A Question about Cruising Chutes

[CliveSmith]

Hello,

Can the panel advise on luff lengths for cruising chutes.

I friend has spotted one on ebay. The seller states that the luff length is 31 foot 3 inches. My friend has a Colvic 26 and has measured the luff length on a spare foresail at 31 feet.

We reckon the the length of the forestay to be around 32 feet and a mast height of 31 feet.

He intends to use his spinnaker halyard (which is at the mast head to hoist the chute).

We think that the chute should be the right size.

Can anyone see a flaw in our thinking. These things should never be discussed in the pub, where everything seems to be a good idea.

I thank you.

 

[FullCircle]

Should be fine, as you dont stretch the luff bar taut anyway, and the spinny halyard run is a bit longer than the forestay.
It will be full though.

 

[aluijten]

My guess is it will restrict the angle of wind you can have when using the chute. When the wind angle decreases normally thighten the luff by pulling the line where it connects to the bow (sorry I'm not familiar with all the proper English words), or by tightening the halyard. this makes the chute work more like a huge genua.

If the luff is now longer then the forestay, you will not be able to use the chute at lower/smaller (?) wind angles. So it depends a bit if you consider this to be a true restriction.

Arno

 

[Woodentop]

Give some thought to where you fasten down the bottom corner.

Will it clear the pulpit ?
Would it be better to have smaller one on a strop ?
Are you using a bowsprit (permanent or temporary) ?

 

[CliveSmith]

Thanks to all who replied.

In the cold (sober) light of day we think that it is too big. I contacted the seller and he said that it was made for a Mirage 28.

Skiver