Spinnaker on a 14?

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?

Thanks!
Kevin

Check out the f14 class they all either run hooters and spinnakers.

You can retrofit spins to most cats, some handle it better than others. I am in the process of doing just that to my Nacra 5.2.

Also the spinnaker if designed and attached correctly will actually lift the bows, not drive them down.

Scary.

Wrong picture

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?

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="" />

i like my hooter sail......... i like not having to take my hand off the tiller to unfurl or furl the hoooter.....

I am not saying that I don't like hooters, I just like spinnakers more. From what Rick says the hooter is just as fast if not faster so who knows.

Can you post a photo??

I say go for either.
I have sailed Windrush 14s a lot and I am sure you could arrange it so it added lift and a lot of speed.

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.

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!

dave

A cat
Flight Risk
SC20
lookin' for a F18

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="" />

i tried editing it but its not giving me the option... i really hope he doesn't get spammed.......

At any rate, I did email him but got no response. Maybe he doesn't have it anymore?

Kevin

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.....

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.......

Try this link then scroll down to "formula 14 cats in Australia"
http://www.thebeachcats.com/videos.html

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.

I am intereseted in just the sail?? I have a pole and live overseas so...pole is not worth posting.

OK, time to ask for more help! I now know that I'm looking for an asymmetrical sail, but I'm unsure of the ideal size for a 14' cat. (Sorry, the hooter is out because of $$ <img src="http://www.catsailor.com/forums/images/graemlins/frown.gif" alt="" />) Also, what's the best weight (.75 oz, etc.) for mid to heavier weather? (I wouldn't bother flying the spin on a mild day, so I assume the .5 oz won't do.) Here are my specs:

- 22'6" mast
- tang for shrouds & jib is at 16'
- bows extend 5'3" beyond front crossbar

So, what luff & foot should I be looking for? And what size pole? I'm not racing, if that matters. I'm just looking to try for extra speed for fun.

Thanks!
Kevin

i have pics of the sail and pole and if anyones interested please e-mail me at jjd78 at msn

I keep hearing that a spin will actually provide lift for the bows. Is the same true of a hooter?

hi sonome may be can provide a more tecnical explanation but the way i visialise it i think is pretty sound

a hooter is basicaly a flatter asmetric and the angle they are rigged is always going to provide uplift at the bow because they are angled back any force they provide will be partialy lift

the shape of a asmetric spinny will give more uplift but any sale angled back enough should give you lift

is this reasonable ???

on fitting up a hooter i will get you my measurements, they are just scaled down of a f18 so should be fine

if its any use i'll tell u what i am doing

have a windsurfer mast bottom section about 10feet frm beam
roller reefer frm a yacht
i have a rs 400??? 13 sq m somthing like this is easy to get hold of as they are always avalable 2nd hand

it seams to roll ok in land trials, but we will see

i was looking for a yacht jib which would be heavy so a kevelar one would be great if affordable cutting it to size would be easy