Spinnaker on H23.5?

[Anders Leffler]

In the owners manual there are several drawings showing a spinnaker. But I haver never seen anyone using a spinnaker, why?? Anyone with experience? Any recommendation if I want to use a spinnaker on my 23.5? e.g. use of back stay, deck hardware?Looking forward for your feedbacks...Thank you!Anders Leffler, Whale Hung

 

[Sean Coerse]

I do

I use a cruising spinaker on my H240. It is equiped with a CDI furler. I use the existing jib halyard as the spinaker halyard since it is not used with the furler. I moved the block that exits the mast up above where the furler conects to the mast. I added turning blocks that are attached to the rails of the stern rail seats. I then run the sheets to the cabin top winches. I believe Hunter reccomends using 1/2 sheets. They are to large in light air. 3/8 does just fine. I get about an extra knot to knot and a half out of my cruising spiniker on a broad reach, a little more on a tighter reach. I purchased it from cruising direct. It's a little smaller than the one my local sailmaker was going to make. All in all a great addition. I fly mine by myself, but it takes a few minutes to set it up since I didn't purchase the sock. If you are going to use it short handed I recomend the sock.

 

[Steven Gautney]

I often use an asymetrical spinnaker.

I purchased an asymetrical cruising spinnaker here on the HOW. The rigging is described in the owners manual. I have a Schaefer roller furler system and had to add a spinnaker halyard. I highly recommend having a furling sock. I plan on adding a symetrical spinnaker next year. The asym is great but does not allow for 180 degree downwind sailing. On the 23.5 the asym is the single best sail you can add.