Hunter 240 Sail Size & Other Options

[Chucktown Charger]

Hi folks!

I have a 2000 Hunter 240. Love my boat. She has taken anything I've thrown at her in stride. However, lately I've won a couple of club races with stock sails (new last year) from FX sails. My main is great, but my 105% jib looks as though it's a bit small for the allotted space. That being said, I have a couple of questions.

1. Will the rig, if properly cared for and at the right tension and balance, hold a 125%-135% genoa?
2. If the rig can handle the larger sail, who is a great sailmaker for inshore sails that will make me a nice sail and not cost as much as a new F-150?
3. Should my current jib-genoa need a pendant at the top to prevent halyard wrap or is my current headsail too short? (story of my life)

Second question:

I am considering adding a removable pole sprit for a roller furling asymmetrical gennaker. Same questions as above:
1. Will the rig carry the load?
2. Is there anything I need to do to modify to make this happen safely i.e. chain plates, etc. to make this work?

I know there are a bunch of great & knowledgeable sailors here. Please drop a little knowledge on me. Thanks a million! BTW, I do not want to sell my boat and get another boat with these options already installed.

-Adam

 

[sail sfbay]

1. Will the rig, if properly cared for and at the right tension and balance, hold a 125%-135% genoa? Possibly, just don't have too much sail out that woul overpower the sailboat. Good question for you local sail loft.

2. If the rig can handle the larger sail, who is a great sailmaker for inshore sails that will make me a nice sail and not cost as much as a new F-150? My recommendation for main and jib/geneoa sails is your local sail loft who will take measurments, discuss options (sail material, weight or ounce, attachment hardware, reef points, sail number(s), etc.} for your sailing conditions and guarantee fit up

3. Should my current jib-genoa need a pendant at the top to prevent halyard wrap or is my current headsail too short? Would have to see a photo of the jib/geneoa halyard on your mast. Have you experienced halyard wrap? If you have, suggest reading this article on how to prevenet it How To: Avoiding the Halyard Wrap - Sail Magazine

I am considering adding a removable pole sprit for a roller furling asymmetrical gennaker Top down furler is a good option, albeit expensive vs. a sock but since you have a fractional rig you should not require a bow sprit........just attach the tack to our bow roller assuming you have one forward of the jib furler. Same questions as above:

1. Will the rig carry the load? Certainly, buy a spinnaker weight to match the wind conditions, i.e., 0.75 oz forl ight wind and 1.5 oz for heavy wind.

2. Is there anything I need to do to modify to make this happen safely i.e. chain plates, etc. to make this work? Would not expect so other than hardware to run lines back to the cockpit.

 

[patbratton]

I tried a jib from a Catalina 25 for a month or two. Without roller furling it was too much for anything other that running or a broad reach. I bought a CDI furler and had my factory jib modified with a luff rope and UV strips. It takes me about 12 mph winds to maintain hull speed. Hunter doesn't recommend any jib larger than a 110. I am just now learning how to shape the sail with the out haul and the boom vang. I have found that anywhere between 15 and 20 degrees is where I spend my time. I have sailed her at 30 degrees but it doesn't gain you anything other adrenaline. I haven't rigged the spinnaker yet. The H240 is so much different than a Hobie 18!

 

[Crazy Dave Condon]

@Chucktown Charger

Your Hunter 240 came with a no backstay as the shrouds are led aft for more room in the cockpit and a longer boom. You have as a result a longer boom to accommodate a larger mainsail for more power. The rig is referred to as a B&R rig. The jib is s 110 jib lapped whose jib sheets are routed between the mast and shrouds. In essence you have a standard mainsail and a 135-140 Genoa which is why you are winning races. In addition due to hull design you do not need to heel more than 12-14 degrees max unless you want to heel further scaring the crap out of your better half and friends as this boat was also designed as a trailerable and pleasure sailboat that can race competitively too.

In light airs , I suggest the A Symmetrical Spinnaker in light airs if sailing alone. Hope this helps you. I was a former dealer for Hunter and the forerunner to your boat , the 23.5 original designs came from me. There is more but arthritis is hurting in my hand

 

[Sailavie1]

Dave is spot on as usual. No need for a larger jib due to the power already available in your main. One option you do have is to order your new 110% jib with vertical battens (assuming you have a roller furler) they will provide a bit more power and help to maintain good sail shape.