Chutescoop versus ATN Sock

[Ed Schenck]

Is anyone using a Chutescoop for snuffing their asymmetrical? I know most of you use the ATN but cheap me, always looking to save a few bucks. http://www.chutescoop.com/

 

[Tejas]

I use the North Sails snuffer. A Chutescoop came with the boat for free, and that was about what I thought it was worth - I gave it away. Practical Sailor did a review of ATN, North's SnufferPlus and Chutescoop in December 2004, and preferred the SnufferPlus. Among the conclusions was that the ATN was the "most rugged of the three," the Chutescoop was "an economy product, perhaps best suited for casual use," and that the SnufferPlus was "significantly lighter than ... the ATN ... an advantage, and more competitively priced."

 

[Ed Schenck]

Thanks for the real "scoop". I am surprised but the North snuffer is also fairly priced: http://www.nsd.northsails.com/product/tabid/62/productid/102/sename/snuffers/default.aspx . My loft is North Sails and I am used to paying big bucks. I am curious as to how they can be so different.

 

[Slade]

Ordered a G2 with SnufferPlus during North's Boat Show promotion. Have watched their video a hundred times. Can't wait to give it a try this summer. I'll post a review once we get on the water.

The SnufferPlus was basically free on the promotion. My wife is my primary crew and she's never sailed before. I'm thinking this might make it much easier on us both.

 

[Alan]

Seriously Ed, if you want to save money AND make life easier try flying the sail as she was made (naked). The sock is really unnecessary. You can launch it from the bag on deck or through the forpeak hatch. To douse, just release the sheets and pull in the tack while dropping the halyard. I prefer to drop the sail through the forward hatch. I control the drop rate with a foot on the halyard.

 

[Seattle Scott]

Ed, you don't need new. Look for a used ATN - I did.

 

[Ed Schenck]

Alan, I do that now. You are the only one to try and dissuade me. I like that!
Scott, so far no luck with used. Believe me, that is always step one.

 

[DannyS]

I have a Chutescoop, probably one of the first generation models because the lines run inside the sleeve and not in a dedicated pocket away from the sail. It works very well when rigged properly but it can bind up if not rigged properly. The new ones have probably corrected this. I fly the chute enough to find this a necessary piece of equipment for the way we sail our boat and I don't believe I'd ever feel the need to replace the one I have. But then again, I've never used one of the new versions to know what I'm missing.

 

[RickS]

On our last boat, we used the Chutescoop and it worked well and we were able to tame the spinnaker. We purchased a North Sails snuffer with our Asym spinnaker. Both units are equally easy to use and well constructed. The BIG difference is the Chutescoop wire ring vs the North Sails fiberglass cone. Given the narrow cabin doors below, the wire ring is easier to move through the doors and does not nick the woodwork.