Doyle Asymetrical Spinnakers

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Jim Schaff

I've had an H26 for about 4 1/2 years now and use only the original sails that came with the boat -- full batten main and 100% jib. I've never used a spinnaker and don't know if they are worth the money or not. (They sure look pretty though!) There is some chatter in the bigger boats sections about these sails but I wonder how well they work on the smaller boats. What hardware is necessary to purchase and install if I get one of these ASPs? Is there and advantage/disadvantage to have an asymetrical vs. a Symetrical on an H26? I bought Companionway doors for my H26 on HOW and couldn't live without them anymore. I just wonder if I'd be as pleased with one of these Doyle ASP's. Any sharing of expericences with these sails would be appreciated. Jim Schaff s/v Morning Glory
 
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Ron Fraboni

Bought A UK Flasher From HOW

Jim, Like you, after four years of sailing the H26, I found that the original sails don't provide very good light wind power. After asking about a bigger genoa to solve the problem, I was advised by other owners AND Hunter that the H26 was not really designed for a larger jib. The advice was to purchase a cruising spinnaker, also known as an asymmetrical spinnaker. They come in both a radial and tri-radial cut, but the radial is cheaper and usually all that is needed for a 26. This sail is easy to use and requires no spinnaker pole and can be used with the jib halyard. I purchased mine from the HOW website two years ago when they offered the UK brand who originally (I think) developed this type of sail. It is often used with a dousing sock to make it easy to set and recover. The UK brand calls their sail a FLASHER AND sock which goes with it - a STASHER. The deal in the winter was 10% off the sail, the Stasher was free, and shipping was free. The whole package then was $660, which I think was a good price,but unlikely to be available now. You had your choice of colors and could design the panels however you wished. The sail definitely provides good power in light wind when you are reaching or running,but can overpower the boat if stronger winds pick up. I have found it to have fairly limited use, but winds have been good since I bought it. Suggest you go to UK Sails website where I think there is good info about this type of sail. Don't know about Doyle sails now offered by HOW, but you can check other sailmakers since this is a fairly common sail nowdays. Good Luck.
 

Phil Herring

Alien
Mar 25, 1997
4,924
- - Bainbridge Island
Doyle vs UK

Just to claridy, the loft we have always used to provide sails through HOW was originally a UK loft. About a year ago, they decided to leave UK and switch to Doyle. Among other reasons, they cited better design technology in the Doyle family. Although we now offer the APC instead of the Flasher, they are still made by the same folks. The offer we're running now is substantially the same as the UK deal: 10% off, free dousing sock, $5 shipping. Although I haven't compared the actual dollars, they're probably within 10%. We've sold more sails to owners of smaller boats than larger ones, so I'm sure a few folks can tell you how they work on a 26. Hey, if nothing else, researching it will be fun! p.
 
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David Foster

Dotle APC on a h27

We bought a new APC for our '77 h27 this summer. So far, it works as advertised, giving a big boost in light winds, and working well with wind forward of the beam back to the rear quarter. We also had it out in around 10 knots where the luff held up well on a beam reach. I understand that (unlike a standard spinnaker) this sail does not work well straight downwind, where it is masked by the main. Also, it is really meant for cruising - getting on the other tack requires pulling down the dousing sock, carefully pulling it around the forestay, and then rigging the sheet on the other side. We had several days on the "iron genny" before we had the APC which would have been under sail instead. Also, it is a spectacular sight. Ron's explanation of how the sail works sounds right to me. Finally, in my mind, a lot of the fun of buying a new sail is finding a good sailmaker, and working with him to learn what is the right decision for your boat, and how you sail her. If you can't get that help, then you need a lot more research to feel comfortable with the decision.
 
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David Foster

Doyle APC on a h27

We bought a new APC for our '77 h27 this summer. So far, it works as advertised, giving a big boost in light winds, and working well with wind forward of the beam back to the rear quarter. We also had it out in around 10 knots where the luff held up well on a beam reach. I understand that (unlike a standard spinnaker) this sail does not work well straight downwind, where it is masked by the main. Also, it is really meant for cruising - getting on the other tack requires pulling down the dousing sock, carefully pulling it around the forestay, and then rigging the sheet on the other side. We had several days on the "iron genny" before we had the APC which would have been under sail instead. Also, it is a spectacular sight. Ron's explanation of how the sail works sounds right to me. Finally, in my mind, a lot of the fun of buying a new sail is finding a good sailmaker, and working with him to learn what is the right decision for your boat, and how you sail her. If you can't get that help, then you need a lot more research to feel comfortable with the decision.
 
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ED

????????

I am conserned about a Doyle sail. I have had to have both my Jib (clue tour out)and main sail (luff rope shrinking) repaired. I might go to a sailmaker and pay a little more , but work with them.
 
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Paul

What about the doyler UPS

I am thinking about a Doyle UPS for my 260 because I singlehand a lot. Anybody have any experience with this kind of "drifter" genny instead of an asymetrical?
 
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ED

yes

Yes, but it has a Doyle name on it. So it is a Doyle sail. If the spinnaker has a Doyle is it a Doyle ???? Or OEM ????? If so am I bying a Doyle sail ??????? Maby it is cheaper because it is not but an OEM. Then will i have some problems with it also ?????Makes you think about it.....
 

Phil Herring

Alien
Mar 25, 1997
4,924
- - Bainbridge Island
OEM vs other lofts

As I understand it, the OEM sails (the ones built specifically for the manufacturers) are not exactly the same as the sails you'd have built for your boat at a loft. I know this was the case with UK (they make their OEM's offshore) and I believe there may be some differences in the Doyle sails, too.
 
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Chris

Doyle UPS

Has anyone hve any experience with a Doyle "UPS". I believe it is a asymetrical but buit so that it furl's. No Sock required? I was quoted around $1,100 (working from memory) with a choice of colors etc., also this included all the hardware. Does anyone now if this differs from the ones advertised for the h26 on this site?
 
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Bly Berken

Doyle UPS

While I don't have personal experience with the Doyle UPS, we will be carrying them in our store shortly. The UPS is really a hybrid between and Genoa and an APC. While the APC is designed for more power while sailing downwind the UPS is great in light winds (almost like a drifter) and offers the flexibity of sailing closer to the wind (close reach). It does come with what is called a Screecher Furler by Harkin. A small drum is attached to the tack of the sail and a swivel at the top. The drum is tacked to the bow (maybe an anchor roller) and allows you to furl and unfurl the sail. When we get these products up in the store, like all other sails, they will be priced 10% off of retail. The cost for the Hunter 26 will be $966. If you are interested in this sail, send me an email with your boat model and year and I'll send you a quote. The sails should be online in a few weeks. My email address is bly@SailboatOwners.com.
 
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