I have a 1995 Hunter Legend 40.5. I am the second owner and have had the boat for 3 years. It came with a North Sail 155% Genoa RF. Normally this boat came with a 130%. I am replacing the sail and I am wondering whether you think that since the design of the boat called for a 130% in the first place whether that is still the sail of choice for this boat (the boat as you know has a very large main). We found the 155% somewhat unmanageable (including not pointing very well once one reefed it in) but that could have been due to the sail having stretched over the years and perhaps our own less than perfect handling. The new sail will have a foam luft regardless of its size while the current one does not so that might make a difference too. The original owner went with the 155% because I think he wanted to race, but we assume in winds over 10 it had to have hurt performance, but the lake for most of the summer has lighter winds. We don’t plan on racing ourselves. If you have any experience or expertise about the choice of either of these sails I would appreciate it –tom
Headsail size Hunter 40.5
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135 on Mine
I had a 120 on it and went up to a 135. The 135 has a foam luff and was cut with a pretty large roach. It is also cut fairly low altho it is not a deck-sweeper. I had a long discussion once with a sail maker who advised me that the gain on a fractional rig from additional overlap is just not worth it. I am very satisfied with the 135. The larger roach does take some careful jib car placement however. Also points well, better than the 120 stock jib. Rick D.
I had a 120 on it and went up to a 135. The 135 has a foam luff and was cut with a pretty large roach. It is also cut fairly low altho it is not a deck-sweeper. I had a long discussion once with a sail maker who advised me that the gain on a fractional rig from additional overlap is just not worth it. I am very satisfied with the 135. The larger roach does take some careful jib car placement however. Also points well, better than the 120 stock jib. Rick D.
There is no such thing....
...as a perfect headsail for all conditions. Hunter simply sends their boats out with 130's because it's a good comprimise. We carry a blade jib to be able to handle 30+ knots, a #2 for 20 to 30, and two weights of #1's for varying wind levels from 3 to 18kts. I would suggest that you buy a headsail for the predominant wind conditions plus a blade jib for heavy air.
...as a perfect headsail for all conditions. Hunter simply sends their boats out with 130's because it's a good comprimise. We carry a blade jib to be able to handle 30+ knots, a #2 for 20 to 30, and two weights of #1's for varying wind levels from 3 to 18kts. I would suggest that you buy a headsail for the predominant wind conditions plus a blade jib for heavy air.
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