I have had a couple of sails on my new (1976) Oday 25. We have all new sails, including a 150 Jenny. I cannot get the boat to point much higher than about 60 degrees off the wind before the Jenny luffs. What is the best expectation for these boats, and what can I do to improve performance.
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Steve Growcock
nothing to luff about
My 81 25 footer points much higher into the wind than the 60 degrees you describe. Further, she performs famously to wind. First, this is a "is it plugged in" question. My boat had some performance problems until I remembered the topping lift. One of those, whack me in the head with the boom things. The sail flattens a bit better now. Second, if there are no other variables to consider as the proper sail size (as they are new) and, when sailing, proper sheet tension/angle, I suspect there may be some mast tuning needed. There are others on this discussion group that can give you more specifics about stay tension than I. I must yield to their expertise. Steve!
My 81 25 footer points much higher into the wind than the 60 degrees you describe. Further, she performs famously to wind. First, this is a "is it plugged in" question. My boat had some performance problems until I remembered the topping lift. One of those, whack me in the head with the boom things. The sail flattens a bit better now. Second, if there are no other variables to consider as the proper sail size (as they are new) and, when sailing, proper sheet tension/angle, I suspect there may be some mast tuning needed. There are others on this discussion group that can give you more specifics about stay tension than I. I must yield to their expertise. Steve!
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Justin - O'day Owners' Web
Pointing
Tim - There are lots of things that can effect pointing. First - how much wind are you out in? In light air the boat is less efficient and may not want to point very high. Next, is it possible you are oversheeting? There is a tendency among new sailors - I was guilty of this fore sure - to haul their sheets in too tight and to kill the drive in the sails. Read the sailtrim forum that's been going on for some great advice - there is an article about shifting gears that might help you. Next - how is your rig tuned? How tight is your forestay? How much is it sagging? If you are unfamiliar with rig tune you should consider buying a good manual, or better yet, getting a rigger out on your boat with you. Justi - O'day Owners' Web
Tim - There are lots of things that can effect pointing. First - how much wind are you out in? In light air the boat is less efficient and may not want to point very high. Next, is it possible you are oversheeting? There is a tendency among new sailors - I was guilty of this fore sure - to haul their sheets in too tight and to kill the drive in the sails. Read the sailtrim forum that's been going on for some great advice - there is an article about shifting gears that might help you. Next - how is your rig tuned? How tight is your forestay? How much is it sagging? If you are unfamiliar with rig tune you should consider buying a good manual, or better yet, getting a rigger out on your boat with you. Justi - O'day Owners' Web
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Steve Growcock
I've been thinking a bit more...
without seeing the rigging, the only other item I can think about for the 150 jenny is that the spring block for the jib sheet may be too far forward. This would limit the angle of the tension causing the luff to wind. steve!
without seeing the rigging, the only other item I can think about for the 150 jenny is that the spring block for the jib sheet may be too far forward. This would limit the angle of the tension causing the luff to wind. steve!
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Paul Mieszczenski
Fin Keel or Centerboard?
Tim, I agree with the rig comments previously made, especially if you have the fin keel. If you have the centerboard version are you using the board and is it going all the way down? Even with my raggety old jib, I can easily sail at 40-45 degrees to the wind . Get some forestay tension and make sure that the lead is set to allow the sail to luff evenly from the top to the bottom. New boats take time, enjoy! PM
Tim, I agree with the rig comments previously made, especially if you have the fin keel. If you have the centerboard version are you using the board and is it going all the way down? Even with my raggety old jib, I can easily sail at 40-45 degrees to the wind . Get some forestay tension and make sure that the lead is set to allow the sail to luff evenly from the top to the bottom. New boats take time, enjoy! PM
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Don Evans
Start With A Tuned Rig
Good advice from Steve, Justin and Paul. You are stuck with design compromises if you have the Keel/CB config. I have the exact same boat. That keel is not going to point as high as a true fin keel everything else being equal. I'll back everyone here with checking rig tension first. One of my best purchases of late has been a Loos wire tension guage. Following the companies advice and advice from such famous riggers as Brion Toss I was able to "balance" my rig and get it to a point of proper tension. One common fear I had was that too much tension was going to "break" something. I always liked a "tighter rig" but I was way off myself. I have seen standing rigs that are so sloppy only a prayer is holding that mast up. Get the tension correct, and more importantly balanced and your miles ahead. One of the best forums in this great site has been Don Guillette's "Sail Trim". He has synthesized better than any resource I've read, the parameters of proper sail management. I have read and reread his sage advice. Print out his postings and take it with you next few times your out on your boat. Try each of his recommendations and see if you can improve your sailing. Don
Good advice from Steve, Justin and Paul. You are stuck with design compromises if you have the Keel/CB config. I have the exact same boat. That keel is not going to point as high as a true fin keel everything else being equal. I'll back everyone here with checking rig tension first. One of my best purchases of late has been a Loos wire tension guage. Following the companies advice and advice from such famous riggers as Brion Toss I was able to "balance" my rig and get it to a point of proper tension. One common fear I had was that too much tension was going to "break" something. I always liked a "tighter rig" but I was way off myself. I have seen standing rigs that are so sloppy only a prayer is holding that mast up. Get the tension correct, and more importantly balanced and your miles ahead. One of the best forums in this great site has been Don Guillette's "Sail Trim". He has synthesized better than any resource I've read, the parameters of proper sail management. I have read and reread his sage advice. Print out his postings and take it with you next few times your out on your boat. Try each of his recommendations and see if you can improve your sailing. Don
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dave
pointing
depends if you have the centerboard mdel.ipickedup 15 degrees by dropping the board all the way down and and moving the car off center for the main
depends if you have the centerboard mdel.ipickedup 15 degrees by dropping the board all the way down and and moving the car off center for the main
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Debbie
Need Help from 25'O'Day owners
I cannot help with your problem as I am new to sailing. I just bought a 25' O'Day and need to have a cradle made for trailering. Do you have or know of anyone who has plans so I can see where the supports should be? Or would they be the same as with your boat? I'm at the end of the information line and need help, please. Deb
I cannot help with your problem as I am new to sailing. I just bought a 25' O'Day and need to have a cradle made for trailering. Do you have or know of anyone who has plans so I can see where the supports should be? Or would they be the same as with your boat? I'm at the end of the information line and need help, please. Deb
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