Need help switching my genoa for my jib

[JonnyQuest]

I want to swap the Genoa out for my Jib headsail, and have some questions. Since acquiring my Oday 27 (1975) I have always had the genny on and have never swapped it out before, but I'd really prefer teh smaller headsail.

My genny sheet lines come farther back to track mounted blocks on each side. There are also currently unused fixed position blocks that are on coils to support them in a vertical position. Are these fixed blocks to be used for my jib sheets, or are they simply old abandoned blocks and I need to slide the (currently in use use) track mounted blocks further forward?

Thanks all.

JQ

 

[Indysailor]

Where are those fixed blocks? From your description they sound like the ones for a jib. On my 23 they are inboard, ahead (obviously) of the genoa tracks.

 

[Richard19068]

If your track mounted fairleads move far enough forward to properly lead the jib sheets then that sounds like it would be the way to go. That way they would be adjustable for differing wind conditions and angles.

 

[JonnyQuest]

From memory the fixed blocks are about 1-2 feet ahead of the tracks. I'll take some pics to show more clearly however. I know the fixed blocks are leaking and the plywood backers need to be replaced as well. I was thinking about permanently removing them but then considering they may be for the jib I need to make sure first. Ditto on whether the tracks would provide enough forward purchase to use the sliding tracks instead. there are actually two tracks on each side of the boat. No cars on the smaller outer tracks.

Will update with photos. Thanks for the help.

 

[Wayne Steinhour]

The blocks you are describing sound like the blocks that we use on our 23 for the standard sized jib. Like your boat, we have tracks that run back along the cockpit for the genny, but I think they would be too far back for the working jib. It seems odd to me that these are fixed blocks rather than tracks, but I guess that is how these boats were originally set up.

 

[Siamese]

Try the fixed blocks and see what happens.

 

[Joe11688]

I think those fixed sheaves are for your Jib sheets. You'll probably need to attach an 1/4"X 18" braid or cotton three strand non stretch line to the tack of the sail with a quick shackle on the other end in order the get the Jib at the proper height on the forestay.

 

[SEMIJim]

Draw an imaginary line from the midpoint of the luff of the headsail, through the clew and down to the rail. That point on the rail is usually a good starting point for where you want the headsail fairlead. If that's where those fixed blocks are, then chances are that's their purpose .

As for swapping-out your genoa for your jib: Most modern sloop rigged boats derive most of their drive from their headsails. So if you do this, just be aware you'll likely pay the price in light air.

We swap head sails, depending upon conditions. In fact: We've a spare 155 that's still set up with hanks that we're going to talk to a sailmaker about making into a #2. Probably 125%. Oft-times our 155s are more than we can comfortably handle, but we lose more than we care for going all the way down to the #3. Many boats don't bother with a #2, but we have the sail and we certainly don't need a fourth #1.

Jim

 

[Barnacle Bill]

The way to determine where the lead for any size sail is to pull in the sheet as if sailing as close to the wind as the boat can and then sail close to the wind. Slowly point your boat into the wind and watch how the luff breaks. What you are after is the luff breaking all the way up the leading edge of the sail at the same time. If your luff breaks on the lower half of the sail first, then your lead is too far forward. If it breaks on the upper half, then your lead is too far aft. Find that perfect point where it breaks the entire luff at the same time and that is where you want your lead. So, those who have roller furling headsails need to move the lead if they partially furl the sail for best performance. If your smaller headsail does not break as described with the sheets going through those two lone blocks you mention, or through the blocks on cars that run on the tracks, then you either have to add more track, add a 2nd track for the smaller sail, or place lone blocks in the proper position. There are situations where you might want to deviate from this like when the winds are very strong. You can move your sheet lead aft to let the top break which will help depower the sail plan for easier sailing.

 

[JonnyQuest]

SEMIjim and Barnacle Bill, helpful tips for setting up my jib. I'll check out the position of the blocks like described. Ditto for position of the lead. Ill need to get a cover sewn onto my jib but may want to try it out first on a medium wind day to see if it provides enough power. I'll wait for the right winds to do it. Thanks!