CS 34 Adding Asym Spinnaker

[sebongie]

Hi,
I know I need a masthead crane for the isomat...what else do I need to install an asymmetrical spinnaker on a CS 34
Has anyone done this?
Who's sail did you go with?
Happy?

Thanks in advance,
Tom Sebring: CS 34 Elemental

[e-mail]

[ktisdall]

Tom,

I'm guessing you know to add a halyard and block to the masthead, along with the mount you mention at the masthead.

On mine there are already spinnaker halyard blocks at the masthead so I have one internal spin halyard. A spare halyard / 2nd spin is located on a 'crane' on the actual forward top of the masthead. You'll need to lead the tail of that halyard to either a cleat or stopper on the mast or aft to a winch. So a mast-base turning block and deck block(s) may be needed.

Then you need to decide if you'll use a conventional spin pole and afterguys or tack the sail to the anchor roller or install an aftermarket sprit of some kind. Forespar and some others make asym sprits for this purpose. I have not used one.

The most simple would be to attach a block to the end of the anchor roller and run the tack line from the chute through the block and then aft to either a cleat or a winch. You'll want a winch if you'll be adjusting it in any amount of breeze but in light air you could use a cleat on the foredeck. An ATN "Tacker" is helpful to hold the tack of the chute close to the centerline. The tacker wraps around the rolled genoa and clips to the chute tack. There are also "parrel beads" that do the same thing.

From a control standpoint a sprit would be next best (IMO). More difficult and expensive to install but puts the tack line on the centerline of the boat and should be strong enough in a breeze (the anchor roller may not be up for heavy breeze). You still need to lead the tack line back to a cleat or winch.

Most complicated is using a conventional spin pole. You'd need two afterguys attached to the pole AND a tack line from the sail run through the pole jaw to the stem/anchor roller as in the other scenarios. But you may already have the afterguys and pole if you use symmetrical chutes. The big benefit is being able to move the tack to weather if you sail deep downwind angles with the asym chute. And if PHRF rating is a concern you may take a hit with a sprit installed.

Let us know how it goes when you get it set up.

--Kevin

1991 CS34 "Rode Trip"