Hunter 170 Asymmetrical Spinnaker

[Sailor George]

Hi,

I just purchased a Hunter 170. I've used an Asymmetrical Spinnaker on a 32 ft. Hunter but I don't know if it's worth the $1200 for the 170. Any concerns about stability? Also, do the lines running to the stern become a problem? I love the boat and just thought this would add some fun when downwind sailing. Any comments would be appreciated. Thanks, George

 

[leftwing24]

Hi George,
I've also been looking at the spinnaker option; there are several pages towards the end of the manual that show the setup. I agree that the stern lines do look cluttered. I've got a couple of old sails that I picked up on eBay in a package deal for a backup mainsail; I've been thinking about seeing if I could set one up as a spinnaker. $1200 is a big pile of money for an option that looks like it may be more work than fun.
Fair winds,
Frank

 

[txjim]

Thought about the spinnaker kit myself but the price is still beyond my pain point and used setups are a rare find. Has anyone tried poleing out the jib? How did that work out?

 

[Clark]

What in the world does one get for $1200?! I paid $1100 for an asymm for our 280 (~380 sq ft.) which included a sock, $40 for a pair of modest blocks for the stern quarters and ~ $125 for a new spinnaker halyard that I put in myself. Bought some inexpensive braided polypro line (it floats!!) for sheets that is rated ok for the time being (I only fly it in light winds).

 

[txjim]

It includes a bowsprit assembly and all rigging. Not that this justifies $1200! I suppose it's a low quanity issue as their other sails are surprisingly affordable but I suspect the quanity sold will go up if the drop below $1K.

 

[Clark]

OK gotcha. Forgot about the bowsprit. Isn't it carbon fiber?

 

[Quoheleth]

Buying parts

is it possible to buy a separate spinnaker and the necessary parts to put a rig together for less than $1200?

 

[txjim]

OK gotcha. Forgot about the bowsprit. Isn't it carbon fiber?

For 1200 dollars it SHOULD be carbon fiber but I doubt it.

The only thing special about the kit is the bowsprit. Everything else is easily rigged and I suspect one can purchase the spinnaker for a reasonable price. Rigging instructions are in the owner's manual.

 

[leftwing24]

I don't use a pole on the jib, although I've been thinking about it. The problem is, since I usually single-hand, it's too much for me to do. If I'm going to be sailing downwind for any length of time, I run the jib sheets outside the sidestays, and it works pretty well. Typically this works best if you've got crew... 8D