Spinnaker Recommendations for a Cruiser

[ADMPRTR]

My boat came with a tri-radial (symetrical) spinnaker to which I have added a sock and started to learn how to use. While I like the downwind performance I don't like the time and number of crew it takes to set up. As I am almost exclusively a cruiser, I am considering one of the following:

1. Talk to my sailmaker to see if the sail can be converted to a gennaker.
2. Sell the sail and buy a gennaker.
3. Buy a gennaker and keep both depending on the wind conditions ($$$).
4. Or just learn how to use the spinnaker more effectively.

Aside from running performance in exchange for ease of use, what do I lose or gain by switching to a gennaker? If I did switch, is there any use in keeping the spinnaker pool?

Also, is there a difference between a DRS and a gennaker?

Comments anyone?

Thanks,

Andrew

[Bash]

Thanks in part to our autopilot, my wife and I can run our gennaker without needing crew. While we lose the ability to sail DDW without a symmetrical chute, in the real world of cruising we're able to reach deeply enough to get us where we need to go.

I have a North G3, and it's the only downwind sail I need. Were I to replace it now, it would be with another G3. They advertise this as a "Set it and Forget it" sail, and it really is.

[sailorboy1]

I agree with Bash. I had a sym ( in a sock) on my last boat and after dealing with the pole etc to put it up I needed a nap, which means we didn't fly it as much as we should have (needed another nap after taking it back down). New boat has a assym chute in a sock and we probably have flown it more in the past 3 months than the last boat's sym in 2 years.

If it isn't easy for a cruising couple it wouldn't get used, so is just a waste of boat space and money.

[ADMPRTR]

Ya, that is my impression. Thanks Don and Bash.

I know with us, in the short time we have used the spinnaker that the effort to put it up has really discouraged me from using it.

What are the trade-offs of going A-Sym? I know typically when going down wind I will opt for a broad reach instead of a run if at all possible so that may not be an issue however sometimes a run is best. Can a gennaker be used efficiently on a run or does it require a wiskerpole to keep it out?

[Livia]

We had both aboard and sold the sym. I sometimes wish we had an asymm with a tightening luff (can't remember the name for that set up) so we could use it to point a little higher.

[ADMPRTR]

Originally Posted by Livia

We had both aboard and sold the sym. I sometimes wish we had an asymm with a tightening luff (can't remember the name for that set up) so we could use it to point a little higher.

I have never heard of that (tightening luff). I'll have to ask about it. Thanks.

[hoppy]

Originally Posted by ADMPRTR

I have never heard of that (tightening luff). I'll have to ask about it. Thanks.

Isn't that the "code 0" or for North the G0

[Paul L]

We often run our asym on a pole. If we are going to be under a spin for a long time, it is much more stable and easy to drive if we pole it out. We can also sail deeper if we wish. So if you are getting rid of the sym, don't get rid of the pole. It can make down wind sailing much less stressful.

[ADMPRTR]

Just an update to this thread for any who are interested.

I spoke with my sail maker about the possiblity of converting my tri-radial spinnaker to a Asymetrical Spinnaker. He said it is possible for a modest amount (about $CA200) although the shoulders on the sail may be too broad (I think that is the term) and as such would negatively affect reaching ability. It seems to me, that I would be giving up down wind ability and not gaining reaching ability for the sake of a simpler configuration. As a result, I have decided not to alter this sail and instead budget for a proper Asym (about $2000).

Thank you all who responded.

[ADMPRTR]

BTW, what would a lightly used symetrical spinnaker with a sock typically sell for? I don't have the measurement but it is for a 36ft boat.

[ozskipper]

Originally Posted by Livia

We had both aboard and sold the sym. I sometimes wish we had an asymm with a tightening luff (can't remember the name for that set up) so we could use it to point a little higher.

FWIW tightening the luff on a kite can have the opposite results. Raising the pole or loosening the halyhard allows the luff to fall off, flattening the leading edge enabling a higher pointing angle. (kinda the opposite to what we are used to with fixed luff sails like mains and jibs). By tightening the luff, the draft of the sail is increased.

[barnakiel]

Sell the spinnaker, buy a proper gennaker and a furler. Sail wider angles downwind.

b.

[oldvarnish]

I've got one of these

Parasailor - ISTEC - The Downwind Company - Home of the Parasailor and the Parasail - Spinnaker, Asymmetric Spinnaker, Gennaker, Blister, Downwind Sail, Cruising Chute, Cruising Kite

Quite expensive here in the UK but takes all the hassle out of spinnaker work. No poles, dead easy to gybe.

[ADMPRTR]

Originally Posted by barnakiel

Sell the spinnaker, buy a proper gennaker and a furler. Sail wider angles downwind.

b.

Thanks. That's the plan. However, I wasn't going to go with a furler but a sock instead.

[ADMPRTR]

Originally Posted by oldvarnish

I've got one of these

Parasailor - ISTEC - The Downwind Company - Home of the Parasailor and the Parasail - Spinnaker, Asymmetric Spinnaker, Gennaker, Blister, Downwind Sail, Cruising Chute, Cruising Kite

Quite expensive here in the UK but takes all the hassle out of spinnaker work. No poles, dead easy to gybe.

That is really cool. I bet they are expensive.