Correct size for spinnaker sock

[Kermit]

I got a great quote on a spinnaker sock from www.chutescoop.com I ordered the spinnaker from FXSails for my 1986 Hunter 23. The luff of the spinnaker is 26'5" and the leech is 23'9". The owner and I talked about the correct length. He suggested a 25' sock but can send me a 23' or 24' sock. The advantage to the shorter sock is ease of hoisting the sock over the clew. The advantage to the longer sock is there is less exposed sail on the deck when the spinnaker is covered. He said the longer sock might be easier for someone with the vast amount if "inexperience" I have.

Do y'all have any thoughts as to which would be better for my purpose?

Thanks and Merry Christmas!

 

[Mulf]

I wnet through this decision this spring.

Sailmaker recommended one just short of the leech length. I ordered one the luff length for the exact reason you state. When I got it and started using it, it continually hung up on the leech when trying to pull the sock up because the leech corner on my new gennaker has a large stiff corner. I ended up exchanging the sock for the shorter one. Having all the sail wrapped when the sock was down was not worth the difficulty in hauling the sock up. I had to stop and manually pull the leech corner out of the sock mouth. So look at your leech corner. If it will hang up in the mouth of the sock I would recommend the shorter length.

 

[Clark]

Ditto to Mulf here. Get the sock about equal to or slightly less than the leech. It will leave room for ease of sheet attachments to clew and hoisting sock but not enough (IMHO) luff exposure to be an issue.

 

[Kermit]

I never thanked y'all for your advice. I ended up ordering a 23.5' sock. Can't wait to see my cool new spinnaker flying after Christmas!

Thanks for your help!

Kermit