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**irwinsailor** · 19-02-2007, 08:25

I just bought a Tacker from ATN at the Chicago strictly sail boat show and I am looking forward to trying it out. Have any of you ever used one? What did you think of it.

**Alan Wheeler** · 19-02-2007, 10:26

Please explain further for us "sailing challenged". Is this a sail???

**Paul L** · 19-02-2007, 10:31

The Tacker is a hard plastic sleeve with a snap shackle that goes around a furled headsail. You then attach the tack of an asymmetric spinnaker to it. It makes an easy setup for asyms. It can also be used for symmetric spinnakers when not using a pole. They work as advertised.

Paul L

**Alan Wheeler** · 19-02-2007, 10:39

I can't quite picture this. Is there a picture of one or something that I can take a look at.

Benny · 19-02-2007, 12:41

Alan - see ATN Home Page -- sailing, sail, storm, gale, tacker, spinnaker, sleeve, stasher, flasher, douser, chute scoop, sally, case, furler, roller, reefed sail, single handed, short handed, cruising, transatlantic, round the world, Jules Verne Trophy, BOC, w

Regards, Randy

**irwinsailor** · 19-02-2007, 15:19

Do you have one Paul?

**Paul L** · 19-02-2007, 16:29

Gunner,
Yes, I've used it for about 3 years now. It helps a lot on leading the tack line on the asym clearly and being able to control the tack. My tack line comes through a block on the deck so there is a fair amount of line between the deck and the tack. This would allow the tack to float around too much. With the Tacker the tack is better controlled and easier to tighten or slacken, depending on the wind angle.

Paul L

**Alan Wheeler** · 19-02-2007, 22:45

Arrr yes, now I know exactly what you mean. I have seen them and thought what a great idea if I had a spiniker, which I don't.
But I don't see why you would have to buy something like this. Why not a "sling" made from sail fabric or sunbrella.

**irwinsailor** · 20-02-2007, 06:29

Allen I thought the same thing, why can't I make something? Then I started to think about chaff on my headsail and the up and down movement. The tacker has a plactic guard that will provide a great deal of protection to my furled sail so I thought the price was worth it. The boat show price was $120. for the largest size and the shackle and snap shackel are most of the value.

Raven · 20-02-2007, 06:44

In addition to the Tacker, ATN sells what they call a Topclimber (a bosun's chair that allows one to climb a halyard using Jumar style ascenders). Do any of you have any experience with the Topclimber? Feedback?

http://www.atninc.com/media/top06.jpg

**FrankZ** · 20-02-2007, 07:11

I have considered getting the tacker if I decide to do the spinny. I do find it interesting they sell the idea of low chafe as dacron slides of dacron easily, yet most people who have a furling headsail seem to have a sunbrella (or similar) cover. I wonder what if the firction would be higher over the sunbrella and cause it to wear a thin spot or hole over the range of motion.

Greg Riach · 20-02-2007, 09:34

Raven

I have the ATN Topclimber and it works very well for me. I would recommend it, my buddy bought one for his boat using my Topclimber. Great item that works as advertised.

Greg

Raven · 20-02-2007, 10:30

Quote:

Originally Posted by Greg Riach

Raven

I have the ATN Topclimber and it works very well for me. I would recommend it, my buddy bought one for his boat using my Topclimber. Great item that works as advertised.

Greg

Greg,
Thanks for the feedback. I have used Jumar ascenders for rock climbing and found them to be very secure. When I saw the Topclimber at Strictly Sail in Philly it seemed like a good solution to my singlehanding needs.

**S/V Elusive** · 20-02-2007, 10:44

I built my own, using ascenders and a bosun's chair, along with an etiere (sp??) (a "ladder"/steps made of webbing) - an improvement of ATN's design... IMHO. I've used mine several times and when docked, it is a good method. I think that if I was at anchor, or hove to, I would hope to heck I had someone else aboard to help - too easy to be ALL over the place with that setup.

Raven · 20-02-2007, 11:25

Quote:

Originally Posted by S/V Elusive

I built my own, using ascenders and a bosun's chair, along with an etiere (sp??) (a "ladder"/steps made of webbing) - an improvement of ATN's design... IMHO. I've used mine several times and when docked, it is a good method. I think that if I was at anchor, or hove to, I would hope to heck I had someone else aboard to help - too easy to be ALL over the place with that setup.

I've thought about making my own as a modification to my current bosun's chair. Perhaps if I looked at the price for the ATN Topclimber that would be all it would take to convince me.

My usual mates are my 11 and 13 year-old sons. I love them dearly, but I still haven't gotten to the point where I trust their attention span while tailing a winch.