What is Hoyt Gun mount spinnaker?

greg09 · #1 (**permalink**) 07-12-2006

I am chartering a Freedom 32 that says it has a Hoyt Gun Mount Spinnaker (pole?)

I tried researching this on the web. Somewhere I read that it allows the spinnaker to hoisted from the cockpit.

Does anybody know how the setup is configured? How does it differ from a regular spinnaker system?

Thanks.

sailingdog · #2 (**permalink**) 07-12-2006

IIRC, the Hoyt Gun Mount Spinnaker mounts the spinnaker pole on a pivot that allows the spinnaker pole to slide horizontally. It is essentially making the spinnaker self-gybing.

It isn't so much that it allows you to hoist the spinnaker from the cockpit, but that you don't need a bow person to handle the pole. Anyone can hoist a spinnaker from the cockpit—especially if you're using a chute sock...but running it from the cockpit is a different story.

IIRC, the spinnaker pole is longer than one normally used without the Hoyt Gun Mount, and the spinnaker guys/sheets are attached to both ends of the spinnaker pole, and then the pole slides through the gunmount when the spinnaker gybes.

Dewey Benson · #3 (**permalink**) 07-12-2006

SailingDog is quite correct, but there is one more important thing about the gun mount. All of the pressure from the sail is focused on the gun mount fitting at the bow. One may literally hold the sheets in ones hand. Gybes are simple as the pole fitting on the gun mount rotates, pivioting the pole from side to side. When not in use the pole slides out of the gun mount fitting, the chute resides in a sack.

Dewey

sailingdog · #4 (**permalink**) 07-12-2006

Cool, I didn't know that last bit about the Hoyt Gun Mount Spinnakers, just going from what I've read about them. I've never had a chance to sail on a boat that had a Gun Mount Spinnaker on it.

Sounds like it makes using a chute really easy.

greg09 · #5 (**permalink**) 07-12-2006

So is there no downhaul and uphaul?

sailingdog · #6 (**permalink**) 07-12-2006

IIRC, the Hoyt Gun Mount does not have either an uphaul or downhaul.

Dewey Benson · #7 (**permalink**) 07-12-2006

No Downhaul or toping lift for the pole. The chute has an interesting line system allowing for adjustment to the pole ends (to flatten or belly out) and a colapsing line to draw it down into its storage sack. It was designed for one person to deploy, set and control. That Hoyt guy really has come up with some neat stuff.

Dewey

greg09 · #8 (**permalink**) 07-12-2006

Wow. I'm looking forward to trying it out.

Are there any disadvantages to it?

Does it affect one's PHRF rating?

Dewey Benson · #9 (**permalink**) 07-12-2006

Quote:

Originally Posted by greg09

any disadvantages to it?

Does it affect one's PHRF rating?

Yes it wont point as high a a star cut as you can't trim the pole as close to the forestay (hummm.... ill put I must say, there is no forestay....uh as close to the bow?). I have no idea as to effect on PHRF, as I have refused my club members request to come out and play (race). I want to update her sailing systems first. I have GOT to get rid of those damn sailcovers that are incorporated in the lazy jacks. I'm dragging a lot of crap through the air and it's pissing me OFF!

Dewey

sailingdog · #10 (**permalink**) 07-12-2006

Quote:

Originally Posted by Dewey Benson

I have no idea as to effect on PHRF, as I have refused my club members request to come out and play (race). I want to update her sailing systems first. I have GOT to get rid of those damn sailcovers that are incorporated in the lazy jacks. I'm dragging a lot of crap through the air and it's pissing me OFF!

Dewey

Sounds like you have a lot of drag from the sailcovers...

You could always blame it on the Gun Mount Spinnaker.