New Genoa Questions

[Pat T]

Am going to buy new 150 genoa. I am strictly a cruiser - not a racer.
Been talking with Doyle (Chicago) about the Quicksilver XC at the boat show. Because I seem to always catch the light winds (<10) I am going to go with 6.2 oz. weight vs the 7.5 oz. And for same reason I am going to go with the white 5.2 oz. sailcover vs. the traditional Sunbrella which is heavier. I have my choice of a rope or foam luff.

FYI, I have checked out the overseas loft but because I am having work done on my main too Doyle has cut me a reasonable price for the total package. Yes, a little more expensive, but I'm willing to pay for the convenience of dealing with one local vendor.

Comments on my choice of sail? What is your preference for foam or rope luff? Any dealings with Doyle of Chicago? Thanks all.

 

[druid]

I had a 140 on my Cata 36 for 15 years - worked great in light air, and furled well for the heavier stuff. About 6oz I think, with a foam luff. Had it built by Leitch&McBride in North Van.

druid - passed a LOT of boats with Far Cove...

 

[Stu Jackson]

There have been LOTS of discussions about BIG genoas recently, since this is the time of year for folks to purchase new or used headsails. In fact, druid himself started such a thread just recently, and I'll be if you asked him nicely he could send you the link to that thread. As I recall, his conclusion, after considering a BIG 150 was that based on input from others, a 130, 135 or 140 was about as big as you'd want for many reasons. Instead of copying those reasons over and over, perhaps you can find his thread by clicking on his name and finding recent posts by druid.

 

[Stu Jackson]

Here's the link

I couldn't resist: http://forums.catalina.sailboatowners.com/showthread.php?t=115168

Start at the first page.

 

[Patrick S/V Shangra-La]

I had a 150 on my Catalina 320 . I found I had it reefed more than I had it open, and it seemed the sail many times tried to over power the boat.

I moved down to a 124 and have been very happy with it. Fortunately I have a cruising chute I can fly in light air. For me this combination has been very successful

 

[Warren Milberg]

A lot depends on the prevailing winds where you mostly sail and how much performance you demand of your boat. I have a furling 150 and a 120 for my H28.5 which I cruise, not race, on the Chesapeake. Neither sail is perfect. I tend to use the 120 at the beginning of the season when the winds are generally higher and the 150 once the summer doldrums set in (mid-June or so). The 150 has a foam luff which I would not buy again as I don't think it really helps with improved sail shape when this sail is reefed.

If I were buying a new furlilng cruising sail now, I'be probably buy a 130 to 135 as I think that is about the best size for an all-around cruising sail for where and how I sail.

 

[Jumpstart]

Big sail for the Great Lakes

Since you are at the Chicago SS show you probably sail on the Grea.t Lakes where light air is pretty common from late June through August. A 150 sounds about right. Depending on your RF model, switching out sails can be pretty easy. We would switch sails at the dock before venturing out. a 150% and a 120% lapper is all you need. We even put the small Harken snap shackles on the swivels in lieu of the U shackles. Changing sails at the dock was pretty easy.

 

[Prime Time]

Foam vs. Rope Luff

The Rope Luff to improve reefing ability is the current "in vogue" method. I have used both and honestly don't think there is much of a difference. The foam over time can become compressed. The rope will not. There is a down side to the Rope Luff: weight. It makes the sail very heavy. I was pricing out some new sails and had a North rep on my boat. He recommended against the rope luff because of the added weight. On my boat, the Dacron sails are so heavy that it makes a difference. On a smaller, lighter weight sail, maybe not.

I have found large genoas difficult to tack. I have to have someone on the bow to walk the sail around. Also, if you sail in congested areas, make sure that you have the clew high enough to see under. An alternative arrangement is to have a 135% genoa and a light weight drifter/reacher, asymetric or a Code zero type sail, maybe on a free standing furler forward of you forestay.

 

[Barnacle Bill]

Interesting that you got answers to questions that you didn't ask. Also interesting that the North Rep said do not use rope luffs because I think it was North who switched to rope from foam before everyone else in the big sail market. Also interesting because some comments about their experiences with larger 150% genoas seemingly had no bearing on what sort of rig their boat carried which would have bearing on whether you used a larger or smaller sail and how if might compare to your rig.
Foam might compress with age. Rope will shrink with age (as evidenced with bolt ropes). Either probably will do the job, but because rope will not compress, that might be the ticket. Doyle Sails in Chicago is a fine sail loft in my opinion. John Baxter is the guy I have contacted. Good luck.

 

[Pat T]

Done deal

I ended up with the Doyle (John Baxter rep.) and foam luff. As I said I also got the lighter dacron sail cover and sail weight of 6.2 oz. In the spring hopefully I can update you on performance. I'm also installing the Strong main sail track system. Thanks all for your input.