Spinnaker Bails

[aitchem]

Hi,
Sensible advice required from experienced spinnaker users.
'cos I have never used one but am making provision for one whilst re-building the mast.

I have seen whilst googling images that some have one central bail, some have one each side.?
So, what are the reasons for having 2, I have provision for one internal spin halyard, unless I run an external one as well.
(which I can do)
Is this something to do with asymmetrics and racing perhaps.?
I won't be racing but could get an asymmetric. as well as the chute I already have.

thanks
Howard

 

[flaming]

Not sure I totally understand what you mean by spinnaker bails...?

But if you're asking about why you would want two spinnaker halyards, then the answer is to peel spinnakers. Or, as we do, to have one set up on each side of the boat, so you don't have to lead the halyard round the forestay before connecting it to the spinnaker. For cruising use, one would be fine.

 

[lw395]

Hi,
Sensible advice required from experienced spinnaker users.
'cos I have never used one but am making provision for one whilst re-building the mast.

I have seen whilst googling images that some have one central bail, some have one each side.?
So, what are the reasons for having 2, I have provision for one internal spin halyard, unless I run an external one as well.
(which I can do)
Is this something to do with asymmetrics and racing perhaps.?
I won't be racing but could get an asymmetric. as well as the chute I already have.

thanks
Howard

By spinnaker bail, do you mean the metal loop on the mast that the pole clips to?
I think the reason for having two might be for either poling out twin genoas for a cruising boat sailing tradewinds or maybe because poling out genoas can involve the pole being angled back.
Could possibly be for twin pole spi gybing, but I've only ever done that on boats with the poles on tracks up the mast.
Or maybe it just doesn't get hit by the jib leech...

Personally, I would fit one on a short track on the front of the mast, when reaching the thrust on the pole can be quite big and the track will help spread it into the mast, as well as allowing a bit of height adjustment.
Money no object, have a Harken track system and ball race cars to allow dip pole gybes.

 

[knuterikt]

Spinnaker bail is the correct (US) name for the attachment point for the spinnaker halyard at the masthed.
http://www.rigrite.com/Spars/SparParts/MH_Spinnaker_bails.html

Two spinnaker halyards is usefull if you
a) will hoist another spinnaker while flying the first (peel)
b) don't want to move the single halyard to the correct side for hoisting.

If your mast is prepared for one I would stick with that

 

[William_H]

Ok assumng you are asking about the what I would call a mini crane to hold the spin halyard turning block forward of the forestay on a mast head rig. Then just one needed for one halyard. I have raced a small boat for 30 years and never seen the need for 2 spin halyards. Mine is a fractional rig with exit block for spin halyard about 20cms above forestay which seems to be enough clearance. I did fit a bulls eye (i think they are called) to pass the halyard through so that the bulls eyte takes the side pull of halyard rather than the exit block. On a mast head rig (I guess that is yours) you need that crane or bail just to get the halyard clear of the forestay. This means an internal halyard exits the mast then goes to a block dangling on the bail. It needs freedome to be able to swing either side.
I am guessing from your boat picture that it is sub 30 ft so a single fixed spin pole attachment is OK. Around here it is called a snotter. You would use symetrical spin pole end for ending it when gybing.
I found the difficulty is storage and launching of the spin. Over the years I have used, mounting a bag forward of the bow rail, later launching and retrieving from the main cabin and now settled on launching/retrieving from an anchor well. This has the advantage that you can launch on either tack. Being close to the forestay you launch from leeward or windward of the jib without difficulty. The retrieval into the main cabin is a standby emergency rerieval that is worth practicing as you can do it without anyone on foredeck.
good luck with the spin olewill

 

[aitchem]

Thanks folks,
I will go for one central bail then with the one halyard.
Sorry for using an Americanism, it's the only name I could find.
I must get a snotter, just so I can order "get the snotter out".
I will be fitting something to stop the halyard chafing on the mast exit slot also.

Howard