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Down-sizing genoa

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Joe Mama
1st Mate

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USA
25 Posts

Initially Posted - 05/28/2004 : 01:59:50

Hello again!!!
I'm considering changing down from a '150' genoa to a '135' from Cruising Direct. Any comments on performance or handling issues that I should be aware of? My main reason for the change is to hopefully make sail-handling easier during tacks, and less strain on my wife when trimming. Thanks in advance...

Joe Lucero
'85 SR/FK
"Dolphin Dreams"

Edited by - on

dlucier
Master Marine Consultant

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Virgin Islands (United Kingdom)
7583 Posts

Response Posted - 05/28/2004 : 08:23:29

Joe,

I use a 135 genoa and I wouldn't want anything bigger due to the prevalent wind conditions in my sailing area, and if this size sail is going to make life easier for you and your wife, then I say go for it.

A far as performance goes, although I've never flown a 150 from my C25, I have to assume that performance won't be significantly affected by going down to the 135.

Edited by - on

Steve Milby
Past Commodore

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USA
5913 Posts

Response Posted - 05/28/2004 : 08:57:10

Joe,

The 135 is a good choice for a cruising sail. In terms of performance, you'll hardly notice a difference from the 150, except, as you intend, it'll be easier to handle. If you have a roller furler, you can partially furl it and still have reasonably good sail shape through a wide range of winds. Most charter boats are furnished with 135s because of their usefulness.

To help your wife trim the sail, I suggest you get an inexpensive floating plastic winch handle, because they are light in weight and easier to use. Using the winches will give her mechanical advantage, and, after she gets accustomed to using them, she'll enjoy it more.

Edited by - on

Dave Bristle
Master Marine Consultant

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Djibouti
10005 Posts

Response Posted - 05/28/2004 : 10:58:28

Hi Joe... Three more "comfort" suggestions to go with Steve's:
<ul><li>Sailing gloves for a better grip and no more rope burns</li>
<li>Relatively fat jib sheets (I think mine are 1/2")</li>
<li>Cam or clam cleats for cleating the tail coming off the winch--this requires some sort of riser to tilt the cleat upward toward the winch, and makes releasing as well as cleating much easier</li></ul>
I'll add another vote for the 135 (mine is apparently a 130). Another C-25er I know has a 155 on a tall rig, and it feels like it's twice as big as my sail! Since you are talking about "strain when trimming", I presume you're not worrying about very light air. As Steve says, if you have a roller, it will maintain better shape when substantially reduced. If it's a hank-on sail, then you should have at least one smaller one for heavier air--it can help you go faster as well as ease sail handling.

Edited by - Dave Bristle on 05/28/2004 10:59:56

skipn809
Navigator

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111 Posts

Response Posted - 05/28/2004 : 11:11:47

If anybody is looking to increse the size of their jib sheets, I have 70 feet of 7/16 blue fleck Stay-set that is like new for $40 plus $5 shipping. I think that is about half what WM gets for it.

I used it on my C25 about 3 months last season before switching to something else. I'd keep it if it wasn't for the fact all my other lines use smaller diameter.

Edited by - on

Jonathan Cuff
Navigator

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Cayman Island
173 Posts

Response Posted - 05/28/2004 : 17:18:25

I recently upgraded from a 110 hanked jib to a 150 Harken furled genoa and find it a big improvement. I sail in hardly any wind right up to about 25 knots and find the control that the furling system gives me is much easier than the hanked sail, particularly as you can adjust to varying conditions as you sail. In a blow the furled 150 copes very well, while on down wind legs the full 150 pushes the boat along with ease. I just like having the 150 option in case the winds are light.

Edited by - on

Douglas
Master Marine Consultant

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1595 Posts

Response Posted - 05/28/2004 : 17:52:36

Have you looked into having the 150 re cut to a 135. It might cost less than a new sail.

Edited by - on

Joe Mama
1st Mate

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USA
25 Posts

Response Posted - 05/29/2004 : 16:23:12

Thanks for all the replies!!!
the prevailing winds offshore San Diego where we live are usually 8-15 KTS. In reply to several issues addressed, I'm planning on upgrading our roller-furler to the newer type 'closed drum' style from cdi. We still have the o.e. 'reefer' that came with the boat, and it has been giving us problems. (see 'furler parts' posting in this forum). 2nd, Our 150 is in need of repair, and is o.e.to the boat. Will keep for a spare, though. 3rd, We do use raised cam cleats, but my wife finds winch handles too cumbersome at times. And yes, we do wear gloves. Anyway, thanks for all your input, I think our plans will work. :) Happy sailing,

Joe Lucero
'85 SR/FK
"Dolphin Dreams"

Edited by - on

Joe Mama
1st Mate

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USA
25 Posts

Response Posted - 07/05/2004 : 15:17:24

Hello again!!!
Installed new '135' from Cruising Direct... (North Sails), with good results in handling characteristics. My question is, what are the two cords with hooks on the foot and leech near the clew? Anybody know? C/D's and North's websites were of no help. Thanks in advance, and happy sailing...

Joe Lucero
'85 SR/FK
"Dolphin Dreams"

Edited by - on

PZell
Admiral

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USA
548 Posts

Response Posted - 07/05/2004 : 15:42:27

Sounds like a leech line. Use it to tighten the leech if necessary.

Edited by - on

atgep
Master Marine Consultant

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1009 Posts

Response Posted - 07/05/2004 : 16:35:34

I have a CD 135 purchased in the spring.

The quality for the price seems to be great.

The material is heavier than the 150 I replaced and in light air it just hangs there.

The cd sail is cut lower than previous sail obscuring my previous visibility.

I hope this helps. This sail shines when the wind pipes up. I have had it in 20-25 kts and no main having a blast.

Edited by - on

Frank Hopper
Past Commodore

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Pitcairn Island
6776 Posts

Response Posted - 07/05/2004 : 17:40:58

<blockquote id="quote">quote:<hr height="1" noshade id="quote">Originally posted by atgep
 I have a CD 135 purchased in the spring.
The material is heavier than the 150 I replaced and in light air it just hangs there.

<hr height="1" noshade id="quote"></blockquote id="quote">
If I were buying a 135 for light air I would want it to be the same weight as a 155-170, which I think would be 4-4.5 oz cloth. I would want it to hold its shape in the light stuff. It makes sense to cut the light weight 150 down.

Edited by - on

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