I am going to order a Genoa later this month and am undecieded about the size. I am thinking about a 135% or a 150%. Can I get some feedback from those of you that have bought either size. I was leaning towards a 135, but for 75 bucks more can get the 150. I sail in North Texas, with winds ranging from 15-18 knots in the spring to 4-8 knots in the summer. Any other feedback is welcome also. EJ Tews Jennifer Lea
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John Bowersett
Genoa
Hi, I owned a 25 for several years and used a genoa most of the time. It was a 135. The conditions that I sailed in are similar to those that you describe. The sail was plenty big for that boat as it likes to sail on its feet, that is, upright. If you look at your hull when the boat is out of the water, you will see that it has a fairly tight turn at the bildge and a fairly flat bottom. That is why it doesn't like to heel too much. And that is why you don't want too much jib. I noticed on my boat that as the wind increased the boat would get worse and worse weather helm. Which is to be expected. But at about 20 knots of wind the boat would round up into the wind no matter how much helm correction you gave it. So it all comes back to ballance. If you want the best performance you don't want to be dragging your rudder sideways through the water. Also, if you are using a furler, you would be better off with the 135. If you like headsail changes, (not my favorite) you could switch between the working jib and a big 150. Lastly, I found that my 25 sailed just as well with the working jib in all but the lightest air. Go figure! I hope this is helpful. John Bowersett Apogee O34
Hi, I owned a 25 for several years and used a genoa most of the time. It was a 135. The conditions that I sailed in are similar to those that you describe. The sail was plenty big for that boat as it likes to sail on its feet, that is, upright. If you look at your hull when the boat is out of the water, you will see that it has a fairly tight turn at the bildge and a fairly flat bottom. That is why it doesn't like to heel too much. And that is why you don't want too much jib. I noticed on my boat that as the wind increased the boat would get worse and worse weather helm. Which is to be expected. But at about 20 knots of wind the boat would round up into the wind no matter how much helm correction you gave it. So it all comes back to ballance. If you want the best performance you don't want to be dragging your rudder sideways through the water. Also, if you are using a furler, you would be better off with the 135. If you like headsail changes, (not my favorite) you could switch between the working jib and a big 150. Lastly, I found that my 25 sailed just as well with the working jib in all but the lightest air. Go figure! I hope this is helpful. John Bowersett Apogee O34
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Don Evans
Genny on Your Mind...
When the time comes to replace my genny, I will still have a 150 made. Since our engine is the genny, I still think it prudent to have available all the necessary drive, especially in light air. You have a RF now, I believe? You can always reduce, but you can't add. I'm not saying the 135 is a bad choice. For most it will give them all the range they will need. In 6 knots of wind, however, that extra 75 sq. ft. will be an assett. Just my 15%... Don
When the time comes to replace my genny, I will still have a 150 made. Since our engine is the genny, I still think it prudent to have available all the necessary drive, especially in light air. You have a RF now, I believe? You can always reduce, but you can't add. I'm not saying the 135 is a bad choice. For most it will give them all the range they will need. In 6 knots of wind, however, that extra 75 sq. ft. will be an assett. Just my 15%... Don
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Ed
Jib Size
When I bought my 25, it only had a blown out main and a 90% jib. I mentioned to a more experienced sailor about getting new sails and wanting a bigger jib. He said he thought a 90 was just fine, but when I questioned why, he said, "Well, maybe you do need something bigger". Which was his way of saying if I didn't belive him, I should find out the hard way. I guess if we didn't have much wind most of the time I would get something bigger, but a working jib is plenty is SF Bay. A 135 or 150 would be pointless here. I get hull speed in all but the lightest days. Sail on the first reef (main) many days. I think it depends on local conditions more than anything else. I am hoping to add roller furling for this summer, but don't plan on anything bigger than a 110, so I can furl to 85. Texas, Canada, Cape Cod, San Juans, SF. Hanked or RF. There isn't one sail or one answer. I lean to the conservative side. I'd rather be wishing for a larger sail on a calm day than fighting too much sail during a blow. Ed
