Your opinion of Spinnakers

[heysteveh]

We purchased our '93 Mac 26S (our first boat) this spring and are considering getting a Spinnaker. Our current sail inventory includes main, jib, 150 genoa, & storm sails which we have yet to try. My wife and I are into day sailing and occasional weekend cruising on the Great Lakes with occasional trips up to the North Channel. My understanding of Spinnakers is that they improve downwind performance. My wife doesn't care so much about that as she does how cool they look with all the colors ;D Soooo... what are your general thoughts on spinnakers? Are they fun? Easy or hard to rig and fly? Do those of you that have them use them often or are they a pain? Do you need extra winches? Are they a good "bang for the buck" for sailing enjoyment? I think we would want a cruising spinnaker rather than a racing one.

 

[bruce]

spinnaker

spinnakers/cruising spinnakers/asymetrical spinnakers are a easy couple mph, but are also best used by sailors with more experience and req extra hands to use. they are available used, just find the size proper for your boat and look at the used sail dealers, prob $100 used, $600 new. would suggest mastering what you have before getting a spinnaker unless you find something cheap, but still would not try it without experienced help on board. they add speed, but can be dangerous to those new to sailing.

 

[Abby Normal]

Spinnaker

I've had it explained to me that if you aren't in a hurry and you are in general a "lazy" sailor, a spinnaker isn't for you.All-in-all I'm not overly happy with the down-wind performance of my M-25 and I find going wing on wing, it's a very narrow area with the wind at my back to keep the Genoa full on a downwind run. I haven't done much research on whisker poles, but I've been told that would help going downwind with my 150 Genoa hanging out. Anyone else use one that can give me feedback?I might consider going to a "Gennaker" in the future, but for the time being, I've got other rigging upgrades that will take precedence.

 

[MrBill_FLL]

gennaker -

I do not own either a spinnaker or gennaker, or asmetrical... but have flown all of these on larger boats...-you can really get into trouble with these in sudden storms, or big gusts... but a reacher type downwind sail, often called drifer, or other name would be your best bet.many have a 'sock' that can be used to douse it in a hurry, and is about the best way to fly it short handed. (IMHO of course).some can be used on a roller furling... I'd look at these types others have good reports on them...gennaker:http://www.cruisingdirect.com/UsingaGennaker.htm--- sizes ---http://www.cruisingdirect.com/cd/CD_catalog.taf?_function=list&category=11&subcategory=12stock mac's spin dim's:http://i5.photobucket.com/albums/y159/ftldiver/mac/sail4.jpggenoahttp://i5.photobucket.com/albums/y159/ftldiver/mac/sail3.jpgjibhttp://i5.photobucket.com/albums/y159/ftldiver/mac/sail2.jpgmain:http://i5.photobucket.com/albums/y159/ftldiver/mac/sail1.jpg-the term DEATH ROLL, comes from a spinaker over powering a boat.... So... the term gives a hit on the danger.... only way to save it is to dump the sheet(guy), OR halyard... as the rudder is no longer in control. which leads to the term 'SHRIMPING' lol.... a nice reacher will look great, and will give those extra knts you need... safely.photos pls when you get it...

 

[Justin_NSA]

Not used - someday perhaps

One came with my boat but I've never used it. There's good advice posted here. Spinnakers are good for racing with a good wind.I've found that the safest, most efficient downwind point of sail is gybing from broad reach to broad reach. No risk of an accidental jibe

 

[Ed]

Go for it!

The new cruising (asymetrical) spinnakers are great. Pretty, efficent, fun, makes people look at you and say "wow". MrBill mentioned a "sock". I got one this summer and find that it makes sailing the spinnaker much easier. This is basically a big plastic funnel attached to a very long cloth tube. The funnel slides up and down the spinnaker, having its own halyards. When the spinnaker is in use, the whole sock rides on top of it. When you want to dowse, just luff the sails and pull the sock down. Slick! Also, the cruising spinnaker is not only for downwind runs. It can reach pretty well too. Here again, the sock can be used to tack if you don't want to or can't gybe. To me, this is a question of how much money you want to spend more than anything else.

 

[Mike Coons]

wisker poles

Abby normal,Whisker poles work wonders. I use one with my 170 and it gives some extra drive. You still need to pay attention to wind direction, but not as much and it's definitely more efficient.Mike Coons

 

[MrBill_FLL]

poor mans wisker pool = painters roller extension

I got a wisker pole with my boat, but have see a painters roller extension used.like found at home depot...for around 20 bucks.but... I think broad reaching & gyping down wind better than wing on wing too. unless its really flat.I also often use a preventer for the boom downwind... by moving the vang to a life line stantion...

 

[heysteveh]

Thanks For the great input!!

Thanks for all your thoughts... some excellent advice to ponder before spending big bucks.