Spinnaker rigging

[Leon Scott]

When purchasesd a couple years ago my 272 came with a spinnaker pole and symetrical chute. The PO had never used them nor was the boat rigged. West Marine has graciously relieved me of my summer's beer money and I now have the lines and most hardware. Before I start drilling and mounting, I still have some unanswered questions.1.Is a 4ft track sufficient and if so, how far above the mast foot should it start?2.The location of the block for the foreguy/pole downhaul? I've seen illustrations that show it anywhere from the bow plate to mid-foredeck, and one advisor calls for mounting it at the foot of the mast?3.Pole topping lift? I'm not racing and trying to keep it simple. Is a padeye on the mast and a shock cord adequate? One way or the other, any advice on the height of the padeye?4.Chute scoop? Since I singlehand sail it's a gotta have item. Obviously I could buy one, but this project has long passed budget constraints. Anyone have a source for do it yourself plans? The First Mate is a whiz at sewing and she just got a new computer driven machine that could walk the dog with enough extension cord.ThanksScottyS/V Stacey Marie

 

[Vic "Seven"]

couple of points ...

1. downhaul anchor point depends on how the pole is rigged ... If you have a center anchor point on the pole that's about how far from the mast to anchor it on the deck.2. Track can start about the height of the life line as you are not going to go below that with the pole and four feet above that should be OK zone.3. pad eye on mast about 3/4 up ... just as long as it clears the forestay nicely and is at a decent angle to lift easy. Doesn't seem to be a lot of pressure on the lift other to hold the pole up.4. On my isomat I had to get a roller for the top of the mast ... standard is set up for twin gib halyards ... then you get this steel pin and plastic rollers from canada ... and the spin halyard runs out an inch or so over the gib halyards ... with that the mast is set up for two Spin halyards.5. sock ... may be difficult ... but I have launched/doused without it with two people ... one on foredeck, one on helm if you can preset pole and pretty much figure out your downwind course and pack the bag ok ... it's not a giant spin. Think the best plan is to lock the guy, sort of let the sheet loose as you raise ... while the helm person sort of keeps the spin luffing right. then the helm person can sheet in and the bow person goes back to trim.Light air is best to fine tune your operations.Vic

 

[Leon Scott]

Thanks Vic!!

Not bad! Three out of four questions in one reply. Now all I need is a source for the sock pattern.Anyone else care to comment? With the advent of the cruising chute it appears that the symetrical has become a bit of a dinosaur that not many people are conversant with. Being a bit of a dinosaur myself, I'm anxious to begin the adventure. Captain Ken, a more senior dinosaur and mentor of mine, describes it as "Screaming down the lake, totally out of control! What a rush!" He's crazy too!Scotty

 

[Bob Todd]

Check out these pics...

...on my old website. You may want to consider a cruising chute. I had a full spinnaker cut down to a cruising chute and I loved it so much I bought one from Cruising Direct. Linkage below to the pictures.Easy to fly, no pole, jibes easy, and you can fly it with only two people.I've since sold my 272LE (Aug of last year) and purchased a Nonsuch 30 that'll splash next month.Hi Vic! Long time no hear. Hope all is well!Cheers,Bob

 

[Leon Scott]

Tahnks ,Bob-Again

Thanks for the pix,We communicated last year shortly after Spring launch here in Wisconsin. I still lust after your dodger. Last year added two more 272's to our little Barnum Bay community and brought it up to four ( two 272's, two LE's). Sadly Doug's took a lightning strike at the dock and was totaled. He badly wants another and we have another club member that also wants one. So if anyone out there knows of more than what's in this site's classified ads, let me know and I'll pass it on.

 

[Paul Breeding]

Available 272 LE

Leon, my boat is on the Chesapeake Bay in Baltimore if your friends are interested. I am considering sale this year as my life situation is changing. It is a 1986 272 LE, with recent additions of professionally made Bimini (SS frame), autohelm, interior upgrades and many minor improvements. If interested or simply want to talk about you can reach me via E-mail. pbreedingco@pcisys.net