length of spinnaker sheets?

[jarcher]

Hi All, how long would sheets be for a traditional spinnaker on a 30 foot LOA boat?

[Hudsonian]

60'

[JimsCAL]

I agree with Hudsonian. Rule of thumb is twice the boat length.

[blt2ski]

I would swag 2 35-40' sheets. As the tack and the clew will be near the bow, then lead dang near to the back of the boat, then you need some length for getting too, then around a winch, along with tailing. My AS spin sheet is 85' for a 30' boat, and I have maybe 3-4' too much on the ends if that!

Marty

[SEMIJim]

Originally Posted by blt2ski

I would swag 2 35-40' sheets.

35' would definitely be way too short for a symmetrical (I assume that's what he meant by "traditional") kite on a 30' boat. 40' would be marginal, IMO. On a close reach the guy will come from forward of the bow, back to a turning block at the stern, then forward to winch and cleat. 45' would be the minimum, I would think.

But I'm just a n00b at flying a kite, so what do I know?

I'd buy 60' each. If they're too long you can cut off the excess and use the spare line for something.

Jim

[jarcher]

Originally Posted by SEMIJim

35' would definitely be way too short for a symmetrical (I assume that's what he meant by "traditional") kite on a 30' boat.

Yes, I meant symmetrical. Probably should have said that, but it was late and my mind was apparently not in full gear. Thanks everyone, I'll get some 60 foot sheets.

[blt2ski]

I should probably have said 35-40' minimum! per sheet.

Also, being as you are going to race, many folks will have 1/4-5/16" for windy days, and a higher strength 1/8" for light wind days! Then there will be clips on the sail ends for quick change outs if the wind pipes up or down!

Marty

[jarcher]

Originally Posted by blt2ski

I should probably have said 35-40' minimum! per sheet.

Also, being as you are going to race, many folks will have 1/4-5/16" for windy days, and a higher strength 1/8" for light wind days! Then there will be clips on the sail ends for quick change outs if the wind pipes up or down!

Marty

A good light air spinnaker sheet is NE Ropes flight line, because its light, strong and if it goes in the water it won't soak it up. But, if you use it on a heavy air day, it will melt on the winch.

Since spinnaker sheets are pretty much constantly being adjusted, I would think any good 8mm (5/16) line would do. That's good, because 120 feet of high tech line would not be cheap. I'll probably use Stay Set.

[mgmhead]

My Sabre is a 34 footer and the spin sheets are 85' of 3/8" Sta-Set. Don't short yourself.

MGM

[Hudsonian]

Use of high performance line as spin sheets and guys really pays off. It will not be uncommon for the distance between the clew and the winch to 45'. If a gust of wind were to cause the sheet to stretch 4% that means 22" of stretch. Wouldn't you rather have the force of the wind pushing your boat forward rather than just stretching a sheet?

Using stretchy lines for guys is even worse. High tech lines will help you avoid having the pole hitting the forestay everytime you have a puff while on a close reach.

On your size boat 5/16" Samson Ultralite should do the trick. Don't go any smaller; your crew won't be able to handle thinner sheets.