Hey folks, Has anybody had any experience with curved track type self tacking jibs? I just got back from a trip to northern Germany where I saw many of the 30-40' boats had a track just in front of the mast, similar to many Solings, for a 95% jib. Do they run smoothly, especially in lighter airs? How about the Hoyt jib boom, any experience? Thanks, PAC
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Think about a camber spar too.
PAC: If you a looking for a kewl setup for a self tending jib, think about a camber spar. It is a curved piece of SS tube that hooks onto the forestay. The sail maker then puts a pocket in your jib and the camber spar is inside this pocket. When you tack the spar flips over giving you good sail shape and trouble free operation. This eliminates ALL deck harware except for a stand-up block just forward of the mast to hold the control line. I believe that Hunter & Freedom used them on several models for a few years. Bierig Sailmakers. 814-459-8001. 11092 Freeport Lane, North East, PA 16428 ... maker of the Camber Spar.
PAC: If you a looking for a kewl setup for a self tending jib, think about a camber spar. It is a curved piece of SS tube that hooks onto the forestay. The sail maker then puts a pocket in your jib and the camber spar is inside this pocket. When you tack the spar flips over giving you good sail shape and trouble free operation. This eliminates ALL deck harware except for a stand-up block just forward of the mast to hold the control line. I believe that Hunter & Freedom used them on several models for a few years. Bierig Sailmakers. 814-459-8001. 11092 Freeport Lane, North East, PA 16428 ... maker of the Camber Spar.
No boom required.
Our marina is a Hanse dealer. The 342 and 371 are both self-tacking. I am not sure if you can make it out in the Related Link pictures. But there is no boom unless it is an option. Steve, how would the furler work with a Camber Spar? Even with the Hoyt boom there is a lot of hardware required for furling. You can see it on any Island Packet staysail. What makes the self-tacking jib viable is a boat designed for it. A big main to drive the boat is an obvious need. Even so the boat may not be balanced with a too small foresail.
Our marina is a Hanse dealer. The 342 and 371 are both self-tacking. I am not sure if you can make it out in the Related Link pictures. But there is no boom unless it is an option. Steve, how would the furler work with a Camber Spar? Even with the Hoyt boom there is a lot of hardware required for furling. You can see it on any Island Packet staysail. What makes the self-tacking jib viable is a boat designed for it. A big main to drive the boat is an obvious need. Even so the boat may not be balanced with a too small foresail.
Can't use both.
Ed: That is a problem with the Camber Spar. You cannot use both. You end up with a hanked on jib, but there is no boom. The spar in inside the jib (stay sail) on a cutter. We have been using this setup for 14 years without any problems. The biggest advantage is there is nothing to clutter the deck.
Ed: That is a problem with the Camber Spar. You cannot use both. You end up with a hanked on jib, but there is no boom. The spar in inside the jib (stay sail) on a cutter. We have been using this setup for 14 years without any problems. The biggest advantage is there is nothing to clutter the deck.
So Steve, are you. . . .
saying that the jib on your sloop is hanked on? And do you then flake it right on top of itself, on the camber spar? The Related Link has a good description of the camber spar. Scroll way down. I like it.
saying that the jib on your sloop is hanked on? And do you then flake it right on top of itself, on the camber spar? The Related Link has a good description of the camber spar. Scroll way down. I like it.
Yes.
Ed: On the aft end of the spar there is a piece of stainless steel that is welded to the S.S. tube. This acts as a lever that causes the spar to flip over (180 deg.) when you tack. When you drop the sail you hook your halyard to it and raise it off the deck to a proper height. This allows your hatch to open (not unlike the boom for your staysail). With all the pictures of I have of the Heather Marie, I do not have a good one of the Camber Spar. I will try to take some pictures of it the next time I am down there (weather permitting), if you are interested.
Ed: On the aft end of the spar there is a piece of stainless steel that is welded to the S.S. tube. This acts as a lever that causes the spar to flip over (180 deg.) when you tack. When you drop the sail you hook your halyard to it and raise it off the deck to a proper height. This allows your hatch to open (not unlike the boom for your staysail). With all the pictures of I have of the Heather Marie, I do not have a good one of the Camber Spar. I will try to take some pictures of it the next time I am down there (weather permitting), if you are interested.
Pictures?
Steve, you know that we love pictures here on HOW. Just so long as the sky is dark and gloomy and there is snow on the foredeck.
Steve, you know that we love pictures here on HOW. Just so long as the sky is dark and gloomy and there is snow on the foredeck.
No snow on the boats deck, just mine.
Ed: We do not get snow in Sacramento, maybe a little frost now and then. I usually like to lift the sails about once every month or two just to get the bugs out of them. It should give me a chance to take some photos for everyone entertainment.
Ed: We do not get snow in Sacramento, maybe a little frost now and then. I usually like to lift the sails about once every month or two just to get the bugs out of them. It should give me a chance to take some photos for everyone entertainment.
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