When I bought my 25, it only had a blown out main and a 90% jib. I mentioned to a more experienced sailor about getting new sails and wanting a bigger jib. He said he thought a 90 was just fine, but when I questioned why, he said, "Well, maybe you do need something bigger". Which was his way of saying if I didn't belive him, I should find out the hard way. I guess if we didn't have much wind most of the time I would get something bigger, but a working jib is plenty is SF Bay. A 135 or 150 would be pointless here. I get hull speed in all but the lightest days. Sail on the first reef (main) many days. I think it depends on local conditions more than anything else. I am hoping to add roller furling for this summer, but don't plan on anything bigger than a 110, so I can furl to 85. Texas, Canada, Cape Cod, San Juans, SF. Hanked or RF. There isn't one sail or one answer. I lean to the conservative side. I'd rather be wishing for a larger sail on a calm day than fighting too much sail during a blow. Ed
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Steve Growcock
Genny size
Hey EJ! Happy New Year to you! On my 25, I have a North 155% on a furler. During the summer slows, the extra size is great. But light air is light air, and I can't be in any rush. Around a 10-12 knot consistant breeze, I can make that 25 really smoke on the water. Awesome! Any more wind, it gets a bit interesting and I have to keep a hand on the mainsheet to dump it. Wing-on-wing is great. I have my travelers notched almost all the way back to accept the larger size. Tacks are OK, but you have to let the wind do more of the work when bringing the sail over. Too often, the sail gets stuck on the little triangle plates (used for stepping the mast) that are on my shrouds. Bottomline, I like the size, but I'm still trying to tune it to my sailing preference. You may remember, my wife is a bit skittish when heeling a bit too much. An oddity, because of the angle of the sail and the forestay, no matter how tight I wrap the genoa, I get a white and blue "barbershop pole" effect from the gaps between the sail and the sun fabric. When I walk away from my boat after a sail, I look at the wrapping job and think about all my slipmates who probably think, "Jeez, whatta geek". oh well. Steve!
Hey EJ! Happy New Year to you! On my 25, I have a North 155% on a furler. During the summer slows, the extra size is great. But light air is light air, and I can't be in any rush. Around a 10-12 knot consistant breeze, I can make that 25 really smoke on the water. Awesome! Any more wind, it gets a bit interesting and I have to keep a hand on the mainsheet to dump it. Wing-on-wing is great. I have my travelers notched almost all the way back to accept the larger size. Tacks are OK, but you have to let the wind do more of the work when bringing the sail over. Too often, the sail gets stuck on the little triangle plates (used for stepping the mast) that are on my shrouds. Bottomline, I like the size, but I'm still trying to tune it to my sailing preference. You may remember, my wife is a bit skittish when heeling a bit too much. An oddity, because of the angle of the sail and the forestay, no matter how tight I wrap the genoa, I get a white and blue "barbershop pole" effect from the gaps between the sail and the sun fabric. When I walk away from my boat after a sail, I look at the wrapping job and think about all my slipmates who probably think, "Jeez, whatta geek". oh well. Steve!
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EJ Tews
Genoa Feedback Thanks
Thanks for the feedback, it is always nice to be able to discuss the choices we can make before we make the wrong one. I thank all of you and wish you good sailing this next season. EJ Tews
Thanks for the feedback, it is always nice to be able to discuss the choices we can make before we make the wrong one. I thank all of you and wish you good sailing this next season. EJ Tews
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Leonard Hooks
Sailing in Texas
If you race get the 150. If not, the 130 will make your boat more handleable. The 25 can be overpowered very easily and there no need for the extra power if your not trying to squeeze an extra tenth of a knot in racing speed. I sail my 25 on Lake Waco and the gustyness of Texas winds makes it harder to control than in of shore breezes.
If you race get the 150. If not, the 130 will make your boat more handleable. The 25 can be overpowered very easily and there no need for the extra power if your not trying to squeeze an extra tenth of a knot in racing speed. I sail my 25 on Lake Waco and the gustyness of Texas winds makes it harder to control than in of shore breezes.
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EJ Tews
Genoa size
Thanks Leonard, I sail at Joe Pool Lake. Have a good day, I am measuring for the 135 as we speak.
Thanks Leonard, I sail at Joe Pool Lake. Have a good day, I am measuring for the 135 as we speak.
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