Choosing a Larger Genoa for a 1989 33.5

[Sailstad]

I just completed my first season with my 33.5 and I'm ready for a larger foresail. I've seen some discussion around this on the forums but the opinions have varied and from years ago. Thought I'd see if there are fresh perspectives on the topic.

The local North Sails rep told me that 140% is the most popular upgrade, but an experienced and knowledgable friend suggests I go 150% or perhaps 155%. I'm OK going bigger budget-wise, but don't want the boat to become too difficult to handle for me and my wife, and of course don't want to get a bigger sail if it's not going to result in noticeably improved performance. Also, how big is too big for the rig?

We're primarily cruisers not racers so Dacron seems fine for us. I'm leaning toward radial rather than crosscut. (Series 200 Radian NorDac Dacron was recommended). It's also important to me that the sail perform reasonably well when partially furled and the rep was confident that the RopeLuff Reefing Pad would help with this.

Thanks very much in advance for any comments related to the material, size, cut and the reefing pad effectiveness.

 

[Chief RA]

If you are not racing I would agree with your friend. Chief

 

[kito]

What you got now?

 

[Sailstad]

What you got now?

I've been told it's the original 100%. It needs some leech work but hard to believe it's that old. Definitely too small either way.

 

[kito]

If the clew just reaches the mast at the centerline then you got a 100%. Funny, I just posted about just buying a 110% to replace a 155%. Most said it was a good move...I tend to agree. I am not a racer either. What's the hurry?

 

[Stu Jackson]

A very illuminating and interesting discussion on co.com for those of you who might be in the market for a new jib.

http://forums.catalina.sailboatowners.com/showthread.php?t=155362

Please read all three pages. Enjoy.

 

[Sailstad]

If the clew just reaches the mast at the centerline then you got a 100%. Funny, I just posted about just buying a 110% to replace a 155%. Most said it was a good move...I tend to agree. I am not a racer either. What's the hurry?

Even though I don't race, I'd prefer the boat have the option for more speed when desired. I may do a little social racing in the future.

Was your 155% not giving you noticeable benefits?

 

[danm1]

I'd argue for 130-140, but confess that I sail a 25.5 not a 33.5. Still, my experience with a 150 is that I need to either roll it up partially or reef the main when it gets to around 10-15 knots of wind and above 15 knots I don't even bother with the main. The 150 came with the boat, but I would rather be able to fly main and jib than just one, or have to keep reefing because of a gusty day. Obviously the 33.5 won't be as tender, but I would consider the typical wind strength you encounter. If it is usually 5-10 knots, go with the bigger sail. If it is typically 15 knots or more, I would be more moderate.

 

[Sailstad]

I'd argue for 130-140, but confess that I sail a 25.5 not a 33.5. Still, my experience with a 150 is that I need to either roll it up partially or reef the main when it gets to around 10-15 knots of wind and above 15 knots I don't even bother with the main. The 150 came with the boat, but I would rather be able to fly main and jib than just one, or have to keep reefing because of a gusty day. Obviously the 33.5 won't be as tender, but I would consider the typical wind strength you encounter. If it is usually 5-10 knots, go with the bigger sail. If it is typically 15 knots or more, I would be more moderate.

Great points. Thanks, danm1.

 

[nveater]

I have a 33.5 and have a 155 Genoa - I do occasionally race and for the light airs of the summer in the Chesapeake you kinda need it. That being said in heavy air the boat moves very,very well upwind with the smaller oem 110 jib I think because of the tall mast and fractional foresail we derive most of our drive from the main

 

[Jackdaw]

Because your boat is 3/4 fractional, your headsail will be much smaller sail-area wise than a typical 34 footer. Milwaukee typically has light air Lake Michigan summers, so the extra sail would be nice.

The speed improvement will only be incremental, and most notable in light 4-7 knots airs. In more breeze its extra sailcloth.

You'll have to pick what is more important for you. These choices are always a compromise.

 

[Sailstad]

Thanks nveater and Jackdaw (and all above). Really appreciate the comments.

 

[Claude L.-Auger]

My 34 is masthead rigged so my comments might not be appropriate to your fractional rig. A few years ago i got lucky and a friend with a boat with characteristics similar tyo mine loaned me his 150 for a few weeks. So I got the opportunity to try it under various conditions. Light wind speed increase was not all that important. Very light wind was actually creating negative trimming conditions because of the weight of the sail. in fact it sailed better in light wind with the sail partially furled. As for winds above 15 knots, I needed to furl so much that the sail became almost impossible to trim.

Considering prevailing winds where I sail, and considering that I sail solo most of the time, after much discussion with my sail loft, I went with a 130 with foam luff. Very effective and it can be furled a bit and keep a decent shape. But I also ordered an asymetrical spinnaker, with a sock, and I do not hesitate to fly it. Been very happy with this choice but as I said I have a masthead rigging. good luck with your decision.

 

[Keith13315]

I am on southern Lake Michigan I have an H31. With the light air in the summer I am glad I have have a 150. Like every question you ask on this board with a subjective answer you get almost every possible answer, which is very good. I appreciate everyone's prospective take in account all the points made and make a decision, so use the knowledge of all these experienced people and do what you think is best there is no right or wrong answer to this question. Good Luck and this board has the smartest sailors with some of the best ideas.