The spreaders on my '86 H23 are angled way back apparently to promote mast rake. On a downwind run, this interferes with the main sail shape--basically putting a big crease in it. Any thoughts? Is this no big deal? Or perhaps I've sheeted out my main too much and I should trim in a little to keep it off the spreaders? I picked up this boat two weeks ago. It's my first sailboat & I love it. You all can expect many questions from me in the future... Thanks!
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Pete Vente
Welcome to the B&R rig
This is the design of the B&R (Bergstrom & Ridder) rig. Originally designed, I think, so as to get rid of the backstay (although some B&R rigs still have a backstay). The problem with this type of rig is exactly what you are experiencing. The reasoning here is that faster speed downwind is achieved by reaching and gybing, thereby avoiding the main hitting the spreaders, and allowing a more full roach main sail since there is no backstay.
This is the design of the B&R (Bergstrom & Ridder) rig. Originally designed, I think, so as to get rid of the backstay (although some B&R rigs still have a backstay). The problem with this type of rig is exactly what you are experiencing. The reasoning here is that faster speed downwind is achieved by reaching and gybing, thereby avoiding the main hitting the spreaders, and allowing a more full roach main sail since there is no backstay.
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Mark Cooper
Yep
Going downwind (especially wing-and-wing) is a precarious undertaking at best. For a while, I thought about a boom kicker to prevent accidental gybes; but then I figured out that broad reaches were faster and more fun. "Life's a reach and then you gybe"
Going downwind (especially wing-and-wing) is a precarious undertaking at best. For a while, I thought about a boom kicker to prevent accidental gybes; but then I figured out that broad reaches were faster and more fun. "Life's a reach and then you gybe"
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Bryan C.
Downwind
As the previous posts point out, swept back spreaders do interfere with how far you can let the sail out. I'm not sure whether your boat is a "B&R" rig, my '88 35 is a Bergstrom designed rig with a backstay and I don't consider it a "B&R" rig, which I associate with the backstayless designs of the mid 90s+ Hunters that have an even great swept back angle. Could be wrong, tho. In any case, I don't think the sail laying gently against the spreader is going to cause a lot of harm, but if it is pressing hard or creasing and chafing (i.e. if your boom is bouncing) you are going to tear it. Here some things you can do to maximize down wind performance and minimize chafe: 1) Tighten the boom vang. Pulls the boom down, descrease spill on the leach allowing for more sail area, and flattens the sail, allowing you to let it our a little farther. 2) Ease the outhaul and main halyard. Gives the sail a little baggier shape; yes it will cause the sail to bag a little more into the spreaders, but increases downwind power by creating more of a chute shape; 3) Don't run straight downwind but at an angle -- you'll go faster, your VMG will be better, and you'll be less susceptible to an accidental jybe 4) If your dead downwind, run the jib on the other side wing on wing.
As the previous posts point out, swept back spreaders do interfere with how far you can let the sail out. I'm not sure whether your boat is a "B&R" rig, my '88 35 is a Bergstrom designed rig with a backstay and I don't consider it a "B&R" rig, which I associate with the backstayless designs of the mid 90s+ Hunters that have an even great swept back angle. Could be wrong, tho. In any case, I don't think the sail laying gently against the spreader is going to cause a lot of harm, but if it is pressing hard or creasing and chafing (i.e. if your boom is bouncing) you are going to tear it. Here some things you can do to maximize down wind performance and minimize chafe: 1) Tighten the boom vang. Pulls the boom down, descrease spill on the leach allowing for more sail area, and flattens the sail, allowing you to let it our a little farther. 2) Ease the outhaul and main halyard. Gives the sail a little baggier shape; yes it will cause the sail to bag a little more into the spreaders, but increases downwind power by creating more of a chute shape; 3) Don't run straight downwind but at an angle -- you'll go faster, your VMG will be better, and you'll be less susceptible to an accidental jybe 4) If your dead downwind, run the jib on the other side wing on wing.
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Stephen Ostrander
get a gennaker
The best thing you could do is get a cruising spinnaker for downwind in light air. Much more efficient than any mainsail downwind. According to Hunter manual, there are B&R rigs and "Conventional Fractional rigs" although I don't consider my rig conventional.
The best thing you could do is get a cruising spinnaker for downwind in light air. Much more efficient than any mainsail downwind. According to Hunter manual, there are B&R rigs and "Conventional Fractional rigs" although I don't consider my rig conventional.
Avoid diaper rash
If you are worried about mainsail chafe, try some sail repair tape on the sail where it rests on the spreaders. A whisker pole on the jib will help when sailing wing-and-wing on a dead run. Peter S/V Raven
If you are worried about mainsail chafe, try some sail repair tape on the sail where it rests on the spreaders. A whisker pole on the jib will help when sailing wing-and-wing on a dead run. Peter S/V Raven
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Geoff Kloster
Mine shows no chafe after 4 years
Our hunter 23 is our first boat also, but we got it 4 years ago. We let the main ride gently on the spreaders and have seen not problems with the sail. I don't know what the previous owner did. Other areas of the sail are showing more wear than the spreader area. I'm guessing you bought the H23 across the isle from ours. We're in F28 at Dan's. It's the boat without a name. Stop by and chat when you get a chance. We Haven't been around for a while because of personal committments, but hope to be up again soon. You won't have to worry a lot about down wind sailing on Lake Pepin. The wind is not often along the axis of the lake. Email me if you have questions about the H23 or about Dan's. kloster@win.bright.net Geoff
Our hunter 23 is our first boat also, but we got it 4 years ago. We let the main ride gently on the spreaders and have seen not problems with the sail. I don't know what the previous owner did. Other areas of the sail are showing more wear than the spreader area. I'm guessing you bought the H23 across the isle from ours. We're in F28 at Dan's. It's the boat without a name. Stop by and chat when you get a chance. We Haven't been around for a while because of personal committments, but hope to be up again soon. You won't have to worry a lot about down wind sailing on Lake Pepin. The wind is not often along the axis of the lake. Email me if you have questions about the H23 or about Dan's. kloster@win.bright.net Geoff
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