Low tech jib sheet

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H

HAL

If you use a low tech stretchy jib sheet will the sail depower in a gust or power up? Gust causes twist and lowers angle of attack, so sail power decreases or gust causes draft to increase and sail power increases? Or will something else happen?
 
H

HAL

If you use a low tech stretchy jib sheet will the sail depower in a gust or power up? Gust causes twist and lowers angle of attack, so sail power decreases or gust causes draft to increase and sail power increases? Or will something else happen?
 

Clark

.
Jun 30, 2004
886
Hunter 280 Lake Guntersville, AL
I'm not an expert trimmer but it would seem that . .

if your jib is trimmed properly on the wind and a gust causes the sheet to stretch, your angle of attack would change thereby reducing power, maybe to the point of luffing. You didn't say how low tech the sheet would be. What do you have in mind?
 

Clark

.
Jun 30, 2004
886
Hunter 280 Lake Guntersville, AL
I'm not an expert trimmer but it would seem that . .

if your jib is trimmed properly on the wind and a gust causes the sheet to stretch, your angle of attack would change thereby reducing power, maybe to the point of luffing. You didn't say how low tech the sheet would be. What do you have in mind?
 
H

HAL

What I had in mind

We are sailing a H260 with internal ballast and centerboard. The ballast is higher up in the hull than a keel ballast. This raises the center of gravity and shortens the righting arm. I believe the boat responds rapidly to variations in wind power by, primarily heeling .This rapid heel response adversely affects overall control. The boat does not have jib sheet cars for twist control. If the sails (through the sheet tension)could automatically depower and repower slightly during gusty conditions then stability, comfort, control and speed would be improved. Sort of a shock absorber to dampen the lively heeling response. The plan was to switch from XLS or LS to nylon.
 
H

HAL

What I had in mind

We are sailing a H260 with internal ballast and centerboard. The ballast is higher up in the hull than a keel ballast. This raises the center of gravity and shortens the righting arm. I believe the boat responds rapidly to variations in wind power by, primarily heeling .This rapid heel response adversely affects overall control. The boat does not have jib sheet cars for twist control. If the sails (through the sheet tension)could automatically depower and repower slightly during gusty conditions then stability, comfort, control and speed would be improved. Sort of a shock absorber to dampen the lively heeling response. The plan was to switch from XLS or LS to nylon.
 

Clark

.
Jun 30, 2004
886
Hunter 280 Lake Guntersville, AL
OK, I see that you have a 260 and understand your reasoning

Is your intent to use the nylon for stretch or for budget? If budget, the nylon may not help much in that it is very slick and abrasion resistance is low. I'd spring for the not-much-more expensive Samson LS. I suspect the 5/16 would be plenty strong and since it is a small jib, you would not need a lot of it and it would hold in cleats and winches much better. Since most of your power is in your main, I'd also suggest that you practice playing your mainsheet and traveler to manage the gusts. Also there is nothing wrong with putting a reef in your main. It might be slightly underpowered in say 8-10 knots but a 15+ gust wouldn't upset things quite so much. One technique I've used too is to let the boat round up a bit in gusts; especially if closehauled. Others with hands-on experience with their 260 might advise as well. BTW, I have a 280 which has a similar jib/main design.
 

Clark

.
Jun 30, 2004
886
Hunter 280 Lake Guntersville, AL
OK, I see that you have a 260 and understand your reasoning

Is your intent to use the nylon for stretch or for budget? If budget, the nylon may not help much in that it is very slick and abrasion resistance is low. I'd spring for the not-much-more expensive Samson LS. I suspect the 5/16 would be plenty strong and since it is a small jib, you would not need a lot of it and it would hold in cleats and winches much better. Since most of your power is in your main, I'd also suggest that you practice playing your mainsheet and traveler to manage the gusts. Also there is nothing wrong with putting a reef in your main. It might be slightly underpowered in say 8-10 knots but a 15+ gust wouldn't upset things quite so much. One technique I've used too is to let the boat round up a bit in gusts; especially if closehauled. Others with hands-on experience with their 260 might advise as well. BTW, I have a 280 which has a similar jib/main design.
 
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