Genoa questions

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amytom
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Genoa questions

Post by amytom »

I recently took my old boat out for a "demo cruise" (looks like it sold BTW) I was reminded of how well it moved along with a large Genoa. My PDQ32 has the tall rig mast a large roach main and the standard self tacking jib. Would a Genoa be worth the loss of the self tacking? Where should the sheet blocks be located? Would I need to add two small winches or could I use the one already on the starboard side along with a new one on the port side? What do others have for sail size? Leach and foot? I've considered either a used one or a sailrite kit; any thoughts?
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Re: Genoa questions

Post by Dan White »

I have had both, on 2 different boats. There is certainly a huge convenience factor with self-tacking, but it comes at a pretty high loss of performance.

I have often thought it would be neat to have the option of both from the same Genoa. For self-tacking you would keep it partially furled.
If you do add a Genoa, don't forget the travelers, and I only think you'd need to add one winch. I can't comment on where to put the blocks on the 32, since mine is the 36.

Also, two clutches just forward of the winches are very convenient.
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Re: Genoa questions

Post by amytom »

Anyone have the Genoa on a 32? I'm curious where to put the genoa tracks.
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thinwater
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Anytom, did you find a good place for the track?

Post by thinwater »

My 32 has a large geona and the PO had it sheet to a track all the way out at the rail, far aft ( where a spinnaker would normally sheet). While this is good for reaching, it is no good above a close reach and I am considering a more inboard position, probably just forward of the primary winches.

Inboard is going to present a small problem, as the sail extends past the shrouds, but I think I can work with that. I may furl just a little up wind, which should not really hurt anything and will reduce backwinding. For reaching I will transfer the load to the outboard track - now my spinnaker track - which will not be in use at the same time. I rig the chute with 2 separate sheets.
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Re: Genoa questions

Post by amytom »

Any pictures? Always the best way to visualize.
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thinwater
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I'll post some when I get it re-rogged, I guess.

Post by thinwater »

BTW, I currently have the self-tacker up, as I experienced some strong wind on the delivery trip. One problem is that it is difficult to have both on the boat; the genoa is too big to fit through a hatch for storage, and even challenging to get into the salon. Changing sails and rigging sheets only took about 15 minutes.

I am pondering what to do for a storm jib off shore; the genoa when partly furled would be at risk in strong wind, and the self tacker is way too full. A storm jib needs to be flat and high clew. The ATN storm jib seems to be an options.
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Re: Genoa questions

Post by tmount »

There's always the possibility of a cruising spinnaker. After a lot of experimentation, I finally figured out a good way to fly it. I am now capable of setting it up by myself, using the autopilot. Of course, it's not convenient but I've found I can sail well (and fast) up to a beam reach and use it more and more.
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Re: Genoa questions

Post by amytom »

That brings up a good question. What sails does everyone carry on the 32?

We have the tall rig with a large roach main that is loose footed and a little baggy. (maybe time for new battens?) We also have the standard self tacking jib. The orginal main is in a bag in the attic.
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Re: Genoa questions

Post by thinwater »

tmount wrote:There's always the possibility of a cruising spinnaker. After a lot of experimentation, I finally figured out a good way to fly it. I am now capable of setting it up by myself, using the autopilot. Of course, it's not convenient but I've found I can sail well (and fast) up to a beam reach and use it more and more.
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I run an asymetrical chute using a line traveller between the bows, allowing both port/starboard movement and tack hight adjustment. Very easy and light; it does require 3 adjustment lines (crosshauls and 2:1 purchase downhaul), but they aren't adjusted often. Rigging only takes ~ 3 minutes, hatch to up. The challenge is not running over the sheets on a jibe!
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Re: Genoa questions

Post by tmount »

I meant asymmetrical spinnaker. Do you have a picture, thinwater? My set-up is very basic: a bridle running from one bow to the other. Adjustments--as you said, not many needed--are made by adjusting the length of the bridle and the location of the tack which is just a loop in the bridle.
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Re: Genoa questions

Post by thinwater »

tmount wrote:I meant asymmetrical spinnaker. Do you have a picture, thinwater? My set-up is very basic: a bridle running from one bow to the other. Adjustments--as you said, not many needed--are made by adjusting the length of the bridle and the location of the tack which is just a loop in the bridle.
The advantage of a bridle with a traveler on it is that you can make all of the adjustments under load.

How do we up-load an image?
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Verbal description of line spinaker traveler.

Post by thinwater »

While I figure out how to load an image, let me explain:

[*]Rig a fixed line (3/8" non-stretch line, or 5/16" high-tech) between the bows with minimal slack (you can lift it about 6" in the center).
[*]Thread a small bock to serve as a traveler block. This will be hauled side-to-side. Tie a line to this and to turning blocks and cam cleats near both bows (cross hauls) so that the traveler can be pulled side-to-side.
[*]Attach 2 blocks to the traveler. Attach a line to one bow, around one block, up to a block on the tack of the sail, down to the other block, and to a turning block and cleat near the other bow. This will give 2:1 down haul that does not change as the tack is moved side-to-side. Also, a cascade purchase can be added to get 4:1.
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Re: Genoa questions

Post by Lady of the Lake »

To add photos, click the "upload attachment" tab at the bottom of your post and follow the directions. So easy a caveman can do it.
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amytom
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Re: Genoa questions

Post by amytom »

Sounds reasonable, kind of a cross between the jib traveller (down haul) and the main traveller (cross hauls). What are the advantages of this system (or the bridal) over a tacker type setup?

We only have one winch on the strbd side with no blocks or tracks for the sheets, how would I rig this? Chris from PDQ mentioned just using "Barber Haulers"; can anyone explain?

I've looked at CDI's spinnaker furling ($1K) and ATN's Spinnaker Sleeve (apx. $500) any thoughts?
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Re: Genoa questions

Post by thinwater »

Is there an image size limit? It said my file was invalid.

The advantage over a Tacker is that I can move the tack side-to-side and that the tack is further forward... but not as far as a pole. Spinnaker wraps may be less likely, and it will breath better.

I would think you will need 2 winches on Starboard (main and chute), though I suppose you could put the main in a jammer.

The PO sheeted the chute to a block on a stanchion base, and it worked OK. Try that first, before adding a track. Try straight out from the winch, to start. You can see what a barberhauler is in any sailing text; a way of deflecting a lead.

I have a sleave and it works OK. I like just hoisting off the deck, no furler or sleave, but the bag is too big to get down the hatch! The sleave is easy, and once in the sleave, it will snake down below.
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