Cutter vs. Sloop

[Josh]

What advantages does a cutter have over a sloop? To look at the setup, I would think any sloop could be converted to a cutter, but notice that only one larger rigs are cutters available. Are the advantages only worth the effort on larger boats? Or are their disadvantages that outweigh putting them on smaller boats.I know they provide more sail area, which means more power and more speed to a point, but is that it? Personally, I just think the like slick...I wouldn't bother to convert my 22, but wouldn't mind finding one when I choose to upgrade.Thanks,Josh

 

[Don Evans]

Some Thoughts...

I don't think every sloop can be converted to a "well behaved" cutter simply by adding a inner forestay. The dynamics of sail balance and centre of efforts is going to change, making it necessary to alter something else to retain a neutral helm. Usually a boats designer will move the mast slightly ahead of amidship for a sloop, dead centre for a cutter rig, or add a bowsprit, or both. Adding a staysail to the slot will alter helm feel, whether running both sails or just the staysail. Other complications will include adding running backstays to allow adjustment for the added forestay. Also making the stay deck mounted will make it necessary to reinforce the deck area, because of increased tension and finding a place to store the removable stay if it is removable at the deck. In addition added cost for the stays, and sail and roller furling and other hardware. Some have reported difficulty in tacking the sail through the slot in light air conditions too.Having said all that, there have been many positive benefits to adding a staysail reported by many who have successfully converted their sloop to a cutter rig. Having the ability to alter sailplan as the weather dictates is a plus. You can generally carry more sail area in the foretringle in a cutter setup, and much less if needed. I am a fan of this sailplan if the boat was built for it (Bayfield line, Cabo Rico etc.). It makes sense to me for a blue water cruiser.Don

 

[Leonard Hooks]

Comments from cutter owners

Don's thoughts are correct and well thought-out. But...A friend who has a Hunter 37, which is a cutter and has made two Caribbean cruises with it, says the stay sail doesn't add that much, in fact it detracts from boat speed! One big single foretriangle generates more push. My friend says the main time he uses his stay-sail is to reduce sail area in heavier winds (no jib). I have seen some H37's that were converted to sloops by owners who wanted more speed and less hassels. If you want to convert a sloop to cutter, you should move your forestay forward with a bowsprit. If you notice you don't see new boats with cutter or ketch rigs is they really don't add much. They help balance the boat. Beyond that, they actually slow you down.

 

[Josh]

Wasn't looking to convert...

Was just more curious why there weren't that many being built. With what Leonard just stated, the reasons are more then I suspected. I figured more sail area meant more speed. I personally thought the cutter looked better, and I had read it was a better choice for a blue water cruiser. This is because as you stated, it's easier to fly less sail in heavier winds.I guess most people are more worried about speed then survivability in heavy weather. I've noticed that many larger boats are cutters, but there aren't too many cutters under say 35 feet.Anyways, thanks!Josh

 

[Leonard Hooks]

More sail means power, not speed

Bigger boats are often cutters and ketchs because to get more power means more sail. But to get more sail on a big boat, you can manage several smaller sails than one or two huge sails. The sloop concept delivers more speed due to it's air flow characteristics similar to an airplane's wing. (Remember sailboats actually fly vertically dragging one wing in the water.) Maximum speed is gained with the combination of foresail and mainsail fit to the shape of the hull.