headsail upgrade?

[Bruce]

My '92 30T bought in '98 came with a 110 jib....on previous boat, a C-27, a 135 was very useful. Is the 30T rig set up to take advantage of a larger headsail, and if so..135 or 150? Suggestions on a source of used sails for Hunter? I am a cruiser, not a racer. By the way, the 30T is the envy of the 30 somethings in my marina exceeded in admiration only by the Pearson 31

 

[Dennis]

150

Get nothing less than a 150. I have an extra one but think I will use it next year. If I was buying new I would go for a 165!

 

[Eddy Johnsen]

Ask an Expert

My advice is to ask an expert; ask a sailmaker. This past spring I had the same question, as I wanted to get a larger headsail than the standard issue 110 on my 1990 Hunter 30. Maybe it was a coincidence, but both sailmakers (Schur Sails and Sabre Sails) that I approached about making my new sail recommended a 135 versus the 150. Factors such as the type of sailing we do (cruising vs racing), our predominant wind velocities (10 - 15 kts)and boat design itself were used in determining their recommendation. I've found the 135 to be more than adequate for our use, easy to handle; performance is very much improved over the old 110. Eddy J.

 

[Steve Winkle]

Too Big Can Be Too Bad

Bruce,I know exactly how you feel as I wanted to replace the 110 on my 30T as well a few years ago. While at the Miami Boat Show, I spoke with Hunter about it and they recommended the 135 as the maximum size headsail. I took their advice and had one made by Mariner Sails in Dallas. I am very happy with the choice. Downwind with a whisker pole, the boat performs as you'd expect, however the big difference is going to weather. The 135 makes a BIG difference over the 110. IMHO, the 150 would be too much sail above 15 kts.Smooth sailin'.SteveS/V Sea Squared

 

[Chris]

YES!

I cannot sail without my 155/'81, H27... it makes all the difference!