Hi all. I recently purchased a Luger Tradewinds 26. It has a symmetrical spinnaker but no pole. Never used a spinnaker before. Is a pole mandatory? If so, is it the kind of thing that can be home made? Thanks.
spinnaker
- Thread starter leebru
- Start date
It is possible to fly a symmetrical spinnaker without a pole it the windward clew is held to the forestay with a strop. However, it won't work that well. The pole, typically aluminum, needs to be able to attach to the mast on one end and the guy on the other. You could buy the end pieces and a tube to make your own. Probably you could buy a used one too. They are fun sails but are powerful and should be respected.
I have been looking for a used pole. Seem hard to find. Not even one on EBay. Why do you say spinnakers need to be respected? Are they dangerous, or at least challenging, to operate?
Congrats on the Luger 26. An asymmetrical would make your life easier especially if you solo. You could sell you symmetrical and with what you save on a new pole you could buy a really nice asym.
I had both on my Mac 25 and rarely used the symmetrical but used the asymmetrical all of the time especially in light air, other wise I used the 150 Genoa.
On the Luger 30 I will probably use a furling asymmetrical and a smaller Genoa.
I had both on my Mac 25 and rarely used the symmetrical but used the asymmetrical all of the time especially in light air, other wise I used the 150 Genoa.
On the Luger 30 I will probably use a furling asymmetrical and a smaller Genoa.
If you know nothing about spinnakers..... it's not a good idea to go experimenting when you have the incorrect equipment and no experienced crew to give you a hand.
If you do some basic google searching, you will find plenty of information on rigging and sail handling. There's quite a bit to learn... and asking someone here for the short answer can only lead to more confusion.
So... put the chute away... do some homework... maybe hitch a ride on a boat that uses theirs.... then... make up your mind the direction you'll take.
If you do some basic google searching, you will find plenty of information on rigging and sail handling. There's quite a bit to learn... and asking someone here for the short answer can only lead to more confusion.
So... put the chute away... do some homework... maybe hitch a ride on a boat that uses theirs.... then... make up your mind the direction you'll take.
A spinnaker pole isn't that hard to make. Some aluminum tube, end fittings and lines for the up and down. A whisker pole is more difficult because it should be adjustable in length.
But I agree with Joe that learning the basics on OPB's is a good idea. It's not rocket science but it's easy to screw up. When it goes wrong ... it can go real wrong.
But I agree with Joe that learning the basics on OPB's is a good idea. It's not rocket science but it's easy to screw up. When it goes wrong ... it can go real wrong.
I'm guessing that you pretty much made your mind up that you want a pole for your spinnaker. I'm with you. I have a spinnaker that came with my boat (called an Ulmer "Flasher") but I had no pole. Attaching the tack to the forestay did not work very effectively. The problem was that the deeper downwind I tried to go, the more the sail just collapsed behind the main. It essentially only worked at a point of sail where an assym is a better choice.
But I still wanted a downwind sail, so I bought a Selden adjustable pole right here on this store. The smallest size works for your boat, as it does for mine. The bonus is that the pole is adjustable. At design length, it is a spinnaker pole. It extends to whisker pole length for use with your head sails. It uses pushpins for the adjustable lengths so you get just two whisker pole lengths, but they happen to match the foot lengths of my 2 genoas. It is 2 poles for the (low) price of 1. The only downside that I can find is that it is a little heavier than a dedicated spin pole ... but using the topping lift, I don't think I will notice a problem with the weight.
The best reason for having this pole for me is that it useful when I have crew for using the spinnaker, and it is useful to pole out the genoas when I'm singlehanding. Unfortunately, I have not used this pole yet, since I just acquired it during the winter. But, I anticipate that I will find it most useful and a great acquisition.
I'd look into it right here. SBO offers the best price and it was delivered to me in NJ within 2 business days from ordering. Customer service from SBO is the BEST!
But I still wanted a downwind sail, so I bought a Selden adjustable pole right here on this store. The smallest size works for your boat, as it does for mine. The bonus is that the pole is adjustable. At design length, it is a spinnaker pole. It extends to whisker pole length for use with your head sails. It uses pushpins for the adjustable lengths so you get just two whisker pole lengths, but they happen to match the foot lengths of my 2 genoas. It is 2 poles for the (low) price of 1. The only downside that I can find is that it is a little heavier than a dedicated spin pole ... but using the topping lift, I don't think I will notice a problem with the weight.
The best reason for having this pole for me is that it useful when I have crew for using the spinnaker, and it is useful to pole out the genoas when I'm singlehanding. Unfortunately, I have not used this pole yet, since I just acquired it during the winter. But, I anticipate that I will find it most useful and a great acquisition.
I'd look into it right here. SBO offers the best price and it was delivered to me in NJ within 2 business days from ordering. Customer service from SBO is the BEST!
They are big sails and a novice should learn with a more experienced sailor. The rules are different. If you get a gust and look like you are going to go over, fall off rather than head up. Keep the sail in front of the boat. They are big sails with a lot of loading. That said they are a lot of fun and not a bad cruising sail. If your destination is downwind, on a light air day, you may be able to sail rather than motor. An asymm is easier to handle. For both types of sails, a chute scoop or sleeve makes them a bit easier to handle.
Ebay has a bunch of poles and parts for sale. http://www.ebay.com/sch/i.html?_from=R40&_sacat=0&_nkw=spinnaker+pole&_pgn=2&_skc=50&rt=nc
You can try consignment shops as well.
The proper length is the "J" dimension of your boat.
The sheets should be twice the length of the boat.
You also need a halyard on the mast to hoist the sail and the pole.
