Cutter Rig on the cheap

[davidbagnall]

I have been thinking for some time about going down the bowsprit path to carry extra sail when it dawned on me why not use what I already have?
I "borrowed" the furling jib of my 14" cat (after all I can't use both at the same time) and attached it to the jib halyard and to the bracket for the mast raising kit and went for a sail.
Much to my surprise it worked great the winds were light (around 5 knots) and it set easily and the boat sailed about 1/2 knot faster on average according to my GPS than just using the main and jib and appeared to sail closer to the wind without stalling. Tacking was initially a challenge until I 1/2 furled the jib before going about to assist in getting the sail around the inner sail. So far so good
The next day the wind was stronger (around 8-12 knots) and I was out with the admiral who hates the whole healing thing so when she is aboard I generally never use the main and just sail under the jib. This works well when we are off the wind but struggles to go close to the wind. I raised the second head sail and it did allow me to sail much closer to the wind (not fantastic but much better than without) so the net result was a happy wife and a happy me
As I only have a jib I don't know whether the sail configuration just gave me a bit more canvas to put it close to a Genoa in lighter winds or was more efficient but I do know I will be doing more sea trials to find out..

[ROAD Soldier]

You figured that out all by yourself huh. You never ever say anything like it on any Mac forum before what so ever I applaud you for your originality. But seriously it is a great mod. I just use a storm sail and a 150% Genoa. If you ever do use your mainsail with it you will find it is a true game changer. Just dont expect to beat Highlander yet.

[Highlander]

Hows this full main , jib & genny




This just might be too much heel for your missis
http://s844.photobucket.com/albums/ab1/ ... 0_2494.mp4

Nice mod I am also considering puting my storm jib onto a furling harken non reefing system
J

[Rick Westlake]

Not going as far as Highlander on this - but I might as well weigh-in too.

I found an inexpensive, "partially-finished" dinghy jib (for a 'Sunbird', IIRC) on the Bacon Sails website; it was shorter than might be correct, but the right foot-length to be flown from the mast-raising padeye, as a staysail. The luff was unfinished, so I put in a Dyneema luff-rope with eye-splices for the head and tack; this was so I could set it free-flying without a stay. I had to make up a short tack-pennant to lift the clew of it above the deck, so I made it as a Dyneema "loop shackle" for my convenience. As this was only a test I raised it on the "spare" jib halyard (the one I use for my genoa-sleeve) rather than installing its own halyard.

Tried it out on a day with gentle winds, and it did add maybe a half knot to a close reach.

[ROAD Soldier]

Hows this full main , jib & genny




This just might be too much heel for your missis
http://s844.photobucket.com/albums/ab1/ ... 0_2494.mp4

Nice mod I am also considering puting my storm jib onto a furling harken non reefing system
J

You freaken Canandian you got wait 3 years before you can do that so I can copy your set up and add it to mine so I can beat you to it. Obviously you haven't heard USA is number one, know your place damit.

[Catigale]

Im with you RoadSolider....lets head down under and put a bag over his head....

[restless]

I thought the highlander was a patriotic Scotish sort... you know, the sort you see on 'Braveheart'

[Highlander]

If you guy's are going to blow wind then learn to play the pipes
http://s844.photobucket.com/albums/ab1/ ... 010004.mp4

Me I'll drink to that


And if you guy's don't pipe down I'll be sending my mascot to sniff you's out so watch your Butt's


Cheers J

[ROAD Soldier]

For the life of me I cannot figure out how a guy can come up with so many manly modifications while wearing a skirt.

[Highlander]

For the life of me I cannot figure out how a guy can come up with so many manly modifications while wearing a skirt.

Well Laddie If you can find me a pair of pants with three legs I'm still not going to show you my manly

J

[Gater Dunn]

Highlander your lookin a little like Mrs.Doubtfire

[Russ]

For the life of me I cannot figure out how a guy can come up with so many manly modifications while wearing a skirt.

Or has time to sail.

[bartmac]

Call me chicken or just lazy.....but whilst I can understand modifications for the sake of safety,comfort and general usefullness of a Mac the extent of the sail modifications that are shown in these forums baffle me.Lets be brutally honest.....Macs X & M are a design which allows for maximum space for a trailable boat with weight minimised thru the use of water ballast....they'll never set a speed record but now I'll really upset the majority 'I don't "get" the 50-140hp motor thing either...planing a sailboat? We are happy just chugging along using 15hp.....so now all the cats are amongst the pidgeons let the shouting begin!

[davidbagnall]

Errrrr....
I am not sure I like what you are implying???? I stated in my post that I have a jib so adding a small extra bit of sail is still well under having a genoa and I was sailing in light wind. There is NO way on this planet that I would EVER compromise on safety!!!!!
And if you read my comments I was looking to improve comfort for my wife.
For the record I am a fan of Roger's vision for the 26X and I have kept my boat simple and light any only minor modifications. And for the record I have a 30HP.
So can we focus on something a bit more positive?????????

[bartmac]

No you misunderstand...I think the addition of a little foresail is not a bad idea......but some other additional sails and rigging on these forums is exploring the envelope just a bit too far