Genoa for H260

[Tom]

Are any of the 26 / 260 Hunter owners flying a Genoa (135% or 150%). I am considering adding one to my inventory and want to get thoughts from owners that have experience with this.I don't have roller furling, so it would be hanked on.Would have to install additional jib sheet blocks, too.Thank you for your input...Tom

 

[Ron]

Genoas

I think you will find that not many 26 or 260 owners use a larger genoa since the boat is not really set up to handle it and Hunter does not recommend it's use. Since the 26/260 can be easily overpowered with too much sail, if you want more headsail for light winds, the recommendation to me was to get a cruising spinnaker for use in light winds - although it is mostly used when reaching, not close-hauled. This site's archives should have some discussion on this issue, so give that a try. I recall a few owners have used larger headsails, but I think this is a small minority.

 

[Don Barber]

Not a Good Idea

My advise is forget about a large head sail. My H-26 came with a very nice 135% Genoa that was custom made for it The orginal jib was completely unused. When I sailed the boat with the Genoa, the boat was completely unbalanced, and carried intense weatherhelm. It was almost uncontrollable in a 12 kt. breeze. Furthermore, since the Genoa had to be mounted outboard of the shrouds, it negatively affected the boat's ability to beat to weather. When I switched to the original jib, the boat sailed beautifully. The overpowering weatherhelm was gone. My advise is to go with an asymmetrical spinnaker and keep your jib. Remember, the 260 is a mainsail powered boat with a tall mast and a fractional rig. It is not intended to receive a lot of power from the headsail. Good luck.Don BarberS/V Third Degree

 

[Michael Bell]

Agree

If you want something big out there, make it some sort of cruising spinnaker.Otherwise, you'll just be blowing your bow off the wind and having a difficult time steering.