I am in the process of running the halyards on my 1988 H23 aft. I have corresponded with folks who recommended a downhaul for the jib. Those of you who have rigged your H23 (or similar size Hunter) for sailing from the cockpit, do your feel a downhaul for the main is necessary or not? Thanks.
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Yes
If by "downhaul" you mean a cunningham that tightens the main at the mast, then I would recommend it. The effect is to flatten the sail at a critical place, providing more spill in a heavy wind while powering the boat without a reef. On a jib it would seem to be unnecessary.
If by "downhaul" you mean a cunningham that tightens the main at the mast, then I would recommend it. The effect is to flatten the sail at a critical place, providing more spill in a heavy wind while powering the boat without a reef. On a jib it would seem to be unnecessary.
No
A jib downhaul is no more necessary than having the halyards run to the cockpit. However, it is atleast as handy as halyards run aft and it is really easy to set up.
A jib downhaul is no more necessary than having the halyards run to the cockpit. However, it is atleast as handy as halyards run aft and it is really easy to set up.
yes if short handed
I consider a downhaul a must if you are sailing short handed or solo. If you need to drop sail FAST, you probably dont want to be balanceing off the bow by yourself with no one at the tiller while you pull the headsail down.
I consider a downhaul a must if you are sailing short handed or solo. If you need to drop sail FAST, you probably dont want to be balanceing off the bow by yourself with no one at the tiller while you pull the headsail down.
Jib Downhaul
I had a jib downhaul on a 26'T-Bird sloop I owned for 19 years. There were times I would find myself in a steep chop and high winds quickly, and having the ability to haul down that jib from the cockpit was very helpful. No such need on the mail sail although I did install single line reefing to the cockpit. The jib downhaul probably wasn't as effective as roller furling, but cost about 1/20th as much. Rick D.
I had a jib downhaul on a 26'T-Bird sloop I owned for 19 years. There were times I would find myself in a steep chop and high winds quickly, and having the ability to haul down that jib from the cockpit was very helpful. No such need on the mail sail although I did install single line reefing to the cockpit. The jib downhaul probably wasn't as effective as roller furling, but cost about 1/20th as much. Rick D.
No
Hauling the jib down is only half the problem. You still have to go up on the bow to secure it and prevent it from flogging out of control or worse yet dragging in the water. Personally, I'm not in favor of lines led back to the cockpit of the H23 because they provide a fals sense of security. As mentioned before, you still have to leave the cockpit to secure the jib and you have to go up to the base of the mast when reefing the main in order to slip the reef cringle over the rams horn. My suggestion would be to practice keeping a sharp look out so you won't be caught by surprise. Reduce sail early and become accustomed to leaving the cockpit in less than ideal conditions. Otherwise, a situation may arise where you HAVE to leave the cockpit in heavy weather but will be reluctant to do so because of a lack of confidence or familiarity. Happy sailing. Peter H23 "Raven"
Hauling the jib down is only half the problem. You still have to go up on the bow to secure it and prevent it from flogging out of control or worse yet dragging in the water. Personally, I'm not in favor of lines led back to the cockpit of the H23 because they provide a fals sense of security. As mentioned before, you still have to leave the cockpit to secure the jib and you have to go up to the base of the mast when reefing the main in order to slip the reef cringle over the rams horn. My suggestion would be to practice keeping a sharp look out so you won't be caught by surprise. Reduce sail early and become accustomed to leaving the cockpit in less than ideal conditions. Otherwise, a situation may arise where you HAVE to leave the cockpit in heavy weather but will be reluctant to do so because of a lack of confidence or familiarity. Happy sailing. Peter H23 "Raven"
Lines led aft
Chip: If the purpose of leading lines aft to the cockpit is for safety during single-handed sailing, then use roller furling with a 135, or 150, genoa so a jib downhaul line isn't required. One use for a jib downhaul line is quick jib takedown while setting a spinnaker (which implies an ample amount of foredeck crew). - Kevin.
Chip: If the purpose of leading lines aft to the cockpit is for safety during single-handed sailing, then use roller furling with a 135, or 150, genoa so a jib downhaul line isn't required. One use for a jib downhaul line is quick jib takedown while setting a spinnaker (which implies an ample amount of foredeck crew). - Kevin.
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