Spiniker Size Determination?

[Gallivanters]

Is there a simple rule of thumb for determining the correct size of asymetrical spinikers, bloopers, MPS, etc. in which the sail is only attached at the head, tack & clew?

I'm interested in light air performance on a lazy cruising boat.

Thanks,

Kirk

[ssullivan]

Kirk, we are looking for the same thing right now. Light air downwind performance. I had asked some questions before, but still have not entirely decided. Did you read about the "drifters" yet? They were mentioned in another spinnaker thread. Basically, I'd like to do some lazy-man's thing like toss out a big old bed sheet and let it drag me along. ha ha ha. I haven't made a decision yet, but am curious to hear what you settle on.

[FrankZ]

Originally Posted by ssullivan

Kirk, we are looking for the same thing right now. Light air downwind performance. I had asked some questions before, but still have not entirely decided. Did you read about the "drifters" yet? They were mentioned in another spinnaker thread. Basically, I'd like to do some lazy-man's thing like toss out a big old bed sheet and let it drag me along. ha ha ha. I haven't made a decision yet, but am curious to hear what you settle on.

Just don't use the missus' fine linen, they get twitchy when you abuse the 1000 count sheets.

[Sailorjane7]

Help!! Need advice on how to determine the size Spiniker I need for my 38 fr west wind...

[Cheechako]

I say as long as the luff isnt longer than the luff on your boat, buy whatever is cheap used and close to your size! You'll get used to using it. I agree a drifter might might be easiest for a cruzer... good racing boats carry a multitude of spinnakers (1/2 oz, 3/4oz. high shoulder, reacher, etc) there will be no one size fits all anyway.

[barnakiel]

Light winds:

For an upwind / reaching sail - keep the sail luff length below the max top block to tack attachment point. Foot length as you please, as long as it fits the aftmost position of the block that will lead the sheet. You want to controll all edges.

For an off the wind / broad reaching sail - you can go for a longer luff.

Cloth weight - get a slightly heavier sail for the upwind sail, unless it is meant to be used exclusively in very light conditions. You can still use very light cloth though - if you can afford the more expensive, less stretchy materials.

b.

[bullsails]

run tape up halyard and measure down to just above the pulpit where you want spinnaker/ drifter/ code 0 to fly. a typical down wind orientated sail will be about 105% of this on luff length. more reaching sails will be about 97-100 % of this. You dont want a deck sweeper catching all the time, better to err on shorter.the foot length is dictated by the sheeting point, if you have multiple options like a full length toe rail, then as long as sail is under 80% of boat length you should be OK.