jib sheet leads

[Sandy Whetherholt]

I keep the sheet leads almost totally forward on the tracks to make the luff break evenly from tack to head (in most wind). Most people who see this say that the lead looks to be too far forward, but when they observe the luff breaking, they say it must be OK. Is this typical of the 340 or most Hunters?

 

[Tim Schaaf]

How old are the sails?

Using a forward lead like that will "close" the leach a little, and may be symptomatic of a baggy or blown out head of the sail. I guess, the next question would be how close to the wind can you point, and can you tack through ninety degrees or less? Normally, you would lead the jib sheet further aft when pointing as high as possible, but it sounds like when you do that, the head of the sail probably luffs. A good starting "neutral" point would be to draw a line from the midpoint of the luff of the sail, through the clew. Extend that line to find the position of the block. When sailing higher, move the block aft, and when sailing lower, move it forward. If you can't get the sail to break evenly when doing this, I would wonder a little...or maybe a lot! Good luck.

 

[Andy Hansom]

sheeting angle

Our 340 and now 380 both required the cars to be almost to the front of the tracks. I don't see this as a problem becase boats point well and the sails luff evenly. Another thing is the track is only about 18" long so there isnt much room to move the car aft to depower the sail or move it forward when off the wind. I prefer to depower with more avalable track aft of the car. I think Hunter got it right.

 

[Don Alexander]

Me Too

My 376 has always had the same problem and it is a real pain as the jib will not set properly when the boat is not hard on the wind.105% jibs differ from the 150% ones sailmakers are used to and I believe they just got it wrong.My next headsail will NOT have this problem as I will instruct the sailmaker accordingly.

 

[Rod]

Jib Sheets

The jib sheet cars will vary according to the size of the head sail. The smaller the sail the farther forward. The larger sail further back. Your always going for an even brake along the luff.