Beneteau 38

[homerobarros]

Originally Posted by Fluer de Mer

My 38 has uncovered wires at the base of the mast that are exposed to the sun/salt. I noticed other Beneteau's have wires that are covered with small flexible tubing. Does anyone else have exposed wires and if not how are yours coverd? Photos appreciated. FdM

Mine is not like that, FDM. I will take pictures tomorrow, and post.

[homerobarros]

Originally Posted by Fluer de Mer

A-Spinnaker. 15 knot wind=10 knot SOG, 10 knot wind=8.5 knot SOG, 5 knot wind=5 knot SOG

FDM, if you don't mind, who is the manufacture of the Spi and the price range?

[Fluer de Mer]

Quantum Sails made the sail.

Sail Area: 109.718 m2
Sail: $3,407.68
Sock: $611.72
Lazy Sheet preventer: $23.18
Bag: $ 245.11
Total: $4,287.69

Construction: Maxilite 150 (40%), Nylite 90 (60%).

Tri-Radial panels are laser cut, and

assembled with oversized, tear drop

shaped corner patches, extra layering and

extensive reinforcement of high load areas

throughout, with multiple webbing straps,

stainless steel rings or Rutgerson press

rings at head, tack, clew.

Includes: Choice of custom color scheme,

luff rope and leech cord, drawstring bag

FdM

[homerobarros]

Originally Posted by Fluer de Mer

Quantum Sails made the sail.

Sail Area: 109.718 m2
Sail: $3,407.68
Sock: $611.72
Lazy Sheet preventer: $23.18
Bag: $ 245.11
Total: $4,287.69

Construction: Maxilite 150 (40%), Nylite 90 (60%).

Tri-Radial panels are laser cut, and

assembled with oversized, tear drop

shaped corner patches, extra layering and

extensive reinforcement of high load areas

throughout, with multiple webbing straps,

stainless steel rings or Rutgerson press

rings at head, tack, clew.

Includes: Choice of custom color scheme,

luff rope and leech cord, drawstring bag

FdM

You told them what you wanted, based on your racing experience, or they suggested this based on the boat's characteristics?

[Fluer de Mer]

I asked the sailmaker for the largest reaching A-Spinnaker that they could make so that I could utilize the largest range of wind angles including one that would almost allow me to run with the wind directly astern. This is a very large sail and was custom made for the boat. That said it is really easy to rig and handle and gybing is not at all difficult...like a large genoa, it stays filled at a wide range of angles. But in my view, it is not for single handed sailing.

[homerobarros]

Originally Posted by Fluer de Mer

I asked the sailmaker for the largest reaching A-Spinnaker that they could make so that I could utilize the largest range of wind angles including one that would almost allow me to run with the wind directly astern. This is a very large sail and was custom made for the boat. That said it is really easy to rig and handle and gybing is not at all difficult...like a large genoa, it stays filled at a wide range of angles. But in my view, it is not for single handed sailing.

FDM, try imagine the conditions in Florida / Bahamas, and in your opinion ( others who actually have the O38 already, are invited to reply also) if you had to pick just one, would it be the A spi or a Screecher (code zero type) ? ( Can't afford both now).
Thanks FDM

[Fluer de Mer]

Read this:
Downwind Sails for Cruising | Sail Magazine

[homerobarros]

Originally Posted by Fluer de Mer

Read this:
Downwind Sails for Cruising | Sail Magazine

Great explanation. Code zero will be..
Thanks FDM

[Fluer de Mer]

Great...a 0 should be easier to handle single handed. Make sure that it you put it on an auto-furler, the boat can accommodate it (see my earlier post about this). The sail maker can tell you this. If they tell you that you should just put a sock on it and not do the auto-furler, then you are back to not really being able to single handed sail because of the need to go forward to dowse the sail with the sock, etc... FdM

[Fluer de Mer]

Matt, Have you used a whisker pole on your boat to keep the genoa out/full while on a run? If so, let us know its performance. Also, is it one of the fancy telescoping ones that store on the mast? Pls advise and thx. FdM

[mstrebe]

Originally Posted by homerobarros

.I wanted to ask you this for a long time: Does your varnished cockpit table scratch easily?

No scratches yet, but we do have a cover for it and keep it covered when not in use. This keeps the varnish from yellowing as well.

I recommend varnish and a sunbrella cover for the table, as its much less maintenance than the untreated teak will be. You'll eventually have to either oil it or varnish it.

[mstrebe]

Originally Posted by Fluer de Mer

Beneteau A-Spinnaker blocks...one attached to horn cleat one not.

Thanks! flying block will be easy enough to make.

[mstrebe]

Originally Posted by Fluer de Mer

My 38 has uncovered wires at the base of the mast that are exposed to the sun/salt. I noticed other Beneteau's have wires that are covered with small flexible tubing. Does anyone else have exposed wires and if not how are yours coverd? Photos appreciated. FdM

Mine all have stainless steel tube mesh covers. I'll post a photo next time I'm at the boat.

[mstrebe]

Originally Posted by Fluer de Mer

Matt, Have you used a whisker pole on your boat to keep the genoa out/full while on a run? If so, let us know its performance. Also, is it one of the fancy telescoping ones that store on the mast? Pls advise and thx. FdM

I use a telescoping boathook, specifically this one:

WEST MARINE Heavy Duty 6'-14' Telescoping Boat Hook | West Marine

Works great. I adjust the length with the thin end-tube being left mostly unextended, tighten down the length adjustment, put the hook-end through the clew ring and then wedge the handle between the cables at the mast base. Then I harden up the windward jib-sheet to tension everything which keeps the pole from moving. Basically just jury rigged until I decide which downwind chute I'm going to get.

I use the same boathook to clear kelp from the rudders by hooking the kelp and then twisting it around like spagghetti on a fork. Then I push down hard, and it cuts the kelp off the rudders.

Finally, it's the same hook we use for grabbing mooring poles and the occational dock cleats, and for fishing lost hats out of the water.

It sits on the cabin top hooked around the midship handrails and the handle goes right to the mast arch. This way it's within easy reach, and never moves.

I like the things I have onboard to be multipurpose.

Matt

[homerobarros]

Originally Posted by Fluer de Mer

My 38 has uncovered wires at the base of the mast that are exposed to the sun/salt. I noticed other Beneteau's have wires that are covered with small flexible tubing. Does anyone else have exposed wires and if not how are yours coverd? Photos appreciated. FdM

FDM,
I was wrong. I went out today and saw that mine is exactly like yours. Never had any leaking tough...