I sail a Nacra 5.2 and am working on turboing it. The next step will be adding a spinnaker to the boat.

I need to know what spinnakers I should be looking at. I want to get a used on because I have never flown a spin before and I know I will tear something up.

The mast of the 5.2 is around 28 feet long, I have the freedom to attach the spinnaker anywhere on the mast since I am designing the system.
I was thinking that some of the f18 spins might work, or maybe a f16 spin.

Does anyone have info on a good used spin that might work? If so pm me and just respond here.

F16 spi, as your mast is the same length as the F16's and your 5.20 mtr hull length is closer to the 5.00 mtr long F16's then the 5.52 mtr long F18's. In effect the F16 spi triangle will fit alot better in you pole/mast/sidestay triangle then the F18 spi would. Less danger of bending the top of your mast or introducing alot of leehelm (long spi pole) to your boat.

Wouter

1) You might want to take a look at a spinnaker rigged cat to get an idea how the rigging works first. As an alternative you could download the assembly manual for the new nacra boats.

2) I have been told that a Windsurfer mast can be made into a spin pole for a smaller boat. It just so happens there is one in my garage that I'd love to give to a new home.

Bill E.

Contact Frank at 1design.net. He has already been there and done that.

The other guys will give you a little flack, so put on your body armor before you go.

There is a guy in GA that put a Hobie 16 spin on his Nacra 5.2. Nacra 5.2 and Hobie 16 masts are the same length, so everything should fit pretty well.

I thought that the 16 mast was only 26 feet while mine is 28? I could be wrong, but I don't think the 16 has that much mast.

No one has an used spin laying around?

hijack ON mast of H16 = 26'6" and 5.2 = 27'6" OFF

A Hobie 16 spinnaker? I don't think he'll be able to find one of those used in the US - no?

For a budget, I don't think you'll be able to beat a used Taipan 4.9 or other F16 spinnaker. The hoist height will still be pretty high (as it is on an F16 or F18) so you'll have to be conscious about maintaining main sheet tension while the spinnaker is up.

Yeah, I don't want a broken mast or a bent one. I assumed that I would have to be careful about main sheet tension.

I am using an old windsurfer mast as the pole, but I was thinking about trying to make a snuffer, I can weld aluminum so I could make the hoop.

I used a F16 spinnaker on my 5.2 and it worked really well, sailed perfectly and didn't seem to upset the balance of the boat, transformed the performance. <img src="http://www.catsailor.com/forums/images/graemlins/cool.gif" alt="" />

The Frankenboat in Fl (my old 5.2) is now using an I17 spinnaker and end-pole snuffer.

I am 90 percent finished putting the spinnaker on my 5.2. Things to look out for or that I have done. I purchased a Hobie 16 spin new from (well he knows who he is, thanks). The 5.2 mast is 27' tall but you do not want to hoist the spin from the top as it is unsupported. I measured the distance from the point that the shrouds connect to the mast to the top and divided it in thirds. I then measured up one third from the shroud attachment point and that is where I attached the turning block to hoist from. I built a carbon pole but don't have the lenght in front of me, I think just over 11'. The Hobie 16 spin has a luff length of 21' 5" and fits perfect with a few inches of flex room for mast rake variations. I am building mid pole spin hoop snuffers and bags which will be marketed soon. They will be availble in fiberglass or any combination of composite materials ( a cheap plug for my work)<img src="http://www.catsailor.com/forums/images/graemlins/grin.gif" alt="" />. Top half of the snuffer that is finished.


My tack line and bow attachment lines run through the pole and exit straight out through an end plug I made. Also the attachment point of the pole to the front beam I built oot of stainless and a HDPE plug. I can take some photos of the spin setup if you 5.2 guys are interested, my explanitions are not that great, A writer I am not. I think the Hobie 16 spin will be just the right size as I sail single up and love heavy air.

Carl

Saylor Specialties
www.saylorspecialties.com

I would love to see those pictures, check your pm's for my email.