H26 Genoa 150%

[Claude Bourgon]

I own a 1997 Hunter 26 and I am considering having a furling system installed, equipped with a 150% genoa.1-Has the boat been designed to accept such a mechanism?2-If so, how and where do you suggest we install the sheet rails?Your answer will be greatly appreciated. Thank you.

 

[Jim Covey]

My Thoughts

Claude,I haven't upgraded my H26 with a fuller yet, that's on the top of the list for next spring, but I've given it a lot of thought and looking at so far. I think a 150 may be too large for your genoa. Remember the main is the driving force of this boat, not the headsail. You may have problems trying to get a good shape. I'm planning on using a 110-120% once I upgrade. Then my next purchase has to be an asymetrical spinnaker for better downwind / light air performance.I have seen other H26's with a short T-track mounted just above the rub rail. But these guys also lowered their forward life lines to allow the sail to go outside the stancions. I don't know how tight they can sheet in though.Good luck,Jim Coveys/v Wampeter

 

[Michael Teets]

Some experience

I would not recommend a 150 on the H26. Both Hunter and Doyle do not recommend it either. The focus of this style of rig is in the main. If you need more sail and do not want to consider a spinnaker, you could consider a fuller roach main or even a square top. The wide spreaders, high lifelines and deck will be a problem for a larger jib. I have seen a 150 added on a H26 (with track mounted on the hull above the rub rail). When sailing it reminded me of a kid in baggy pants... Never able to trim right for the conditions and direction.Mike TeetsH26, for sale (see add in HOW classifieds).

 

[Doug K]

H26, H240, H23.5, H19 Genoa Bad Idea

All the water-ballast trailerables have wide beams, wide spreaders, and high lifelines. If you put on a 150% genoa you won't be able to go upwind worth a hoot. Won't point, won't tack, etc etc. Get a new mainsail with longer battens if you want better light-air performance.Adding a roller-furler can be a good idea, along with a new jib of max dimensions (about a 110% deck-sweeper) if you want better performance. The sails Hunter supplies with these boats are of poor cut & shape anyway. A new set of sails including a gennaker orcruising spinnaker is the way to go.

 

[Yvan Monnard]

Genois 150%

Je pense que les réponses données sontconvaincantes : pas de 150% sur ce bateau, au maximum un 120% en faisant très attention à la hauteur du point d'écoute (filières). Les conseils donnés semblent fondés sur l'expérience, doncvalables. L'idée de l'asymétrique semble confirmée partout. Notez l'opinion donnée sur les voiles offertes par Hunter !!