Symmetrical Spinnaker recut to Asymm

[newpbs]

I have a 1988 Ericson 32-200 that I purchased this past spring. The boat came with a spinnaker, which included a dowser and a tacker, but no spinnaker pole. The spinnaker is in very good condition and is symmetrical. I have read that some people fly a symmetrical kite without a pole using a tacker.

Here's the question:

Should I continue to use the symmetrical spinnaker with a tacker? I know that this would restrict the use of this sail and that a tacker places an unusual amount of stress on my roller furling.

Should I have the chute re cut to be asymmetrical? Does re cutting a sail like this work as well as a sail that was originally meant to be a cruiser?

Should I sell the symmetrical spinnaker and purchase a chute that was meant to be asymmetrical from the start?

I'm hoping to hear from someone that has had experience with a modified spinnaker. Since I am interested in cruising, getting a spinnaker pole is not an option.

Thanks

[artbyjody]

Are you positive the sail you have is a symmetrical. I had one on mine and discovered it was a reworked symmetrical and still not a asymmetrical. If you measure from the head to each of the clews a sym will be identical. A Asym or modified will differ by 3 feet or more.

I also have the ATN tacker as well - never used it.

What I do for the bastardized asym is put secure the guy on a shackle that is ahead of the furler, and then the sheet is used as normal. To tack or jibe the foredeck guy makes sure the sail goes around the furler. If you are single handling - the furler should be able to handle the job if you use the ATN tracker - tons of force is exerted on the furler to begin with...But YOU CAN use the same technique with a sym - however its a little more work to keep the sail trimmed properly.

[Plumper]

I had a syn recut to be an A-sail and it worked really well for cruising but I didn't use it racing at all. A recut isn't as good as a real A-sail but close.