OK, while I'm starting posts (which I don't often do), I do have one other question. Can a 14' cat handle a spinnaker (are there any that do?), and can one be retrofitted on a boat designed w/out one?
I currently sail a Trac 14 (which is the same as a Windrush in Australia), and I was wondering about whether a spinnaker could be added. The Trac 14 has more hull bouyancy than the Hobie 14, but I'm not sure how much hull-burying tendency would be added via a spinnaker, and whether it would bury any 14'. For the record, I've never sailed w/ a spinnaker before, but it looks like it would be a hoot. Can anyone enlighten me?
i am puting a spinnaker although it will probably be a roller reefing hooter on a windrush, i would suggest the hooter is the way forward as getting a spinnaker up and down on your own is a lot of effort, douse anyone think t foil rudders are worthwhile?
Re: Spinnaker on a 14?
[Re: rictorn]
#118486 09/26/0707:36 PM09/26/0707:36 PM
With a snuffer the spinnaker should not be to much trouble and they just look so much cooler than hooters...well the sail kind of hooters. <img src="http://www.catsailor.com/forums/images/graemlins/smile.gif" alt="" />
Once you go cat you never go back!
Nacra 5.2 (Elsies)#1499, running an inter17 spin!
Re: Spinnaker on a 14?
[Re: gree2056]
#118487 09/26/0708:03 PM09/26/0708:03 PM
I'm currently researching the hooter idea. It seems most appealing since I do single-hand quite a bit and, as I understand it, the hooter furls. BTW, is it possible to launch and retrieve a spinnaker solo?
Does anyone have a used hooter you'd like to part with? <img src="http://www.catsailor.com/forums/images/graemlins/grin.gif" alt="" />
There is a post on this site by Rick about a Wave hooter...pretty agricultural looking but good photos and enough to create the right idea with good running gear ideas.
BTW, is it possible to launch and retrieve a spinnaker solo?
Sure it is just have to have the proper set up. Snuffing to a bag on the tramp would be more difficult than to a tube or sock hanging on the pole. Having a single line to hoist the spinnaker instead of having a seperate tack line makes things easier as well.
A furling hooter would probably be the easiest though. I "think" you can go to weather with a hooter as well. I don't know this for sure, but it looks like you could.
my buddy Waldo has a hooter for sale... its in excellent condition... barely used....here is his e-mail... tell him jason D sent you vaplayero@cox.net heres a picture of my hooter set up.... his is a different material...
It's very possible to launch and retrieve a spinnaker solo with a well sorted snuffer/retrieval system, in light and moderate winds, though it requires overall boathandling skills, as well as learning to use your particular set up. All of that will come with some pain and adventure. You'll never regret it!
Thanks, Jason. Hey, you'd better edit your post and remove the @ from your friend's email. Otherwise, spambots will pick it up and he'll get lots of offers on his sail from Nigeria. <img src="http://www.catsailor.com/forums/images/graemlins/frown.gif" alt="" />
he does he's just busy i guess... i havn't been able to get him on the phone either.... i will get ahold of him this week even if i have to grab a sixer and pop by his house... lol.....
Jason DiPietro
supercat 19
Re: Spinnaker on a 14?
[Re: dsltrc]
#118499 10/01/0707:08 PM10/01/0707:08 PM
well i got ahold of waldo tonight... i will be selling the hooter and pole for him as he is swamped with work... i will be getting pictures up this week... if anyone has any questions please e-mail me at jjd78 at msn dot com.......
Jason DiPietro
supercat 19
Re: Spinnaker on a 14?
[Re: dsltrc]
#118500 10/02/0707:08 AM10/02/0707:08 AM
compare the speed of the F14 under spin to other larger cats
Interestingly I was advised by AO builder Darrel Barrett I can put a hooter/spinnaker on my 20 year old AO4.4 and make it really perform but not a jib without strengthening the bows.