ATN dousing sock (copy: Guest Expert Forum)

[Leif Arneson]

I am going to order a Doyle APC cruising spinnaker for my Hunter 19 (93-96) and wondering how important an ATN dousing sock is when used in conjunction with such a small sail. I don’t mind the extra expense, but would like to avoid having any unnecessary equipment on board (no matter how well designed, built or thought out sh_t still happens). I don’t doubt the merits of this product when sailing shorthanded on a larger boat, but on a 19-foot boat, isn’t a dousing sock more hassle than it is worth? Although I may sound a bit skeptical, my mind is far from made up and any advice would be greatly appreciated.P.S. Thanks again for all the information various readers of this forum have contributed. Due to the fact that I have the only Hunter 19 (93-96) in Norway and there are only a handful of others under 26 feet, the ability to exchange “Hunter-relevant” information is invaluable.Leif

 

[David Foster]

You understand the issues, Leif

I wouldn't be without the sock for our APC spinnaker on our '77 h27. It provides quick and easy deployment, and easy switching between the spinnaker and jib if the winds are changeable.But my wife and I remember playing with the spinnaker on a Rhodes 19 (long ago) as pure fun. I doubt the sail is very hard to handle. The final question would be how do you use the boat and what are your winds like. Daysailing in relatively steady winds like our Rhodes 19 in Newport, RI, would say no sock. I'd still think about it if I were cruising in the variable summer winds of Lake Erie.By the way, it's a great sail - you'll love the lift whatever your decision.DavidLady Lillie

 

[Bill O'Donovan]

Sock, for sure

1. It's easier to douse.2. It's easier to store, doused.3. It's quicker to go up and down.4. It avoids frustrating sail wraps.5. It's safer.6. Your wife will think she invented it.