Switched boats. Trim difference questions.

[Ray Bowles]

I recently bought a virtually unused (as in "perfect") 1982 San Juan 23 and sold my trusty 1980 Catalina 22. The C22 was very nicely set up for performance single or double handed sailing and had a new FB loosefotted main and new 150.

The C22 had 2"of rake and 2" bend with a split backstay. The SJ only has a single lower shroud and single backstay. I have adjusted the total rig for proper tension so now my questions.

In all the info and in the manufacturers instruction it says to use up to 12 inches of mast rake. Why? It also says to sail as flat as possible and that is something I have worked on for years. What changes in my sailing should I expect with this "Rake" vs. the 2" on the C22.
I have a standard partial battened main with a boltrope foot and a standard 153% genny with 4' tracts.
Thanks, Ray

 

[Richard Bryer]

Sj 24

I have sailed a SJ24 for 15 years- but from your description of the rig there are some interesting differences.

The 24 has upper and lower shrouds and a baby stay. We sail with about 7" of rake in the mast- moves the center of effort back and provides more weather helm. The headsail area on the 24 is pretty large and this counters some of the force for better balance. We also put about 3-4 inches of bend in the mast witht he baby stay- this is not adjustable except with a turn buckle- this helps flatten the main.

With the main flat- we have an adjustable out haul- we can pull the traveller above center and pointing gets better. We kep the rig medium tight- I have sailed against another SJ24 that kept his rig very sloppy including the babystay and he did well. We just always found a bit tighter rig to work a bit better and a bit tighter is probably easier on chainplates wihich are not that sturdy on the 24.

Experiment and have fun

 

[Ray Bowles]

Thanks Richard.

I also have an adjustable outhaul that I use alot. I don't have a babystay and that would be a good idea. Other than that it sounds like we are setup somewhat the same. What type of mainsail do you use?
Since out water up here gets solid in a few months I am trying to find out as much as possible about the boat so I can set her up during the winter.
Again, Thanks.
Ray

 

[Richard Bryer]

Main sail

I use a standard Dacron main- by Quantum here in Toronto. It is about 10 years old now and still holds it shape pretty well.