 in relation to the spreaders - and then try and extrapolate where a 165 or 170 might extend to.I'm suggesting this could be a problem because of my experience with the 155 that came with my B321 - In my case the spreaders are so wide (even though they are swept back) that they prevent me from fully sheeting in the 155 - I'm having a terrible time tacking inside of 95 degrees (I'd be interested in hearing what other 321/331 owners are tacking thru and what genoas they are using)I've actually been considering going down to a 135 or 140 to take the spreaders out of play and hopefully improve my pointing ability.On the positive side the boat really hauls with the 155 when on a close reach.Regards Brian

 

[gerald]

spreaders

Good point. I will make a close check of the spreaders. Also, I have a friend with a B321 and he downsized to a 140 and likes it a lot better and does not get overpowered as much, we get some fairly stiff breezes on Galveston Bay. We are 2000 lbs heavier than a B321 with only about 5% more sail area so we don't get overpowered as easily!As for your pointing, my friend does not point as high as we do and we both have 140's so the spreaders and rig on the B331 may be set in closer to centerline and/or the B331 keel with a totally different design and a few inches deeper, even on our shoal keel, may be the difference.

 

[Doug_Meyer]

Spreaders are an issue

I have a Beneteau 323, and the spreaders are definitely an issue on this boat. They are set fairly low on the mast and are swept back, but the spreaders themselves measure about 4-1/2 feet each. The other problem is that the shrouds attach at the toe rail rather than inboard, limiting the sheeting to a block on the toerail.I have a brand new North 150 Genoa that I have not even had out of the bag. I don't use it because of the sheeting issues. (Know anyone interested in buying a really good new North Sail??)