Anyone have any feedback about the Doyle Asymetrical Power Cruising Spinnaker (or other similar cruising spinnakers)? I'm thinking about getting one for my 28' Catalina tall rig. Thanks.
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APC
I do not yet have an APC, though I hope to add one to my inventory for the coming season (Darcy is worried that I am going to 'finish' this boat and need a new one before too long). I have a friend with one on his Sabre 28, however, and he swears by it. He finds it very easy to set with the dousing rig, and easy to trim. He basic take when I asked whether I ought to get one was to point out that it gives you almost as much power as a well flown sym chute, but that he is much more likely to fly it. I'll let you know how I like mine, but it won't be for six months. Boat hit the hard this morning. Makes me wonder why I have been paying to eat mussels all season when I already had plenty of them. Justin - O'day Owners' Web
I do not yet have an APC, though I hope to add one to my inventory for the coming season (Darcy is worried that I am going to 'finish' this boat and need a new one before too long). I have a friend with one on his Sabre 28, however, and he swears by it. He finds it very easy to set with the dousing rig, and easy to trim. He basic take when I asked whether I ought to get one was to point out that it gives you almost as much power as a well flown sym chute, but that he is much more likely to fly it. I'll let you know how I like mine, but it won't be for six months. Boat hit the hard this morning. Makes me wonder why I have been paying to eat mussels all season when I already had plenty of them. Justin - O'day Owners' Web
I have an one on my Christmas list . . .
Check out the spinnakers on the Sailnet.com site (Airforce sails) they have what appears to be the same as the Doyle sail at a much lower price . . .All reviews point out the ease of use over the symetrical spinnaker and fact that less expensive rigging and hardware required.
Check out the spinnakers on the Sailnet.com site (Airforce sails) they have what appears to be the same as the Doyle sail at a much lower price . . .All reviews point out the ease of use over the symetrical spinnaker and fact that less expensive rigging and hardware required.
spinnaker
We bought a Flasher made by UK Sails for our 340 from HOW. Then when we traded up to a 380 we bought a Doyle APC from HOW. Both sails are very easy to use with just my wife and I. But there is a definite design differance between the two. About the Air force sails it dosn't look like they come with the ATN sock that is almost a must have item. Andy Hansom
We bought a Flasher made by UK Sails for our 340 from HOW. Then when we traded up to a 380 we bought a Doyle APC from HOW. Both sails are very easy to use with just my wife and I. But there is a definite design differance between the two. About the Air force sails it dosn't look like they come with the ATN sock that is almost a must have item. Andy Hansom
We've got a North APS on our 430 and
love it.. Where we really see the difference is around 5 to 10k from a beam reach to a run..The nice part is that after we used it a few times it is no problem for the my wife and I to handle it...
love it.. Where we really see the difference is around 5 to 10k from a beam reach to a run..The nice part is that after we used it a few times it is no problem for the my wife and I to handle it...
A thought on sail prices
Even though some sails are cut with automated equipment (as Doyle does) they are all manufactured essentially the same way -- by hand. There simply isn't any great secret or economy of scale that makes identical sails drastically less money at certain lofts. More often than not, lower sail prices means there is some difference in materials or labor. So, even though an AirForce sail may _look_ like a Doyle, it doesn't mean it's built the same way or will hold its shape as long.
Even though some sails are cut with automated equipment (as Doyle does) they are all manufactured essentially the same way -- by hand. There simply isn't any great secret or economy of scale that makes identical sails drastically less money at certain lofts. More often than not, lower sail prices means there is some difference in materials or labor. So, even though an AirForce sail may _look_ like a Doyle, it doesn't mean it's built the same way or will hold its shape as long.
When I purchased my Beneteau 361 this summer I ordered a Doyle asymetrical cruising spinnaker through BON. I am thrilled with the quality of the sail as well as the ease I can raise and lower. I do a lot of singlehand sailing so this factor was VERY important to me. I have nothing but high praise. As an additional point, this is the second spinnaker I have purchased through Bly and Phil (I had a Catalina 27 TR previously) that is how satisifed I am Best of luck
Asymmetrical Spinnakers
Have owned two Doyle asymmetrical spinnakers and have one on my current boat a Catalina 320. Couple of observations ..... these chutes do not do well dead downwind nor have I been able to sail as high on a reach as Doyle's literature and polars indicate. The Doyle APC works best in lighter winds and is a distinct advantage on a broad reach. Go with the ATN sleeve as it is superior and less likely to get hung up than my prior Chutescoop sleeve.
Have owned two Doyle asymmetrical spinnakers and have one on my current boat a Catalina 320. Couple of observations ..... these chutes do not do well dead downwind nor have I been able to sail as high on a reach as Doyle's literature and polars indicate. The Doyle APC works best in lighter winds and is a distinct advantage on a broad reach. Go with the ATN sleeve as it is superior and less likely to get hung up than my prior Chutescoop sleeve.
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