Sheet size

[Chris]

I just recently purchased a spinnaker from this site for my h26 (hasn't arrived yet) and I would like to know what diameter others are using for there sheet size. 1 was going to use 3/8, thinking it would be easy on the hands, but have been advised that it is to heavy. Any suggestions? Thanks in advance . . . Chris sv Charisma

 

[Jim Covey]

5/16

Chris,I'm setting my H26 up for a spinnaker right now (received the sail from HOW a couple of weeks ago). I'm using 5/16" for both halyard and sheets.Unfortunately, my boat is unavailable right now as it's getting the bottom done. Next week I plan on finishing everything up and will post pictures if anyone's interested.Do you already have a halyard set up? What about turning blocks aft? Let me know if you need any info (learn from some of my mistakes).Fair winds,Jim

 

[Chris]

Halyards to Jim

Hi Jim, I placed a bail? (I think that is the right word) about a third of the way between where my shrouds exit the mast and the top of the mast. I also went with a 5/16" halyard, but according to some "Old Salts" @ the marina a 3/8 sheet is to heavy and will detract from the sail shape, that is why I was posting the question. Did you use a swivel on the top of the halyard? For turning blocks I was going to maybe attach a removable line to the rear cleats and run the sheets throgh the blocks and back up to the winchs, any suggestions? We recieve our spinnaker around May 5th. Good Sailing. . . Chris

 

[Jim Covey]

I agree..

Chris,I agree that the 3/8 may be too heavy, that's why I'm using the 5/16 (also I purchased a large quantity of New England 5/16 on Ebay at a good price).As for the halyard, I spliced a swivel shackle to prevent tangles if gybing instead of a standard halyard shackle. This was the advice of my local WM guy. For the turning blocks at the stern I purchased stanchion mount Harken blocks which I'll mount on the stern rail by the stern seats.I found a Z-spar exit block from RigRite.com (#1768) which is the same type as the jib halyard. I'm planning on the same mounting position for the halyard exit.I haven't quite figured out the tack block yet, for now I'll connect a fiddle block I already have that has a cam cleat on it at the bow which will give me some measure of adjustment. After I fly the kite a couple fo times I plan a better arrangement there.Exciting isn't it?