New to site. Have headsail question for H34

[Johnhawkk]

I have been a lurker on this sight for 2 year and I've found it to be invaluable for sailing info. Finally decided to join. Recently we had a very significant windstorm here in sunny Southern California. . This storm resulted in considerable damage to my headsail which came partially unfurled in 50+ MPH sustained winds while in the slip. So my insurance has kindly decided to replace it as well as the drum on my Schafer furler. The jib I was running was a 110 genoa and I'm thinking of upgrading to a 135. In Santa Monica bay we have a lot of light wind days as well as days when the afternoon winds can reach 12-17 kts, and also the sail to Catalina etc winds can vary considerably. I'm wondering what size sail would be best? I've read that the 135 genoa is a perfect all around size but I've also read here that the swept back spreaders on the H34 can impede proper jib trim etc if the headsail is too large- also tacking might be a problem. The 34 tends to be tender and weather helm can also happen. My boat's great but I would like a bit more performance in light wind as well as the ability to get it on moderate winds while still keeping its feet on the ground and ears out of the drink so to speak. What say you guys? And thank you all for the advice I've gleaned as a "lurker" for so long!

 

[kloudie1]

Welcome aboard, John !
135 is probably the largest ya want on the roller. Make sure that whoever makes it understands that it will most likely be reefed to around 100% for a lot of the time. As wind builds, reduce mainsail first to keep balance..
nther recent thread that is related: http://forums.sailboatowners.com/index.php?threads/headsail-alone-vs-main.177229/

 

[Johnhawkk]

Thanks man! Looks like a fun site to be a member of and looking forward to more replies.

 

[Ron20324]

Make sure your furling drum can handle additional line for the larger sail.

 

[Johnhawkk]

So no one really answered my question which is what size headsail works best with the rig I got? Has anyone had any experience with a 135 Genoa on an H34? Thanks

 

[Stu Jackson]

John, I'm sorry you feel that way. And welcome. The reason is that while you very clearly stated where you are located and pretty much what and/or how you plan to sail, there is NO one right answer for you. You simply have to make a choice, regardess of what every single other H34 skippers may tell you.

For example, many if not most of the C34 owners here on windier SF Bay run 130s (max ofr our racing class) but even cruisers. My BIG headsail is "only" a 110, with an 85 for summer windy cruising. I do fine with the 110 during light winter winds. The C34 is a tad more stable than your tend-ier H34, but the same size boats.

Some of my brethren down your way run 155s, but those suck for windier sailing which you may get out on the ocean down there.

You may be interested in this:

A very illuminating and interesting discussion on co.com for those of you who might be in the market for a new jib.

http://forums.catalina.sailboatowners.com/showthread.php?t=155362

Please read all three pages. Enjoy.

Good luck in your decision making. You'll find, like most other things in life, that YOU have to make decisions for YOUR boat, only you.

Your boat, your choice.

 

[Johnhawkk]

Thanks Stu!

 

[Bill Roosa]

And then there is the issue of sail material weight, large and light for light winds (whatever those are to you) or do you go with smaller and light weight (sets better due to even less weight) or small and haevy or large and heavy.....(and this is my prefferance) get a couple for each wind condition. a large lightweight for light winds (or asym spinaker) and a 110 with heavyer construction for when the wind pipes up

 

[Johnhawkk]

Arghhhhhhhh!! I read the thread that Stu suggested and I may be wrong but what I got was that a smaller sail points better. However Don said that the only sail he uses is a 135. The real light wind days are rare we usually get 10kts in the afternoon if you average it out. Give or take.

 

[markwbird]

I think the best all around sail is the 110 if you are only going to have one sail. The H34 has a tall rig and a lot of sail area to begin with. Get the 110 and then add the 135 later and change it out on light air days.