Spinnaker Support

[Dave Miller]

I have a 2001 Hunter 260 water ballast. I have odered a cruising spinnaker (asymetrical) for the boat from Hunter.My question is do I need to beef up the rigging with a back stay to carry the load of the spinnaker or has Hunter sufficiently beefed up the rigging?Does anyone have experience sailing with a spinnaker on the 260 - asymetrical or symetrical?Thanks

 

[Ron Fraboni]

Should Work Fine

Dave,I have a H26 and have used a cruising spinnaker without any changes to the rigging. Did you order a launching chute which will make life easier?Send e-mail or call if you wish to discuss--I'm in the Twin Cities --Frabonimn@aol.com

 

[Bernie]

I have had good experience

I have had an asym spinnaker since last summer. I don't fly it in strong winds, but it does make the boat move quite nicely in light winds. The only modification I made beyond the standard spinnaker kit was to add a cleat on the front of the mast to have a place to secure the line that raises and lowers the spinnaker sock. I am considering the purchase of a whisker pole to allow more downwind use of the asym chute. I bought it primarily because our summer lake winds are normally very light and don't provide great sailing during those months. The spinnaker makes it much more interesting and enjoyable. Good LuckBernies/v JosephineH260

 

[Steven Gautney]

I fly a cruising spinnaker on a 23.5.

The standard rigging (which is similar to the 260) seems to do very well. Rigging for a 135-150% genoa is another matter . ..