Purchasing a new jib. 85 Hunter 31

[Emerald Lady II]

Hello Everyone
I have an 85 Hunter 31 and I am thinking about purchasing a new headsail. I sail on a river system where the wind ranges from light to moderate (about 30 knots max.). Mostly of my sailing is solo so ideally I would like to have the front sail big enough to use by itself without the mainsail. I am thinking of a 135%. I have a furling jib that’s made by Harken. Most of my sailing experience has been with both sails hoisted at the same time. I would be grateful on any opinions, especially regarding the ability to head into the wind, rope luff, visibility, going bigger then 135, and sailing performance compared to using two sails. Thanks.

 

[Benny17441]

With a masthead rig deriving most of its power from the headsail you are not likely to notice a marked decrease in performance but will likely experience a decline in the ability to trim and balance the boat. I think a 135% will be a fine choice for light air performance as well as being able to handle bigger winds while fully deployed and maintaining efficient sail shape.

 

[Steve Dion]

After having a '85 H'31 for many years, we very seldom needed a larger jib. Our winds are typically over 10 kts. These boats were delivered with a 110% jib from the factory.

We also sail mainly in the confines of a river, but also got out to the bay. If I was single handing this boat, I would set it up with a smaller jib and set it up for a self tending jib on your roller.

 

[Barnacle Bill]

These are good questions to ask a sailmaker, who, if honest and cares about your needs rather than selling you the biggest, best and most expensive sail, will consult with you. The Hunter 31 (that vintage) has a reputation of being tender. You said you had a furling jib made by Harken. I presume you meant to say you had a roller furler made by Harken and a jib made by a sailmaker. If you have a furler, then you might consider a 150% genoa which will be good for those very light air days and you can always furl/reef it to 135% to shorten sail when the wind pipes up. Since you have a masthead rig, sailing with the genoa alone is not a bad idea for ease of sail handling, as long as you only are sailing off the wind, or broad or beam reaching, but sailing very close to the wind (close hauled) without the main will be more difficult. That's my 2 cents.