I am buying a new jib for my 1989 Hunter 30. Do I want to stick with a 110% or move up to a 130%? Will the spreaders be a problem with the larger sail? Will they keep the foresail open to far? thanks
new jib
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Really good question
Some of the newer Hunters with in-mast furling have wimpy mains because Selden built the mast too small. I'm in the process of repowering by having North Sails build a 120 jib to replace my dinky 100. North said they've been doing this for underpowered Hunters and Beneateaus. The key for you should be the comparison between the jib and the main. My guess is that you've got a big main on a big boom and that the 100 does just fine. A bigger jib would give you more power and more quickly in light wind, which is my objective. But you need to be prepared to reef the jib (or main) as the breeze freshens up.
Some of the newer Hunters with in-mast furling have wimpy mains because Selden built the mast too small. I'm in the process of repowering by having North Sails build a 120 jib to replace my dinky 100. North said they've been doing this for underpowered Hunters and Beneateaus. The key for you should be the comparison between the jib and the main. My guess is that you've got a big main on a big boom and that the 100 does just fine. A bigger jib would give you more power and more quickly in light wind, which is my objective. But you need to be prepared to reef the jib (or main) as the breeze freshens up.
You would have much better performance with a larger headsail in lighter breezes. A 130 would be good for up to 18kts of true wind. If you are sailing in winds higher than that then you may want to consider staying with a 110. Do you have roller furling and line adjustable genoa cars? In particular, the line adjustable genoa cars are worth their weight in gold. They make a huge difference to proper sail shape.
Masthead or fractional rig?
A fractional rig with a large mainsail usually works well with a 110% working jib while a masthead rig with a high aspect mainsail will usually benefit from a 130%-150% Genoa. To answer your question you need to evaluate your usual sailing conditions. In light winds you may benefit from a larger headsail but in moderate to high winds you may need to reef on the furler and then you loose sail shape and efficiency. Consider the location of your headsail tracks as their location will determine if you can properly clear the spreaders. There are other minor differences like cost, weight and tacking difficulty.
A fractional rig with a large mainsail usually works well with a 110% working jib while a masthead rig with a high aspect mainsail will usually benefit from a 130%-150% Genoa. To answer your question you need to evaluate your usual sailing conditions. In light winds you may benefit from a larger headsail but in moderate to high winds you may need to reef on the furler and then you loose sail shape and efficiency. Consider the location of your headsail tracks as their location will determine if you can properly clear the spreaders. There are other minor differences like cost, weight and tacking difficulty.
We Have a 155% GennyJib Sail
We bought a Sails East 155% Bi-Radial Style, Foam Luff, Ect. for the 2005 Race Season in Hammond, IN. (Lake Michigan). 1st. thing we noticed was the weather helm at 10 t0 15 went away. In fact at 20 plus it was minimal. The 265 sq. ft. of head sail plus 254 sq. ft. of main sail seemed to balance each other. We can sail at over 20 plus under full sail. We also bought a wisker pole for downwind. It seemed like a new boat. We took second in devision vs fifth the year before. We have the After 'Ours in New Buffalo, MI. and the wife and I never even think about going back to the 110% that came with the boat. Check out our race results at the link below.Then click the Section Summaries In 2005 we paid 1,351.00 for the sail with no shipping charges. It was a Promo Discount. Sails East is 1-888-989-6503. Hopes this helps, Mike Jaeger After 'Ours
We bought a Sails East 155% Bi-Radial Style, Foam Luff, Ect. for the 2005 Race Season in Hammond, IN. (Lake Michigan). 1st. thing we noticed was the weather helm at 10 t0 15 went away. In fact at 20 plus it was minimal. The 265 sq. ft. of head sail plus 254 sq. ft. of main sail seemed to balance each other. We can sail at over 20 plus under full sail. We also bought a wisker pole for downwind. It seemed like a new boat. We took second in devision vs fifth the year before. We have the After 'Ours in New Buffalo, MI. and the wife and I never even think about going back to the 110% that came with the boat. Check out our race results at the link below.Then click the Section Summaries In 2005 we paid 1,351.00 for the sail with no shipping charges. It was a Promo Discount. Sails East is 1-888-989-6503. Hopes this helps, Mike Jaeger After 'Ours
It depends on prevailing conditions....
...where you sail the most. If it's always very windy a 110 would be fine. If it is usually 15kts or under I'd go with a bigger genny (I have a 150) with a foam luff (assuming you have a roller reefing system). I really can't say enough good things about the foam luff in my genny. It holds a good shape even when reefed past 130. If you have a roller reefing system, get the foam luff, whatever size you decide on, it's worth the extra charge. Tom s/v Orion's Child
...where you sail the most. If it's always very windy a 110 would be fine. If it is usually 15kts or under I'd go with a bigger genny (I have a 150) with a foam luff (assuming you have a roller reefing system). I really can't say enough good things about the foam luff in my genny. It holds a good shape even when reefed past 130. If you have a roller reefing system, get the foam luff, whatever size you decide on, it's worth the extra charge. Tom s/v Orion's Child
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