Help, I have a 1989 Hunter 26.5 Sailboat with very old and tired sails. I am currently looking at getting some new ones and want anybody's opinion to the max size I should run for my Genoa. I know I can buy a 155 (Hanked), sail but a lot of people are saying that is too big for that boat and will cause a headache with tacking as it will be behind the mast, plus I would have to put an adjustable track in, (more $$$$) as the boat is orignal and is not setup with one. With my current old 110 I can achieve Hull Speed 6.6kts and I do have a Asym Spinnaker that I use in really light air. Does anyone have any thoughts....?
Max Genoa Size
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Sounds like you may have answered your own Q
The key is what type of sailing do you usually do and where. Is the 110 good for most occasions? If so, then just replace it with a fresh one and save the expense of a bigger sail and the associated hardware. If you really need to step up in size, consider a 135 on a furler. I know the $$ will be more but it could serve as your 100 on heavier days and 135 on normal days w/ your asym for downwind/light air days. The sheet tracks and blocks needn't be too extensive to handle it.
The key is what type of sailing do you usually do and where. Is the 110 good for most occasions? If so, then just replace it with a fresh one and save the expense of a bigger sail and the associated hardware. If you really need to step up in size, consider a 135 on a furler. I know the $$ will be more but it could serve as your 100 on heavier days and 135 on normal days w/ your asym for downwind/light air days. The sheet tracks and blocks needn't be too extensive to handle it.
Clark is right!, you sound like you've answered your own question. Bear in mind, that ALL head sails SHOULD have adjustable cars. Proper sail trim CANNOT be achieved with fixed blocks. That means buying cars tracks and the associated gear to go with them. Roller furlers are nice, but are not needed. The bigger the boat, the more convenient the furler. As to tacking with a larger head sail. Yes, you need to move more cloth from side to side, but it just isn't the problem that some folks seem to make out. Using proper tacking techniques can make the job very easy. Sure when done incorrectly, you have to fight more cloth, but that is true of just about all sails. Using an Akite is great for anything below a near reach. The only restriction on jibing with the Akite is the strength of the wind. By the way, your 26.5 has a great racing potential if you want to race her. 
tracks on your 26.5 and genoa
John, I am glad you placed your picture in the site. Are your tracks directly against the cabin/deck edge? And is there another at the toe rail? I am just about to drill holes in my deck for tracks, and adding a 150 genoa. I agree that a track is necessary, regardless of the jib used. I need a much more aft block even for my 110, than the original equipment block location. Chaos
John, I am glad you placed your picture in the site. Are your tracks directly against the cabin/deck edge? And is there another at the toe rail? I am just about to drill holes in my deck for tracks, and adding a 150 genoa. I agree that a track is necessary, regardless of the jib used. I need a much more aft block even for my 110, than the original equipment block location. Chaos
Chaos
The tracks you see on John's boat are factory installed on a different model. The best placement for your tracks would be as far inboard as you can get them just like in John's picture. KiwiSailor, I would check the rig tension on your boat. The headstay in your picture shows a large amount of headstay sag which can easily be corrected. That would have a sizable impact on performance.
The tracks you see on John's boat are factory installed on a different model. The best placement for your tracks would be as far inboard as you can get them just like in John's picture. KiwiSailor, I would check the rig tension on your boat. The headstay in your picture shows a large amount of headstay sag which can easily be corrected. That would have a sizable impact on performance.
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