New headsail for my H23.5

[Captain Bob]

Thanks for the great help in the past from other contributors!My headsail needs to be replaced and I am thinking of buying a Genoa instead of another Jib.The wind here at Lake Keowee in South Carolina is pretty light most of the time . . . So what size Genoa? 110%? 150%?I have no interest in roller furling, so I can still use my Jib or a Genoa.Does anyone have any thoughts? Ideas? Comments? Anecdotes?Thanks in advance!Captain Bob

 

[Rick Webb]

You'll Have to Add New Cleats, Winches , etc

To get any larger a headsail the sheets will need to go on the outside of the shrouds then you'll need somwhere to attach the sheets.

 

[Rick Macdonald]

Jib size on a H23.5

I've had my H23.5 for 4 seasons now. This question comes up now and then. I think I asked it myself when I was deciding between modifying my jib or buying a new sail when I went to install roller furling. You could probably find discussions in the archives.Anyway, my observation is that there is a concensus that one should _not_ increase the jib size even if you don't mind adding all the extra hardware.The H23.5 (and 240/26/260) is a fractional rig, meaning that the mainsail is the driver, not the jib. Adding a large genoa would throw off the balance of the boat. Perhaps that's not a problem in lighter air, but if you switch back to your old jib for heavier air, you're back where you started, which is saying that your jib needs replacing!I got a whisker pole just a week ago for downwind sailing. I only used it for about 10 minutes but so far I think it's great to have.Funny how some people have no interest in roller furling. I single hand a lot and wouldn't be without it now....RickM...

 

[Ed]

110% Standard?

I think a 110% Genoa is standard on a 23.5. Rick M. is right in saying that a larger headsail is not the way to go and most of the discussion threads here on the subject also agree. I also agree with him on the roller furler for single handing. Rick W. has a valid point with having to add a lot of extra hardware with the larger sail. I toy with the idea of a drifter for when the wind dies in the evening but look at the cost an decide to just enjoy the boat as is.Rick W. - Did you ever get arounf to adding the extra bow cleats?

 

[Rick Webb]

Ed MIssed your Posting

I have not yet added the cleats. I wanted to ask and now forgot about access to the mounting underneath.