Has anyone done this? Will it increase performance and decrease wheather helm? I Have a 05 H36 with in mast sail, and I think the standard head sail is 110, will going to 135 help? Any input welcomed. thanks abe
Bigger Head Sail on a 36/356 Hunter, anyone?
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fractional rigs
obtain their drive primarily from the main and what lift you derive from increasing the headsail size will only be marginal and likely increase weather helm. Before spending the money on a new headsail, I'd do everything possible in terms of trimming your furling main which is the biggest factor. Don
obtain their drive primarily from the main and what lift you derive from increasing the headsail size will only be marginal and likely increase weather helm. Before spending the money on a new headsail, I'd do everything possible in terms of trimming your furling main which is the biggest factor. Don
125 JIB
I think it was jack in calf with a 410 hunter went to a 125 not bigger and vertical battens.
I think it was jack in calf with a 410 hunter went to a 125 not bigger and vertical battens.
356 headsails
Abe, we went to a 122, built by Doyle out of squareweave with a foam luff-that's the largest jib that will work with the 356 cabintop tracks-the 36 may be able to go larger. this sail nicely complements our somewhat larger in mast Doyle cruising laminate main. the boat is definitely faster and sails better upwind, flatter too, but I think it's mainly because of much better sail shape than the original UK bedsheets.As Don said, the main does most of the work and being able to better control shape, and the slot, is the main gain. under mosconditions, we have a very slight weather helm.Interestingly, we can sail comfortably in about 4 kts more breeze without reefing because of the flatter sail shapes
Abe, we went to a 122, built by Doyle out of squareweave with a foam luff-that's the largest jib that will work with the 356 cabintop tracks-the 36 may be able to go larger. this sail nicely complements our somewhat larger in mast Doyle cruising laminate main. the boat is definitely faster and sails better upwind, flatter too, but I think it's mainly because of much better sail shape than the original UK bedsheets.As Don said, the main does most of the work and being able to better control shape, and the slot, is the main gain. under mosconditions, we have a very slight weather helm.Interestingly, we can sail comfortably in about 4 kts more breeze without reefing because of the flatter sail shapes
Head sail size
Abe, You are limited by the track location and it's length and the width of the spreaders. Any bigger sail would only be usefull for reaching or running because the sail will not be able to be trimed in with out hitting the spreaders. I just had Gary Swenson at Ullman Sails in Ventura build a sail for our 380 last month. Gary came over and measured and built what he thought would be the maximum size. Give me a call or email if you want to come over and see what they made. Our boat is also in Channel Islands (320-7367) Andy Hansom Hunter 380 Vanishing Point
Abe, You are limited by the track location and it's length and the width of the spreaders. Any bigger sail would only be usefull for reaching or running because the sail will not be able to be trimed in with out hitting the spreaders. I just had Gary Swenson at Ullman Sails in Ventura build a sail for our 380 last month. Gary came over and measured and built what he thought would be the maximum size. Give me a call or email if you want to come over and see what they made. Our boat is also in Channel Islands (320-7367) Andy Hansom Hunter 380 Vanishing Point
155% on 356...
Abe, I have a 155% on my 356 for a 3 years now (std main). It makes a big difference on light air days. I use it for racing to not loose the sail area to boats with the similar ratings that have the bigger headsails. If you are racing, then I would say get the bigger headsail. If for cruising, then get an ASM. The 155% will increase the weather helm, but I do play with the traveler a lot. I put in a track next to the cockpit, but you can fly the 155% without it. the track helps with light air and getting the right sheeting angles, but in medium air, I just run the sheets back to blocks where the spinnaker blocks are on the arch for the arch. You will need the spinnaker wenches on the side of the cockpit (356). As far as sheeting in the 155%, it goes up to but doesn't touch the spreaders by sheeting outside of both outer shrouds (110% goes between inner and outer). My 356 sails well in very light air when other boats are just turning circles. For racing, it is well worth it. I don't know it it will do what you want since you have a furling main. If you want further info, or more details, e-mail me (sestyles@yahoo.com). Steve
Abe, I have a 155% on my 356 for a 3 years now (std main). It makes a big difference on light air days. I use it for racing to not loose the sail area to boats with the similar ratings that have the bigger headsails. If you are racing, then I would say get the bigger headsail. If for cruising, then get an ASM. The 155% will increase the weather helm, but I do play with the traveler a lot. I put in a track next to the cockpit, but you can fly the 155% without it. the track helps with light air and getting the right sheeting angles, but in medium air, I just run the sheets back to blocks where the spinnaker blocks are on the arch for the arch. You will need the spinnaker wenches on the side of the cockpit (356). As far as sheeting in the 155%, it goes up to but doesn't touch the spreaders by sheeting outside of both outer shrouds (110% goes between inner and outer). My 356 sails well in very light air when other boats are just turning circles. For racing, it is well worth it. I don't know it it will do what you want since you have a furling main. If you want further info, or more details, e-mail me (sestyles@yahoo.com). Steve
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