Good stuff. Jim, I had also considered a reefable jib and still might go that way. Saves one sail change at the very least.
I agree with you, an 80% in those higher wind conditions would be quite useful. I can tell you also that in true 30 knots, the stock jib alone is like a plank on the 17 and have been ....not over powered, but over canvased (even with no main) depending on point of sail. Because of my sailing ground, I am either closed hauled a lot (seems like always) of the time. Going to wind in high 20's is one thing and one setup, a broad reach in the high 20's is a whole other world. I also have a cruising mind set. My goal is always to have a relaxing boat, doing it's max speed per conditions with the least amount of sail. I often sail alone and never over canvas when given the choice. Even if I am running and comfy with the set, I don't like to carry any more than I would need if I WAS going to wind. You never know when that man overboard drill becomes the real deal. If you have every stitch you own out and are blasting downhill when you need to come around for whatever reason....that change of sailing in a vacuum to a beat is pretty radical. I do use a tiller pilot Jim and this is the one 'luxury' device that makes it possible for me to turf the roller rig and go back to hank on sails. Without Otto it would be a little bit tougher. I have found that heaving to is OK for a reef in the main, but to change a headsail I generally drop the headsail (downhaul) set up a beam reach and change. Otto holds a beamer under main alone pretty nice. A broad reach is ok for a heasail change as well...though I worry about accidental spineroos. You know, I have often thought there would be more small boat sailors if not for the usual practises of the more visable sailing herd...the racers. Newbies often seem to think that racing is sailing and can't see the joy in what they see out there. I am sure they are all convinced that if you don't carry your full main and a masthead spinner in 25 knots you are a pussy. I can't imagine sailing a boat without a gas pedal. Specially a small boat like the 17 or 15. Preventable Beer spillage is a sin...accidental Beer spillage is accepted. As for the sail salesperson........no comment. Cheers, Tim D in Kelowna. ----------------------------------------------------- -----Original Message----- From: [EMAIL PROTECTED] [mailto:[EMAIL PROTECTED] On Behalf Of James Poulakis Sent: Wednesday, April 23, 2008 12:52 AM To: [email protected] Subject: M_Boats: Heavy Weather Jibs Thanks for the replies Bert and Tim. I haven't found a button or link to reply to a specific thread, hence the new heading (I'm using Safari if that makes any difference). Tim, You gave me a good feel for what to expect in an M-17 as the winds build. Although the original choices were a storm jib, a #4, or both, I'm now considering a reefable 80%. Tim, if you're getting by in 30 knot winds with the working jib (which is ~ 75 sq ft at ~110%) then it seems like an 80% (50 sq ft) would be very useful. Although we SF Bay sailors like to blather on about our 30+ knot winds, the truth is that it's more often in the low to mid 20's - and typically doesn't build up to that until 2:00 pm. So from your description it seems like an 80% would see a lot of use. With the reef points it could still be shortened down to credible storm jib. Yes, changing the clew on a reefing jib is a hassle - The technique I've used in the past requires an autopilot and a temporary sheet with a carabiner - but that's for another thread. Bert, Sailmakers are a great source of advice and I've talked to a few. Here's what they indicate for M-17 heavy weather jibs: Storm jib: 24 ft^2 (one sailmaker said that an M-17 storm jib was about 50% J) 70%: 35 ft^2 80%: 50 ft^2 The lowest (boatshow) price for a storm jib was $184 for a 7.03oz dacron sail from Hogin Sails www.hoginsails.com As an aside, I was told by a well meaning-representative of Pinapple Sails that people in 17'ers had no need for storm jibs. According to her, storm jibs were only for world travelers who needed to claw off lee shores in 50 knot winds. Small boat sailors NEVER faced these conditions. Uhh, well... Lemme tell y'all about my first attempt to round point Lopez in my 27' Albin back in '90... Thanks again guys, Jim Poulakis "Spirit" M-17 #648 _______________________________________________ http://mailman.xmission.com/cgi-bin/mailman/listinfo/montgomery_boats -- No virus found in this incoming message. Checked by AVG. Version: 7.5.524 / Virus Database: 269.23.3/1392 - Release Date: 4/22/2008 3:51 PM _______________________________________________ http://mailman.xmission.com/cgi-bin/mailman/listinfo/montgomery_boats
