Re: Changing Yankee Jib to 150 Genoa on H37 Cutter

[JHoward]

Finally able to sail my H37C, now that engine troubles are under control. Someone asked me if I'd owned any boats before. My resume is thus: 1970's Sunfish 2 years. 1992 Seidleman 24.5 4 years, liked a lot. 1998 Catalina Capri 22, 1 year (Hated it), raced both of these extensively on local lake clubs. 1999 H34 on Lake Superior 4 years, liked a lot, 2005 H40.5 Legend, loved it, lost it in a divorce 2011.
2014 Acquired a 1980 H37C and a new wife (boat partner too). This was a neglected boat, previous owner very poor health last couple years, spent most of the past season(s) upgrading many things, not much sail time 'til the past couple weeks.
I've discovered that my wife, though smallish, is strong and enthusiastic, but not used to heaving decks, trimming. She is learning though. I am a strong, fit 69 y/o, who after being out of the cockpit four years discovered my limitations have increased a bit, so...
Will install lazy jacks (had on Legend, loved it), REALLY miss roller furling, hate the staysail, boom, probably dump the whole thing in favor of a 130 on a roller. Roller mfr. recommendations?

 

[Jackdaw]

Hard to go wrong with either a Harken or a Selden Furlex.

As you know, The Bayfield breeze is either 6 or 16. So make sure the unit and the sail work well reefed.

 

[Stu Jackson]

Both good units. ProFurl no maintenance, has built in head swivel so no need for a jib halyard restrainer. Ours has been in since 2001, flawless.

 

[Johnb]

If you were on San Francisco Bay I would invite you to go sailing and experience the advantages of the cutter rig for when the conditions are strong but also variable. With staysail and reefed main she is really easy to manage, being completely self tending and well able to handle 25 knots +. Get into the lee of Angel Island and roll out the jib - real easy.

For winter conditions when the winds are light we have a big genoa (that we got for free) that I have nicknamed Clydesdale. Originally I got a quick release for the inner forestay thinking that would make tacking easier with a genoa but forget it, that sail hangs up on the side stays and has to be helped around by hand anyway.

We have a Harken and no problems. Did have to modify the pulpit to fit the furling drum in.

 

[sandpiper10471]

All good furlers but of the ones mentioned, I prefer ProFurl. The round foil makes it easier to initiate the furl in heavy conditions. The Harken is just fine with the Yankee but perhaps not so easy with a bigger 130. Have used both on much bigger boats. If hoisting the staysail manually is an issue, it is possible to convert it to a furler either with or without the boom. I really like the staysail and reefed main when the ***** hits the fan. Boat balances really well and is comfortable while others white knuckle it.

 

[Tim M]

At age 66 and after hip replacement, when I first started sailing our 37c a little over a year ago I too was a little overwhelmed by the bigger sails, halyards and sheets than what I was used to. After listening to advice from several 'seasoned' sailors and the changes they made to accommodate diminishing ability, I made some changes that have worked out fairly well. I installed a CDI mainsail reefing system with a new mainsail with padded leach. Since the new mainsail doesn't have as much roach as the traditional sail I didn't want to loose the horsepower from the staysail. I just removed the boom for only a little loss in performance and better safety going forward especially in adverse conditions - every voyage for me begins with at least a 3 hour sail across the Straits of Georgia. The staysail by itself is a great storm-sail. I replaced the jib-furler drum with a new one with stainless ball-bearings by CDI that had an adapter to use the old aluminum luff - it works great. I've had CDI furlers on three boats now and they've always easily done everything I've asked and nothing ever broke. Maybe there is some bias against them because they are the cheapest available. I've used and had other brands and have not found value in the extra cost. If you keep the inner forestay for the staysail, the yankee tacks a lot better than a genoa will. With the setup I have I only go forward to raise the staysail - when needed - and bring the main and jib out and in from the cockpit. I don't race and can't compare performance to a boat with more powerful sails but in 12 - 15 knots of wind I can make 6- 6.5 knots with very little angle of heel - very agreeable to the admiral. The fact that the boat's design has the mast further back than a sloop with the small mainsail acting as mainly an aerodynamic rudder, and the fact the staysail adds more sail configurations, the 3 sail setup makes most sense for the sailing I do.
These are just some things that have worked for me - and my two cents worth. Do what you need to do to keep sailing - don't be afraid to make some changes. Good luck with your choices!
Cheers,
Tim

 

[JHoward]

Read all posts, thank you all, hauling boat tomorrow then taking a road trip to Waveland MS. Miami Boat show in Feb, chasing the co-owner around the queen-size whenever possible, visiting the grandchildren too. Long summer, need a brake from boat for a while, winter does that. Be well everyone, 'be in touch soon.

 

[Jim Legere]

All good furlers but of the ones mentioned, I prefer ProFurl. The round foil makes it easier to initiate the furl in heavy conditions. The Harken is just fine with the Yankee but perhaps not so easy with a bigger 130. Have used both on much bigger boats. If hoisting the staysail manually is an issue, it is possible to convert it to a furler either with or without the boom. I really like the staysail and reefed main when the ***** hits the fan. Boat balances really well and is comfortable while others white knuckle it.

I put a new Harken Unit 2 ESP cruising furler on this year. It also has a round foil. I am very happy with it.

 

[Ed Schenck]

Me too with the Harken and keeping the staysail.