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 125% Genoa - Really?		  New Topic  Topic Locked
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WK 727
1st Mate

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USA
72 Posts
Initially Posted - 02/20/2019 :  20:58:41  Show Profile
I had a 135% genoa that I could not get to point into the wind as I desired. It was always bellowed at the foot and couldn't be flattened. In my mind, it had to do with the tracks not being located far enough back and low enough for the correct angle to control the sail shape from the large footprint at the clew. It was difficult to get the proper sail twist by flattening the foot which...surprise, causes excessive heeling. I think part of the problem is that the tracks are extremely high on the cabin top instead of low and back on the rails (totally debatable). The aft jib track point is 15' 2" from the tack and the clew of the head sail was 12' 7" from the tack (not enough angle, again debatable). I decided last year to match the maximum genoa size to the boat tracks and ordered a 125% (11' 7" foot) genoa from Precision Sail. Used it all last summer and was extremely pleased with the results!

The design of the C250 didn't work well with the 135% for my style of adjusting the leech and foot tension to create an ideal sail shape. Below are some pictures that illustrate how the 40% to 50% line from the center of the luff create the optimum line for sheeting.


I also raised the foot of the sail to provide clearance of the high lifelines on the cabin top, provide better visibility, but most importantly, tried to create the same trim angle as the sail is reefed (reducing the car adjustment by keeping the clew in the original tension line with the luff).

Ultimately, working with a really good loft is worth it. Has anyone had excellent success with the 135%? It could be my sailing style that needed the reduced size. Just something to consider when deciding on a new head sail. Fair winds!
Regards, John
Westlawn Institute graduate
Yacht Design and Naval Architecture
04 Catalina 250 WK
Standard rig w/wheel steering
Yanmar 9hp diesel

OLarryR
Master Marine Consultant

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USA
3411 Posts
Response Posted - 02/21/2019 :  10:45:37  Show Profile  Visit OLarryR's Homepage
John,

How old was your 135 genoa ? Had it been used a lot ? Is it possible that it was just suffering from being stretched from normal use thru the years ?
Larry
'89 Robin's Nest#5820, Potomac River/Quantico, Va
http://catalina25.homestead.com/olarryr.html
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WK 727
1st Mate

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USA
72 Posts
Response Posted - 02/21/2019 :  20:29:21  Show Profile
Larry, the sail appears to be the original, aged but not overly used. The dimensions have not been stretched but match the original specifications. I really don't think the condition of the headsail was the issue. Being candid, the tracks seem to be too far forward for the 135 because the jib leads pull down instead of aft. The calculations and measurements taken indicate that the jib track needs to be at least 15' 9" just to balance the pull in both directions. I want to be able to tighten the foot more than the leech to spill air and manage heeling. Reefing the old sail in by 12" made all the difference for trimming the sail and allowed the jib leads to pull on the foot aft more than the leech down. However, I am really curious what other owners experience with the 135.
Regards, John
Westlawn Institute graduate
Yacht Design and Naval Architecture
04 Catalina 250 WK
Standard rig w/wheel steering
Yanmar 9hp diesel
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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.