Cutter rig - Staysail problems downwind

[Gordonmc]

I have a new-to-me cutter ketch.
The staysail is on a self tacking boom controlled by a sheet running through three deck-level blocks then back to the cockpit.
I find that with the wind anywhere aft of the beam the staysail is useless as to slacken the sheet means the boom just rises and the sail flogs.
The present sail is pretty well shot and I had been looking at replacing it, maybe with a suitably cut headsail I have kicking around and a storm sail (hank-on).
That would work for beating, but on a reach or run I would have to revert to the roller genoa.
Is that the nature of the beast?
How do others use their cutter staysail? A vang/kicker on the boom?

 

[Deleted member 36384]

I have a cutter staysail but without the boom. Off the wind it has to be over sheeted to be effective and it's a baggy sail too. The top 1/3 of the sail twisting away when off the wind and flapping is a classic blown sail symptom. I overcome this by moving the staysail sheet blocks right forward. However, as you have a boom and self tacking arrangement, then a temporary kicking strap could be rigged until you get a new stay sail.

 

[KenMcCulloch]

I sailed a boat with a similar set up for a number of years. We had the staysail sheet on a horse which allowed it to be eased enough to still draw on a broad reach. The sheet lead was to the tack and back under the boom to a purchase sliding on the horse.
A vang to hold the boom down with the sheet eased might be worth trying but you might also think about dispensing with the staysail downwind. Do you have a mizzen staysail?

 

[William_H]

I have been thinking about something similar for the little boat to make a self tacking jib on a boom.
Yes just like your mainsail you need a vang to hold the boom down. This however will be almost impossible due to lack of space between the deck and boom. Unless you can fit a push down type rod vang.
What you should try is a temporary alternate sheet from the gunwhale to the boom. This will provide a lot more pull down with less pull in to centre which is what you want for off the wind. This sail of course will always be handicapped by shadow of the mainsail when running unless you can induce it to fly goose winged. (opposite tack to main).
You may be able to induce a stretched sail to work better with more halyard tension more boom end outhaul and more vang or equivalent. So don't throw it away too soon. good luck olewill

 

[ribrage]

I have a new-to-me cutter ketch.
The staysail is on a self tacking boom controlled by a sheet running through three deck-level blocks then back to the cockpit.
I find that with the wind anywhere aft of the beam the staysail is useless as to slacken the sheet means the boom just rises and the sail flogs.
The present sail is pretty well shot and I had been looking at replacing it, maybe with a suitably cut headsail I have kicking around and a storm sail (hank-on).
That would work for beating, but on a reach or run I would have to revert to the roller genoa.
Is that the nature of the beast?
How do others use their cutter staysail? A vang/kicker on the boom?

I have exactly the same cutter rig ketch set up as you are describing, when running down wind i don't bother with the stay sail at all as it often blankets the genoa and is ineffective when flown as a pair

 

[Pye_End]

I have a new-to-me cutter ketch.
The staysail is on a self tacking boom controlled by a sheet running through three deck-level blocks then back to the cockpit.
I find that with the wind anywhere aft of the beam the staysail is useless as to slacken the sheet means the boom just rises and the sail flogs.
The present sail is pretty well shot and I had been looking at replacing it, maybe with a suitably cut headsail I have kicking around and a storm sail (hank-on).
That would work for beating, but on a reach or run I would have to revert to the roller genoa.
Is that the nature of the beast?
How do others use their cutter staysail? A vang/kicker on the boom?

Similar set-up - I put a kicker on the boom. Because of the angles it is not ideal, but takes most of the twist out when off the wind. Don't understand why this isn't standard.

I also have some short battens on the staysail - works for me as it is stowed on the boom, but for roller furling it would not work.

For dead running, I do not use the staysail as it likes to tack too much. A preventer works, but is usually too much hassle.