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Catalina/Capri 25/250 Sailor's Forums

Catalina 250 Specific Forum

Head sail how big ?

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SEAN
Admiral

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USA
772 Posts

Initially Posted - 09/11/2005 : 23:08:30

I'm on the sound in CT ,And I would like a bigger head sail.
Has any one tryed a 150 ,and what changes did you have to make?
I have read on the forum the 135 was used, and two sheet lines help for going in and out of the upper and lower shrouds.
If you use a 150 do you have to run the sheets inside the shrouds going up wind ? And you probably would need another genoa track some where.
I have a WK and I worry the 150 will be over-powerd more often than needed.
I would rather not switch sails during a sail I go out solo during the week. And furling up to much loses a lot of shape. any thoughts,
Thanks

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Arlyn Stewart
Master Marine Consultant

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USA
2980 Posts

Response Posted - 09/12/2005 : 17:03:02

Sean, A 150 is too much sail for the 250 in anything but a light air day. A 250 is a different animal than most sailboats and a 150 genoa just doesn't suit her wardrobe.

The 250 infact drives well with smaller headsails in winds just over light air sail limits of 8 kts so it makes sense to then have a larger headsail that is specific to light air, ie a drifter or asymmetrical. Their lighter materiel will fill easier, shape better and drive the boat better than a 150 genoa of heavier cloth.

And, it is in this light air that its fun to fly the big stuff which is absolutely no fun in a breese.

Many have found a 155% drifter works well with a 250, with others flying asymmetricals. I can easily manage a drifer single handed with an auto pilot as long as the sail is handed in the lee of the main. Out of the lee of the main, I'd want to use a sock if single handed. A sock on an asymmetrical should be no problem single handing.

[url="http://www.stewartfam.net/arlyn/drifter.html"]drifter
link[/url]

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SEAN
Admiral

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USA
772 Posts

Response Posted - 09/13/2005 : 00:06:07

Thanks Arlyn, I like the drifter !
I figured the 150 was to big.
My 110 is a good sail just those light days its hard to keep the boat moving.You have a great site too,Thanks again for the help
Sean

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Auburn80
1st Mate

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60 Posts

Response Posted - 09/13/2005 : 15:50:44

Arlyn,
What points of sail does that drifter work? Do you use it between 135 and 225 degrees?

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Arlyn Stewart
Master Marine Consultant

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USA
2980 Posts

Response Posted - 09/13/2005 : 20:39:55

Clark, the drifter functions almost similar to a genoa but of course cut a bit fuller. I don't harden it to the spreaders so it won't run a pinched weather course but will do a close reach with the tack adjusted firm. Off wind, I sometimes pole the 110 jib wing and wing while using the drifter. Offwind, the tack is eased as much as thirty inches.

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Notice: The advice given on this site is based upon individual or quoted experience, yours may differ.
The Officers, Staff and members of this site only provide information based upon the concept that anyone utilizing this information does so at their own risk and holds harmless all contributors to this site.