I am trying to make a decision on a spinaker, its a CS measures 21 feet x 38.5 feet and not sure of the other measurement, but these are the two that really matter. When I shop on the net, everyone comes up with 22 x 42 as the same measurements, but the deal is I can order a new sail for 900 for a brand new one vs. a used one thats a bit smaller. What should I do? I've no experience with spinnakers, but what ever I buy, I keep for a long time, prob. forever.. 900 vs 550 ???? opinions appreciated. Thanks in advance, be nice! Oh, ps. its a 1982 Hunter 33
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Used or new spinnaker: Depends on you
David, I am assuming that you are not going to be racing or you would not ask the question. The used sail is 12.5% smaller than the new one. It will not give you the same performance. What condition is the used one in? Will it last as long as a new one given the same usage? Look at it this way: you are going to save $350. Correction: you are going to not spend $350 immediately. It's only $35/year. Assuming 10 years on the new one, and 8 on the used one, it's really only a $280 difference ! With the new one, you get to pick the colors you would really like. I faced the same decision 3 years ago, and I went new. I am real good at being able to rationalize these things I need for the boat am I not? Good luck with your choice.
David, I am assuming that you are not going to be racing or you would not ask the question. The used sail is 12.5% smaller than the new one. It will not give you the same performance. What condition is the used one in? Will it last as long as a new one given the same usage? Look at it this way: you are going to save $350. Correction: you are going to not spend $350 immediately. It's only $35/year. Assuming 10 years on the new one, and 8 on the used one, it's really only a $280 difference ! With the new one, you get to pick the colors you would really like. I faced the same decision 3 years ago, and I went new. I am real good at being able to rationalize these things I need for the boat am I not? Good luck with your choice.
Very Much So...
Thanks Claude for your reply. I have not looked at it that way. The used sail is in very good condition, like new. No stains, no tears, no patches, and the bag it comes with is the same. It also comes with a dowsing sock, but I'm not sure I really need that. My main concern is the size. I wonder how much that 3 feet will effect the performance. I am going to check it out hopefully today, he has given it to me to test on the boat, very nice person indeed. So, does any of this additional information make much difference to you. Oh, the color is Red/white/blue, I would be getting a blue/white with the new one. Thanks again, I hope you will respond one more time.
Thanks Claude for your reply. I have not looked at it that way. The used sail is in very good condition, like new. No stains, no tears, no patches, and the bag it comes with is the same. It also comes with a dowsing sock, but I'm not sure I really need that. My main concern is the size. I wonder how much that 3 feet will effect the performance. I am going to check it out hopefully today, he has given it to me to test on the boat, very nice person indeed. So, does any of this additional information make much difference to you. Oh, the color is Red/white/blue, I would be getting a blue/white with the new one. Thanks again, I hope you will respond one more time.
Size doesn't matter
They're both plenty big. Buy the one you're comfotable with and you'll live happily ever after. For a proven bowsprit to extend the spin 5-8 feet, email me for free pix and directions at bodonovan@vagazette.com
They're both plenty big. Buy the one you're comfotable with and you'll live happily ever after. For a proven bowsprit to extend the spin 5-8 feet, email me for free pix and directions at bodonovan@vagazette.com
Sock
David I think that you should consider the value of a dousing sock. The sock can be your best friend when you have a problem and you are all alone on the bow trying get control of the big monster slaping, cracking and doing its best to get out of control. But my vote would be for the new sail because it is larger. As long as you are going to the effort to fly the sail get the most power you can from it.
David I think that you should consider the value of a dousing sock. The sock can be your best friend when you have a problem and you are all alone on the bow trying get control of the big monster slaping, cracking and doing its best to get out of control. But my vote would be for the new sail because it is larger. As long as you are going to the effort to fly the sail get the most power you can from it.
Yes to a Sock
I bought a used assy spinnaker for H30 ($200). My wife and I made our own sock for about $50. You can get the plans (pattern) from the Sailrite.com. I made mine with a fiberglass collar and it works great - my wife can set the monster sail herself.
I bought a used assy spinnaker for H30 ($200). My wife and I made our own sock for about $50. You can get the plans (pattern) from the Sailrite.com. I made mine with a fiberglass collar and it works great - my wife can set the monster sail herself.
Aysmetric Spinnaker and sock
You will love them. Not too worried about the size for cruising. Racing means lots of money spent with a sailmaker you really get along with, who knows you and your boat. Otherwise see comments above. David Lady Lillie
You will love them. Not too worried about the size for cruising. Racing means lots of money spent with a sailmaker you really get along with, who knows you and your boat. Otherwise see comments above. David Lady Lillie
Size does matter but Bill is right, get what
you're comfortable with. Going with the used one sacrifices about 116 square feet (somewhat a little less, but I am too lazy to do the full calculations. If it is as good as you say after you've tried it, then it is a good deal. Go for the sock. I have one and I frequently set-up the sail, even when I sail solo (most times). It would be much harder to do without the sock. Adding the cost of the sock to a new one obviously changes the price difference. Let us know how the trial went. Hopefully the guy selling it to you can sail your boat with you to help with the first setting. Good luck.
you're comfortable with. Going with the used one sacrifices about 116 square feet (somewhat a little less, but I am too lazy to do the full calculations. If it is as good as you say after you've tried it, then it is a good deal. Go for the sock. I have one and I frequently set-up the sail, even when I sail solo (most times). It would be much harder to do without the sock. Adding the cost of the sock to a new one obviously changes the price difference. Let us know how the trial went. Hopefully the guy selling it to you can sail your boat with you to help with the first setting. Good luck.
Well, I gave it a try...
A friend and I took Freebird out and set the spinnaker in a mild 2-3 mph breeze. It set well, filled and looked nice, except it was a little bit small. I was left with the feeling of "oh well", kinda like I wanted more. I have always had this vision of the HUGE sail with scary power, this seemed very tame, kinda like I showed up to a horse race with a donkey. Anyway, going to give it some thought. The sock seemed to add alot of extra lines to deal with, but it did bring it in when the time came to dowse. Please keep the advise coming, I'm still looking. Figure I need something like a 43 x ?? x 24. I did buy sheets, 145 ft of 3/8 braid that seemed just right. Thanks to everyone and keep the advise coming.
A friend and I took Freebird out and set the spinnaker in a mild 2-3 mph breeze. It set well, filled and looked nice, except it was a little bit small. I was left with the feeling of "oh well", kinda like I wanted more. I have always had this vision of the HUGE sail with scary power, this seemed very tame, kinda like I showed up to a horse race with a donkey. Anyway, going to give it some thought. The sock seemed to add alot of extra lines to deal with, but it did bring it in when the time came to dowse. Please keep the advise coming, I'm still looking. Figure I need something like a 43 x ?? x 24. I did buy sheets, 145 ft of 3/8 braid that seemed just right. Thanks to everyone and keep the advise coming.
lots to concider
If your going to race you need to think about size quite a bit. the height adjustment is only one concideration. others are the the other demensions, and the pole you have and its length. to get it to set right you need a pole the same lenght as the j measurement then the right chute size gets figured from that. If the chute is too small the pole will drag the sheet across the boat and you will get a poor shape. If your playing it does not matter till you realise you cant set it the way the book says!
If your going to race you need to think about size quite a bit. the height adjustment is only one concideration. others are the the other demensions, and the pole you have and its length. to get it to set right you need a pole the same lenght as the j measurement then the right chute size gets figured from that. If the chute is too small the pole will drag the sheet across the boat and you will get a poor shape. If your playing it does not matter till you realise you cant set it the way the book says!
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