Dinghy development: in mast/boom reefing/takeing sails down 505/simila

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in mast/boom reefing/takeing sails down 505/simila

Printed From: Yachts and Yachting Online
Category: Dinghy classes
Forum Name: Dinghy development
Forum Discription: The latest moves in the dinghy market
URL: http://www.yachtsandyachting.com/forum/forum_posts.asp?TID=11092
Printed Date: 15 Jul 25 at 6:35am
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Topic: in mast/boom reefing/takeing sails down 505/simila

Posted By: milessmiles
Subject: in mast/boom reefing/takeing sails down 505/simila
Date Posted: 19 Sep 13 at 4:04pm

Hi I'm new to sailing this year and I'm learning on a 505 type. I have a 505 hull and I want to knock together a fastish fun dinghy single hand for east coast rivers. Is there a way of reducing mainsail like a furling jib system? (boats not for racing)

Replies:

Posted By: JimC
Date Posted: 19 Sep 13 at 4:28pm

My concern is a 505 is an awfully big lump for a singlehanded boat, and By the time you get the sail area down to something sensible or singlehanding its liable to be way out of proportion with the boat, which means the results are likely to be unsatisfactory.

However having said that the biggest trouble with small sails on dinghies is that once the sail is down from the top of the mast the mast isn't bending properly, and that doesn't help the handling one little bit. If someone wants a cut down rig on a 505 hull for recreational sailing (and why not) they are better off with a complete new rig. Trouble is I'm not sure what to suggest that might be suitable. The biggest challenge is to get a different jib to sheet properly. Something like a National 12 rig might work: sometimes you can find rigs on eBay.

I really think though, in your position, it really might be more practical to have a moderate price Laser or something.

Posted By: RS400atC
Date Posted: 19 Sep 13 at 4:29pm

Not really.

But a modern rig will flatten a lot by bending the mast, pulling on the outhaul and downhaul.

Or you could fit a smaller sail or rig from another boat.

For learning, I'd suggest starting with something that is a sorted rig, rather than fight something which will be out of balance or otherwise a compromise.

The 505 is a great boat, but I think you will struggle as it's not really set up for a singlehander to get his weight in the right place in light weather, and there is a lot of power in any breeze.

So I'd suggest recruiting a crew or buying /borrowing a singlehander?

Posted By: milessmiles
Date Posted: 19 Sep 13 at 4:58pm

Thanks for your help, I do have crew sometimes so I think I'll set it up for two for starters. It has an aluminium mast but no boom or rigging I shall try my locall boatyards and yacht club for the national 12 rig or similar. Its an all second hand project where I hope/expect to learn by trial and error.

Posted By: mole
Date Posted: 21 Sep 13 at 12:47pm

If you want to do a temporary reef, then rolling the sail round the boom, whilst rolling in a sail bag to attach the vang/kicker can be effective. You need to remember to put a tuck in the leech as you start to prevent the end of the boom ending up lower.

This might help with trial and error if you choose to go for a permanent smaller sail.

HTH

Posted By: MerlinMags
Date Posted: 25 Sep 13 at 12:39pm

Originally posted by JimC

...the biggest trouble with small sails on dinghies is that once the sail is down from the top of the mast the mast isn't bending properly, and that doesn't help the handling one little bit.

I'd be interested to hear more about this, as I was contemplating getting a cheap Graduate/N12/Miracle/Firefly mainsail for my old Merlin Rocket, giving me the option to sail with novice crews and/or cope with heavier winds more easily. For cruising, not racing!

Posted By: Rupert
Date Posted: 25 Sep 13 at 12:48pm

Storm sails on Lightnings have the same problem. Despite the reduction in sail area, the lack of "give" at the pont where the sail comes to means you don't get the power reduction you might be expecting.

I guess, though, the stiffer the mast, the less of a problem this is. If your Merlin has an old Ali mast without too whippy a top, then you weren't able to bleed power off that way anyway, and it becomes more like reefing a yacht. Th main thing you'd gain with the Merlin is the reduction of roach high up in the rig.

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Firefly 2324, Puffin 229, Minisail 3446 Mirror 70686