Self Tacking Jib
- Thread starter Ksarna
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Yes, many California Delta sailors use them because of the narrow channels they often sail in. Saves a lot of jib sheet work when tacking. One of those boats, a Catalina 34, recently was purchased after years of sailing in the Delta and moved to the main Bay and the new owner removed the gear because of its limitations, which include downwind sailing.
You need a jib probably no bigger than a 95%. Most agree that a curved track is better to maintain sail shape, although straight tracks also work.
The Island Packets use them for their inside jibs with a boom at the foot, as do Freedoms for their jibs, while most others for jib use that I've seen on Catalinas use a track. The boom idea has its drawbacks as a knee-knocker!
Since you're interested and might have done "some" research, it'd be more helpful if you told us what more it is you want to or need to know, as this is just scratching the surface of the subject.
You also might want to do some dock walking (weather and your location permitting) and see what others have done.
You need a jib probably no bigger than a 95%. Most agree that a curved track is better to maintain sail shape, although straight tracks also work.
The Island Packets use them for their inside jibs with a boom at the foot, as do Freedoms for their jibs, while most others for jib use that I've seen on Catalinas use a track. The boom idea has its drawbacks as a knee-knocker!
Since you're interested and might have done "some" research, it'd be more helpful if you told us what more it is you want to or need to know, as this is just scratching the surface of the subject.
You also might want to do some dock walking (weather and your location permitting) and see what others have done.
Thanks Stu
I have a 1989 Catalina 30'. I read a few articals about the self tackin set up.I solo a lot and also have small children who dont help to much now. SoI was thinking this set up would be good for me. Found some parts at the Herken site. Not to sure where else to loof or if possible to find use set up.
I have a 1989 Catalina 30'. I read a few articals about the self tackin set up.I solo a lot and also have small children who dont help to much now. SoI was thinking this set up would be good for me. Found some parts at the Herken site. Not to sure where else to loof or if possible to find use set up.
I would try two resources: The C30 Association website (www.catalina30.com) and Google "self tacking jib". If I stumble on something else, I'll let you know. I don't think I have any pictures of the C34 I mentioned in my last post.
As you probably know already from your own research, the two keys are the track and its critical support and the jib sheet arrangement to lead it back.
Why worry about a self tacking jib...just put an autopilot on the boat and have the autopilot do the steering while you sheet the jib during the tack. I sail about 99% of the time all by me onesies and never have any problems. It is really easy.
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