Cruising chute luff vs forestay length

[Skylark]

Most of the sailmaker websites don't seem to want to publish general information, instead they seem to prefer to give a specific answer based upon the completion of a rig dimension form. That's fine but doesn't help when I'm looking for a quick answer...............perhaps the message is that there is no simple answer

The forestay on my boat measures approx 14.5m It does not have a bowsprit. One website says that the luff of a cruising chute should be slightly shorter than the forestay.

Even as close to the wind as it will fly, there seems to be a fair amount of luff curvature. What is a sensible max luff length for my boat?

I'm not concerned by having to observe any class/racing rules but neither would I want a sail overly powerful or complex for cruising.

Many thanks

 

[Pinnacle]

Are you going to have a snuffer? If you are, you will need to remember to add the length of the wire strop and swivel inside the snuffer to the length of the luff. ( Perhaps 70cms ).

Most peeps would advocate a total luff length of about the same height as the top of the mast is above the deck ( assuming you have a masthead rig ).

So, if you have a masthead rig, and the I measurement is 13m, you should go for a luff length of around 12.3m.

 

[Plevier]

I asked this question when buying recently.
Answers from various sailmakers were 90-95% of max hoist length and knock off another 3-500mm if using a snuffer.
Another answer was 100% of I or just under - comes to much the same.
One said take the hoist length and knock off the height of the pulpit - again much the same for your boat I think!
So I would have thought you would want 13.5-14m, a bit less if snuffing it.(!)
Try your measurements in http://www.spinnaker-one.com/

PS Looking at Pinnacle's simultaneous reply, I guess your I will be nearer to 14 than 13, if so that puts us in pretty good agreement!

 

[Pinnacle]

I asked this question when buying recently.
Answers from various sailmakers were 90-95% of max hoist length and knock off another 3-500mm if using a snuffer.
Another answer was 100% of I or just under - comes to much the same.
One said take the hoist length and knock off the height of the pulpit - again much the same for your boat I think!
So I would have thought you would want 13.5-14m, a bit less if snuffing it.(!)
Try your measurements in http://www.spinnaker-one.com/

PS Looking at Pinnacle's simultaneous reply, I guess your I will be nearer to 14 than 13, if so that puts us in pretty good agreement!

Great minds........