Strange new slug with big mouth

[extravert]

Newly aquired boat, being more cruising orientated, has got a piece of equipment that I've never used before, not being found on the previous racing models I've owned.

The assymetric spinnaker has got a snuffer. I am presuming that's what it is anyway. This sail is in a huge long tube-bag with a large plastic funnel at one end.

So how does this work then? What makes the snuffer go up? Is it just the wind in the sail that expands the sail and pushes the snuffer up, or does it have to be pulled up? The rope attached to it seems to be circular though, and disappears off down the tube. If it has to be pulled up, is another halyard needed, or can a block be attached to the top of the bag? Do they really work? Does the large plastic mouth generally get in the way up at the top and start catching things when gybing? So many questions. I can see cock-ups coming.

<hr width=100% size=1>Adventures of the <A target="_blank" HREF=http://www.xrayted.fsnet.co.uk>Teddy Bear Boat</A>

 

[jimi]

excellent bit of kit the chute head and a block for the line are both atttached to the spinnaker halyard

<A target="_blank" HREF=http://www.crusadersails.co.uk/squeeze.gif>instructions</A>

 

[extravert]

That says is all. Thanks. Just need the boat now to go and play.

<hr width=100% size=1>Adventures of the <A target="_blank" HREF=http://www.xrayted.fsnet.co.uk>Teddy Bear Boat</A>

 

[Johnjo]

Got one coming for my boat, As I sail single handed should make life a bit easier!
can be a bit stressful getting the spinnaker down when the wind picks up and not being
so agile these days anything that can make life easier is okay by me!


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[bigmart]

Ive just bought one for my boat. I hoisted it whilst on the mooring the other day. Looks like it will need a great deal of care to ensure it flies in the right way without getting mixed up with the roller furling etc. I'd be interested to hear how you get on with it.

Martin

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[John7]

I’ve been using one for some years and its worked well. The only problem is making sure the lines, my one too has a loop (one end attached to the top of the funnel to pull it up, the other on the bottom to pull it down over the chute) are not tangled when putting away or it makes life interesting (for those watching any way) when hoisting the snuffer next. The snuffer is hoisted by a halyard (spinnaker fittings were on our boat) and when ready pull the snuffer up to free the chute. Over all it works well and is useful if you have to kill the chute fast!

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[Boathook]

I agree with John7.

Take time when hoisting to ensure that loop of rope is not tangled up with the sheets and guys. In heavier winds you will need to let a sheet (or is the guy) go to allow the sail to fly before snuffing. I have used one for years and only have problems when hoisting !

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[jimi]

Also helps if snuffing is done in the lee of the main in heavier wind.

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