spinnaker snuffer - any good? Where to buy?

J

joss

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We would like to use our spinnaker but never do as we always sail two-handed and have never used one previously, despite having sailed for 5 years. What has put us off the idea is seeing the number of boats having difficultys. We are thinking that if we had a snuffer it would make life easier. Is this the case, or are there hidden disadvantages to it? If it is the way forward, perhaps somebody could recommend a potential supplier in the Solent area.

thanks for any responses,
Jo
 
Having listened to my crew laughing hysterically at my first attempt at jibing my spinnaker (which involves disconnecting the outboard end of the pole, dipping it to clear the forestay, then clipping it to the new clew flapping around just out of reach) I have resorted to using the snuffer every time I jibe. It works a treat.
 
Make one, plastic bucket, cable ties and scrounge a length of DEBRI ( Stuff thats around scaffolding) one block and an old sealant tube, Ive made two one for the spinny and my mates cruising shute, took about two evenings for each one, but if you are going to be fussy about looks buy one, the covering is very slipery so be careful about standing on it, good luck.
 
I can fly my kite single handed (Hunter Horizon 26) with the help of the Autohelm when I am just cruising about (not for you racing guys). I learned a brill tip: when you are ready to launch the kite, pull in the Genoa (assuming you have roller reefing) almost all of the sail apart from say 2 - 3 feet. Keep the Genoa sheets tight in order that the genoa still out is pointing towards the mast. This stops the "hour glass" winding of the kite around the forestay. The racing guys have a net "sail" they replace their Genoa with this which does the same job.
 
Hee Hee.... know what you mean... makes good viewing though....

Even better watching them trying to do a kite peel!

Jo,

As an alternative to an expensive snuffer, try elastic bands!.... put 6 or so around the kite when you pack it, and when you hoist it they will snap as it fills.... makes it a lot easier, and a lot cheaper than a snuffer! (but obviously only works on the way up!)
 
Elastic bands to hoist in a sausage behind the headsail. When you're ready, the pole is set, simply pull on the sheets and as the chute fills from the bottom the bands break and Voila!
To get it down, just a simple release of the tack (ideally on a trip shackle) and pull the kite with the sheet into the cockpit for a repack. You should be easily able to do this with two on board and it'll be even easier with an autopilot holding the course.
By the way, how to get the elastic bands onto the chute? Use a piece of flared 100mm plastic tube, put a bunch of elastic bands onto the tube and slip them onto the chute as you pull it through, one every metre should do it.
 
block with becket shackled to sail, tube slides over block, pleat the snuffer material and cable tie to tube, about 6" long (For the uphaul of the snuffer. Hpoe that this makes sense, drain pire tube for bigger blocks.
 
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