Spinnaker and Engine Oil Question

[j.hunter9999]

I actually have two questions:

The first question, in multiple parts: We have a standard spinnaker for Bella. Does anyone think its possible to use a standard spinnaker as an asymmetrical? In other words, if we simply attach one of the clew points to a point forward of the forestay, and allow the spinnaker to come around the forestay on a jibe, would we have what might simply be described as a very large asymmetrical? If not, are there any suggestions for what might be done with the current standard spinnaker? I am quite good with a sewing machine.

The second question, in one part: Is there a way to drain the engine oil from the MD6A diesel other than siphoning it out the dipstick tube?

Pura Vida!

Jack
Bella - V2620

 

[pjacobs55]

Jack,
I would think a regular spinnaker would be too 'bulbous' a shape to sail any closer than a broad reach. I'm no expert, but I think the asymetrical is a lot flatter cut, allowing it to drive closer to the wind.
On the Volvo oil drain: sorry, no ideas there ... I have a Yanmar. It too sucks from the dipstick tube. When I had the engine out and the pan off I thought of getting a drain plug welded in, but never got around to it :-(

Peter
#1331 'Sin Tacha'

 

[vegatern]

Regarding the oil, with the volvo I pump from the dipstick into an old milk jug. I don't know of another way.
I agree with Peter that the cut of the two sails is too different to be interchangeable. If I remember it correctly, the asymmetrical spinnaker measures, at its widest point, 165% of the boats "J" measurement and the symmetrical is equal to 180%. The asymmetrical is cut flatter than the other and has an identifiable luff whereas the symmetrical is, well, symmetrical. I don't think it would be possible to keep the symmetrical from collapsing if it were tacked to the stem unless you only sailed on a reach, but it sounds like trouble, and jibing without wrapping the forestay seems unlikely, because I think the shoulders would certainly collapse.
Cutting the symmetrical to match the shape of the other may not result in what you expect because the sailmaker designs the two sails differently, taking into account their panel shapes and how much the material stretches, and that is well beyond my scope anyway.
Craig Tern #1519

 

[Vega1447]

Is there not a bolt at lowest point of engine that can be loosened to
allow oil to drain?

(I always use the dipstick method but that presumably allows gunge to
accumulate as the decades go by?)

John V1447 Breakaway

John A. Kinsella Ph: +353-61-202148 (Direct)
+353-61-333644 x 2148 (Switch)
Mathematics Dept. e-mail: John.Kinsella@...
University of Limerick FAX: +353-61-334927
IRELAND Web: John Kinsella's Website

 

[j.hunter9999]

Thanks to all for prompt replies. I decided to leave the spinnaker alone. She flew fine today and is quite lovely. If I get a wild idea about attaching one of the clews to a pole forward of the forestay, I'll let everyone know. But, as of now, she is staying as is.

As for the oil drain, I am mostly concerned about the grunge. But, since everyone else seems to be fine with siphoning, we'll keep it up. Should the motor die some day, she'll be replaced with an outboard...so, no sense in being any more cruel to her than absolutely necessary.

Thanks again to one and all. I'll be posting more (hopefully not just questions), in the fall. Right now most of my time is spent working, sailing and mowing the lawn. So I only get to check in about once a week or so.

Later,
Jack

 

[john833194]

Hi Jack,

I've just caught up with your email re flying a spinnaker without a pole. Please see the attached page re something called the "Tacker". It's for sale in the UK. I've no idea where you are, nor whether it's any good or not.

Loading…

www.seateach.com

Fare well,

John Booth
Vagrant1718

________________________________
From: j.hunter9999 j.hunter9999@...
To: AlbinVega@yahoogroups.com
Sent: Wednesday, 12 August, 2009 1:41:24 AM
Subject: [AlbinVega] Re: Spinnaker and Engine Oil Question


Thanks to all for prompt replies. I decided to leave the spinnaker alone. She flew fine today and is quite lovely. If I get a wild idea about attaching one of the clews to a pole forward of the forestay, I'll let everyone know. But, as of now, she is staying as is.

As for the oil drain, I am mostly concerned about the grunge. But, since everyone else seems to be fine with siphoning, we'll keep it up. Should the motor die some day, she'll be replaced with an outboard....so, no sense in being any more cruel to her than absolutely necessary.

Thanks again to one and all. I'll be posting more (hopefully not just questions), in the fall. Right now most of my time is spent working, sailing and mowing the lawn. So I only get to check in about once a week or so.

Later,
Jack

 

[j.hunter9999]

We just got back from our Lake Michigan mini-circumnavigation and I'm catching up on the latest vega-blog. Thanks for the link. I bet that would work. We flew the chute by attaching a small cable from the tack to the stem forward of the furler. It worked pretty well. We were able to fill the chute in light wind and jibe fairly easily. However, I can see where a standard asymmetrical would be a lot easier and probably more efficient.

Next year, I think we'll try some of the wing on wing combinations from Beth Leonard or the Pardeys.

I haven't found a good design for a storm trysail yet, but not giving up hope. I'm sure I could sew one together. We didn't need it for this trip.

All the best to everyone!

Jack
Bella - V2620