Cruising Chute

[stevensuf]

So im considering a cruising chute, for downwind sailing in light airs, been quoted 3500 uk pounds for a chute and snuffer , im wondering for those who are out there and have done it, 3500 uk pounds or about 5250 US dollars would buy lots of fuel and jerry cans. how much use have you had out of them, would i be better doing extra fossil fuels for light wind downhill sailing, o does the chute win?

[rebel heart]

Buy a used asym for ~$800 US?

[belizesailor]

Originally Posted by rebel heart

Buy a used asym for ~$800 US?

Even for a new one, the prices you (OP) post seem quite high. As you say, you can buy an awful lot of fuel (at sailboat usage levels) for US$5K+.

I think I use my spinnaker more than most cruisers, and it makes for a very nice downwind ride, but at those rates it would never pay for itself (not that I expect it to anyway).

[Highland Fling]

dont get a snuffler get a furler

[janders]

That is *really* expensive. You should be able to find it much cheaper than that. I would expect consevatively around $1500 to $2000 USD.

[rigormortis]

Bought a brand new assymetrical 1.5 oz radial cut drifter from Lee Sails, Hong Kong in November. $1300 complete with snuffing sock and hardware, bag etc. 5 week order-delivery.
Boat size 42', sloop.
Works like a charm. Of course only used it once so far. Am singlehanding so conditions need to be perfect and I am in S. China Sea where things can be light, on the nose, heavy or just dealing misery. As is sailing anywhere.
Pete

[stevensuf]

sounds like the prices im being quoted are on the high side! 3500 uk pounds for chute and snuffer 5500 for a furling rig!

[atoll]

a second roller furling headsail might be a better investment,much easier to deal with if short handed,so consequently will get used far more

[stevensuf]

I looked at the furling option, but well expensive!

[Pete7]

There are some second hand sails available,

Cruising Chutes - Product Details

http://www.secondhandsails.co.uk/spinnakers.shtml

We picked ours up from Lucas who had made it for someone else and they didn't collect so came at a good discount.

Pete

[Hud3]

If you don't want to spend extra on the furler and already have an autopilot, it's easy to handle the asym by yourself if you have the sock.

[stevensuf]

I'm seriously thinking it may be much cheaper just buying extra jerry cans and fuel for the doldrum moments

[barnakiel]

Chute for extended offshore routes. Fuels for trips where refuelling no issue.

NOTE: a chute a chute a chute a poor option if much dead downwind sailing.

Cheers,
b.

[stevensuf]

well my plan is to sail from the UK via the med to australia, im just wondering if it is worth the money for the limited use it will get along the way

[atoll]

problem with chutes is they have a nasty habit of getting twisted round the rigging,being driven over when the halyard chafes through,causing rope burns to inexperinced crew,blowing out in squalls,esp if flown at night! not to mention uv damage and general wear n tear

never had any of those probs with twin head sails