Asymmetrical spinnaker on H240??

[soling42]

(Posted on "smaller boat" forum too. Thanks)We’ve been using our 2000 Hunter 240 for coastal runs of 15-20mi for about 9mths with the standard main sail and a roller furling jib. The downwind speed could use a better approach so I’m searching for a used asymmetrical cruising sail with dousing sock or chute scoop to fly from a very low point on the bow pulpit (just fwd of the furling drum) and up to a new point attached just above the headstay. This would also calm my single forestay anxiety with at least a secondary line averting disaster if the front-stay pin or hardware failed. Found optional factory engineering drawings showing spinnaker sheets attached to pulleys down low at the sternrail seat mount and then forward toward the winches. I’d like to gybe, trim and douse it single handed from the cockpit, leaving it in place until we trailer the boat if possible. It seems that trying to use a standard spinnaker and whisker pole single handed is too bothersome/impossible. Maybe the whole idea is too but it looks like about $600 would get it done and help our boat speed a little. Any input or experience in a similar application before I commit would be great. Aloha, Michael on “Bonafide”

 

[Ed Childres]

Same concept on the 260

Michael,This is the same concept we are using on our H260. Look under owner submitted photos of the 260 for "flying the flag" if you want to see a picture of ours in use.Our set up works well but I would not attempt it single handed. But plenty of others on this site with more skill and experience have lived to write stories. So it can be done single handed. Hunters are forgiving. If you get in trouble you will be layed over until the wind spills and the boat head up out of your control. We prefer three people but two is our minimum. Jibes are easier and we douse the sock from on deck in front of the mast.We stow the rig below except for down wind runs. Our experience with leaving in place proved to be too messy with the roller furling on tacks. On our favorite lake the run home to the slip is down wind of the lunch stops. So we take 5 minutes to put every thing in place while still at anchor or the resturant dock. Then put it away when putting the main sail cover on back at the dock. We keep the blocks, sheets, down haul, bead of pearls, sail & sock all in the sail bag.Ed

 

[Ed Childres]

Use it on most days

Michael,The sail is fun to use. Would do it again. You get a large boost of speed with it and it is a challange. With our last boat we had a drifter that was held out with a whisker pole. On the down wind runs it was time to read a book, play cards, sleep, etc.. Now all are involved and we attempt breaking our own speed records.I take it down to avoid the clutter, noise and wear on the equipment. The sock over the sail has some surface area and wants to fly even when tied off tight to the bow rail. I got some abrasion on a sheet by leaving every thing in place one windy afternoon...rather listen to tunes than a flogging sail sock.The upgraded winches, blocks & cleats make it more enjoyable for me. I like gear that is sized to do the job. On really light days just before I give in to the motor I think about smaller lighter sheets. But in the blow doing plus 6 knots I like my combination. So all in all I would not change.Ed

 

[soling42]

Sheets/halyard size?

Ed, Thanks for the great encouragement. Are the specs from Hunter (above) what you would recommend, considering I'm on a slightly lighter boat than yours. I can't imagine this boat w/ an assy on a run in anything over 15kts of wind. What size sheets and halyards are you using? Even in light air (5-12) if you need to head to windward you douse the sail and stow it below? Thanks, MKS