What's the correct size for an Asymmetric or Cruising Chute

[savageseadog]

What\'s the correct size for an Asymmetric or Cruising Chute

What in relation to I and J are the correct measurements for a asymmetric or cruising chute. Is there any difference between the two sails by the way?

 

[awol]

Re: What\'s the correct size for an Asymmetric or Cruising Chute

Well, it depends - if you are buying new, ask the sailmaker for what you want (biggest/lightest/heavy weather etc.?) - if you are buying secondhand, something about the same length in the luff as your forestay and about 1.5x J won't be available anywhere so you take what is.

 

[FullCircle]

Re: What\'s the correct size for an Asymmetric or Cruising Chute

The max area is about 85% of a standard spinnaker. We have about 80% on ours, at around 800sq ft.
The luff is crucial,and needs to be about a foot short of the deck when taut on the halyard.
If it too short, you either dont get it to the top of the mast, causing some interesting gyrations, or it gets bit out of control at the bottom, slopping over your pulpit rail when gusted.
You ease the luff tension as it gets further downwind.
I had mine cut high at the clew, as with my first one on a previous boat, it was difficult to see through/around, hence the slightly lower percentage area.

I have had 2 Crusader Tri Radial Cruising chutes, both have fitted well, and work.

 

[ditchcrawler]

Re: What\'s the correct size for an Asymmetric or Cruising Chute

As Full Circle says you need to allow a foot or two at the tack depending on how high your pulpit is so it does not foul the pulpit too much.If you are using a snuffer you need to allow enough at the head for the sail & snuffer to scrunch up.It is probably advisable to measure the distance from halyard exit to deck at tack.Using the I & J measuremets from standard info may not be right.My own boat (1984/5 Moody 31) did not accord with the measurements according to Moody archive.The sailmaker who measured mine said this is quite common on older boats.