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Spinnaker sock: North or ATN

5K views 5 replies 4 participants last post by  SloopJonB 
#1 ·
I want to buy a spinnaker sock. I've used the ATN but the sock from North Direct is less expensive. Has anyone used the North? Any issues with either?
 
#2 ·
Are you sure you need a spinnaker sock, Joel?

I have been launching and dousing my symmetrical spinnaker solo without a sock. As long as the jib is up blocking the wind, it works fine. Dousing under the boom into the companionway by pulling the sheet works great - no problems as long as I release the guy, then the halyard.

I store and launch my smaller spinnaker from a Target laundry basket, secured with bungee cords (seen here on deck):

I store and launch my larger spinnaker from a traditional turtle, which requires a bit of pulling to extract while pre-feeding the guy.
 
#3 ·
Jim, Yes a sock is a convenience, not a necessity. I'll get more use out of the asymm with a sock. The North Direct is only $350 or so, so given what I have put into the boat, its a rounding error. Great to see you are getting a lot of use and enjoyment out of the Pearson. She was a great boat before your upgrades!
 
#6 ·
The North sock uses an injection moulded bell while the ATN uses a Kevlar laminated bell. I imagine that is the basic reason for the difference in price. AFAIK the ATN still sets the standard for snuffers.

Check the used sail sites on the web - they frequently have ATN's very cheap, some near new as a lot of people decide they don't like using a snuffer.
 
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