A downhaul on the pole as well.
You can try consignment shops as well.
The proper length is the "J" dimension of your boat.
The sheets should be twice the length of the boat.
You also need a halyard on the mast to hoist the sail and the pole.
A downhaul on the pole as well.
I was afraid of symmetrical spinnakers, we've all seen pics and videos of the chute pulling a boat over scary-like.
After crewing on a Flying Scot with experienced people, I'm not so afraid of the chute. Once you know what you're doing, it's not so terrible. Admittedly, it's on a small boat, but we race pretty hard. I know a J24 and Impulse 21, both raced primarily solo, and both fly a symmetrical spinnaker solo.
So, my advice is sail (or race) with someone with a similar sized boat who flies a chute, and understand and experience how it all works. Then you'll be in a much better position to play with yours.
I think a pole for a symmetrical is required. Not sure how I feel about adjustable poles for symmetricals. Length should be your J measurement, stemhead fitting to front of mast square to the mast.
After crewing on a Flying Scot with experienced people, I'm not so afraid of the chute. Once you know what you're doing, it's not so terrible. Admittedly, it's on a small boat, but we race pretty hard. I know a J24 and Impulse 21, both raced primarily solo, and both fly a symmetrical spinnaker solo.
So, my advice is sail (or race) with someone with a similar sized boat who flies a chute, and understand and experience how it all works. Then you'll be in a much better position to play with yours.
I think a pole for a symmetrical is required. Not sure how I feel about adjustable poles for symmetricals. Length should be your J measurement, stemhead fitting to front of mast square to the mast.
Thanks for the advice everyone. Excellent comments. By your replies, I now wish I had an asymmetrical rather than symmetrical spinnaker. .. ?
A symmetrical spinnaker is best flown with a pole. I wanted to put a symmetrical spinnaker on my boat (especially since I share measurements with a J24 and you can get those spinnakers cheaply). The problem is the pole is VERY expensive, even used. They are hard to come by used.
I found a used asymmetrical spinnaker for my boat. It was in good shape but the colors had bled on the sail making it kind of ugly. Still, I bought it for $100 so that wasn't a bad deal.
Yesterday I finally got to launch the chute. I really like having this sail as part of my inventory. It adds a lot of sail from a reach to downwind. It is best if the wind is off your back quarter, but I was able to carry it to almost 90 degrees in 10 knots of wind. My boat speed with it was impressive too. It was pretty easy to handle. I launched, retrieved, and sailed it single handed.....except for the tillerpilot giving me a hand.
I do have a bit experience with a spinnaker. I was a spinnaker trimmer on a racing sailboat for a while when I was younger. I love the power of this big sail. That being said, they are to be respected.
There are a lot of videos out there on spinnaker trim and launching. Still, the best experience is learning from someone with experience. That being said, if you have a light wind day, say 5 knots, you can't hurt anything.
Check your spinnaker really well. Measure the dimensions on the sail because if the P/O didn't have a pole you may have an asymmetrical spinnaker. If all three measurements are different it is an asymmetrical.
Here is a picture of my asymmetrical spinnaker that I call Mr. Yuck.
I found a used asymmetrical spinnaker for my boat. It was in good shape but the colors had bled on the sail making it kind of ugly. Still, I bought it for $100 so that wasn't a bad deal.
Yesterday I finally got to launch the chute. I really like having this sail as part of my inventory. It adds a lot of sail from a reach to downwind. It is best if the wind is off your back quarter, but I was able to carry it to almost 90 degrees in 10 knots of wind. My boat speed with it was impressive too. It was pretty easy to handle. I launched, retrieved, and sailed it single handed.....except for the tillerpilot giving me a hand.
I do have a bit experience with a spinnaker. I was a spinnaker trimmer on a racing sailboat for a while when I was younger. I love the power of this big sail. That being said, they are to be respected.
There are a lot of videos out there on spinnaker trim and launching. Still, the best experience is learning from someone with experience. That being said, if you have a light wind day, say 5 knots, you can't hurt anything.
Check your spinnaker really well. Measure the dimensions on the sail because if the P/O didn't have a pole you may have an asymmetrical spinnaker. If all three measurements are different it is an asymmetrical.
Here is a picture of my asymmetrical spinnaker that I call Mr. Yuck.
Attachments
No doubt.... that's a lot of stuff going on up there on the foredeck. Topping lifts, foreguys, snuffer control line and spin halyard..... plus sheet, after guy and twings... whew!
If your still wondering why spinnakers should be respected, go to YouTube and search for Broach or Chinese Gybe. I've only flown spinnaker in light air myself. Maybe some day when my Cohones are feeling adventurous, ill pop it up in a stiff wind. It does look like a blast!
leebru - Brian S had a very good recommendation here and I'd say +1:
Where will you be sailing? Are there any sailboat races in the area? Volunteer to help crew (racing or even non-racing if they fly a chute) and that'd be an excellent learning experience.
Additionally, read and watch videos. However, nothing beats hands-on.
Even on a 27-footer an spinnaker, especially a symmetrical one, can have a huge amount of power. This can help the boat go much faster, or ..... it can be a handful of excitement: Find out about hour-glassing, spinnaker takedowns, broaching, and the list goes on.
Where will you be sailing? Are there any sailboat races in the area? Volunteer to help crew (racing or even non-racing if they fly a chute) and that'd be an excellent learning experience.
Additionally, read and watch videos. However, nothing beats hands-on.
Snuffer is essential. Easy to go up and take down especially shorthanded.
And besides, don't need to fly it beyond 10-15 knots true wind anyway.