Cruising Chute Snuffer

BobnLesley

BobnLesley

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I have acquired a 'Ray Blackmore Sails' snuffer, but don't have any instructions regarding how to rig/use the thing and my calls to the makers have all met with an answerphone message and no replies.

If anyone has a set of instructions, I'd be grateful if they could let me have a copy; in fact if someone could send me the instructions for any make of snuffer, I can probably work it out; I don't believe there could be much difference between any of them.
 
HERE is a link to start you off.

Mine is made by ARUN. The most important thing to bear in mind is to load the sail correctly into the sock, with no twists. Best to do this ashore at the start of the season. Average attention during use will ensure that the sail remains twist-free. I use my asymmetric regularly on my own. It would be impossible for me without the snuffer.
 
The point about the uphaul not twisting is vital.

Here is another link with pics.

http://www.crusadersails.co.uk/squeezer.htm

Tie off the snuffer uphaul close to the mast if you can, out of the way of the sail.

With any wind, run off the wind and hoist chute behind the mainsail.
 
My experience of snuffers would lead me to give you the following instructions:-

1. Take snuffer to marina waste disposal area
2. Lift lid of bin
3. Place snuffer in bin
4. Retreat

However I know other people swear by them.
 
Hi BobnLesley
I'm afraid calls to the 'makers' won't work that well as I retired from Sailmaking more than 10 years ago! Surprised any of the sails and accessories I made are still in circulation. Have to say the Crusader link above explains how to use a snuffer pretty well, just try and avoid any twists and turns when hoisting/lowering.
Ray Blackmore
 
Think if the snuffer as a giant sail condom and you can't go wrong. And the results are just as pleasurable, despite what some might insist - you have instant and full control at any time. And who knows when the breeze will suddenly get up and you need to get all that shiny gossamer down on the deck real pronto! And without ripping - that's where the snuffer pays out. A little effort will reward you..

All done on/below deck and before hoisting:
1. Have the snuffer ready at the top of the sail with mouth facing down.
2. All sheets must be in place on the sail before hoisting
3. The top of the snuffer is made secure to the hoist.
4. The mouth of the snuffer is pulled down over the sail
5. The downhaul should run clear inside the snuffer, and the uphaul outside the snuffer.
6. On deck: the luff sheet is attached to a forward point near the bow
7. The clew sheet is held ready
8. The whole gear is raised to the masthead.
9. The uphaul is pulled to raise the mouth of the snuffer.
10. This is the nice bit - as the snuffer mouth rises, get some tension on the clew sheet and shape the opening sail as it emerges from the snuffer. The breeze should open the sail - if it has been packed straight. If it opens twisted, you know what to do!
11. Trim all to your heart's content. Make the downhaul fast.
12. To snuff the sail - ease the clew sheet and pull down on the snuffer downhaul. Then lower the whole gear to the deck -Bingo!

To move the sail to the other side, either run a second sheet round the forestay and pull the sail over, or, in light winds just thread the sheet over the forestay and pull in.

Good luck.

PWG
 
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