One thing you might want to keep in mind about storm jibs... the ones that I have seen that people have had for years are in almost new condition because they are barely ever used. The material is so heavy because they are designed for a near gale of wind. Most of the storm jibs I have seen are designed for emergency type conditions and are not generally used for pleasure sailing. Perhaps on a boat as small as the M15 or 17 this is not the case, but personally, I think you would get more use from a 70 or 80% jib, and if its reefable all the better. Jeff M23 "Clarity" Still snowing in Marcus WA ----- Original Message ----- From: "James Poulakis" <picfo@comcast.net> To: <montgomery_boats@mailman.xmission.com> Sent: Wednesday, April 23, 2008 12:52 AM Subject: M_Boats: Heavy Weather Jibs
Thanks for the replies Bert and Tim.
I haven't found a button or link to reply to a specific thread, hence the new heading (I'm using Safari if that makes any difference).
Tim, You gave me a good feel for what to expect in an M-17 as the winds build. Although the original choices were a storm jib, a #4, or both, I'm now considering a reefable 80%. Tim, if you're getting by in 30 knot winds with the working jib (which is ~ 75 sq ft at ~110%) then it seems like an 80% (50 sq ft) would be very useful. Although we SF Bay sailors like to blather on about our 30+ knot winds, the truth is that it's more often in the low to mid 20's - and typically doesn't build up to that until 2:00 pm. So from your description it seems like an 80% would see a lot of use. With the reef points it could still be shortened down to credible storm jib. Yes, changing the clew on a reefing jib is a hassle - The technique I've used in the past requires an autopilot and a temporary sheet with a carabiner - but that's for another thread.
Bert, Sailmakers are a great source of advice and I've talked to a few. Here's what they indicate for M-17 heavy weather jibs:
Storm jib: 24 ft^2 (one sailmaker said that an M-17 storm jib was about 50% J) 70%: 35 ft^2 80%: 50 ft^2
The lowest (boatshow) price for a storm jib was $184 for a 7.03oz dacron sail from Hogin Sails www.hoginsails.com
As an aside, I was told by a well meaning-representative of Pinapple Sails that people in 17'ers had no need for storm jibs. According to her, storm jibs were only for world travelers who needed to claw off lee shores in 50 knot winds. Small boat sailors NEVER faced these conditions. Uhh, well... Lemme tell y'all about my first attempt to round point Lopez in my 27' Albin back in '90...
Thanks again guys,
Jim Poulakis "Spirit" M-17 #648
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