Hello all. Let me start by saying I apologize for the limited information but this is all I have. I have the opportunity to get a steal on a Spinnaker the is set for the strict rules of the class J80 boats. The sail is made by Shore Sails and the current owner is not willing to measure the sail for me. The sail is a couple hours away so driving up just to measure is not an option. I have tried to find measurements for the sail online but have struck out. Does anyone know the measurements on the sail? Again sorry for the limited detail but any information would be greatly appreciated. Merry Christmas!
J/80 Spinnaker on Hunter 31
- Thread starter Dfisher
- Start date
Its actually 40 feet.
The sail will be miss-fit but will probably fly sorta-OK. It will be a bit short in the luff, and a bit long in the foot. Due to the vastly different sailing capabilities of the j80 vs the 31, it will be cut much differently than optimal; the j80 sail will have a very high clew and be cut flatter as the j80 is almost always reaching when sailing down wind.
The good news is that a competitive j80 team will be done with a sail when the average cruiser thinks its brand new. If you can get it for less then 350 buy it.
The sail will be miss-fit but will probably fly sorta-OK. It will be a bit short in the luff, and a bit long in the foot. Due to the vastly different sailing capabilities of the j80 vs the 31, it will be cut much differently than optimal; the j80 sail will have a very high clew and be cut flatter as the j80 is almost always reaching when sailing down wind.
The good news is that a competitive j80 team will be done with a sail when the average cruiser thinks its brand new. If you can get it for less then 350 buy it.
I'm still on a budget search that will work for some Lake Crusing for my 86 Hunter 31. What is the most important measurement that I need to be concerned with? I have checked the manual and searched the forum but can't come up with a solid answer. Does anyone have measurements of theirs that flys well? Thanks again!
The luff length. But the correct measurement can vary on the overall shape and intent of the sail, and more importantly where you will tack the sail. Around the forestay with a tacker? From the bow pulpit? The anchor roller? An asym sprit? The answer to that question will effect the best luff measurement by several feet.
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Thanks Jackdraw. I found something that says the Luff should not exceed 95% of the forestay. Based on sailboat data my forestay is 43.68 do the biggest Spinnaker Luff I could look at would be a 41.5. Does that sound about right? Thanks again for your help
Its a great place to start. But like my last comment said, it depends on where you will tack the sail. That number assumes you will tack at your anchor roller (or very near your forestay base).
subtract 3 feet if you will tack it on a tacker on your forstay
subtract 2 feet if you tack it on your bow pulpit
add 1-2 feet if you will tack it on a sprit.
guidelines, mind you. Sail shape can and will effect this.
Here's why its important, Reaching.
To reach well you need to get the luff as straight as it will go and still fill. That means pulling the tack down nearly all the way. Thats why that say 95%. They would say 100% if that would not end up being too long for some, and that big and miss-handled the sail often ends up in the water.
Here we go reaching, 5 knots in 4 knots of breeze. Tight luff.
But when the wind goes aft you let the tack line out and trim so the sail rotates around. Now you can go very deep!
To reach well you need to get the luff as straight as it will go and still fill. That means pulling the tack down nearly all the way. Thats why that say 95%. They would say 100% if that would not end up being too long for some, and that big and miss-handled the sail often ends up in the water.
Here we go reaching, 5 knots in 4 knots of breeze. Tight luff.
But when the wind goes aft you let the tack line out and trim so the sail rotates around. Now you can go very deep!
Dfisher,
Did you pick up that sail. I am still looking for an asym for my 1983 H31, and would like any feedback on your or anyone else's experience using one with the H31.
Pateco,
I picked up a symmetrical spin off eBay for $175.00 and made a set of parrel beads to fit around the furled head stay. I was flying it last week in 3-5 knot wind and it had us moving along pretty well. The luff measurement on it is 38'. It won't do me much good for racing or going fast but it keeps me moving when the wind slows down during the day. I have attached a couple pictures.
I picked up a symmetrical spin off eBay for $175.00 and made a set of parrel beads to fit around the furled head stay. I was flying it last week in 3-5 knot wind and it had us moving along pretty well. The luff measurement on it is 38'. It won't do me much good for racing or going fast but it keeps me moving when the wind slows down during the day. I have attached a couple pictures.