Hi Henry, I don't use a drifter, but I have a newly installed A3 asym spinnaker which is sized for use with the semi-retractable/removable bowsprit I fabricated for the boat. The bowsprit places the tack about 30 inches ahead of the pulpit​ I have only had the spinnaker system installed on the boat for less than a week, but it really brings the M17 alive in light winds, and provides a huge improvement in downwind performance. I use a Seldon top-down furler. It is early days yet, but I am really pleased with the ease and level of control for deployment, dousing and gybing/tacking it provides... Basically it allows me with the same level of control from the cockpit for the spinnaker as I have with the CDI furler I use on my jib. This is really important to me as I mostly single hand the boat. (my Admiral is like a cat, she likes to drink water, but prefers not to ride on it!). I chose an A3 spinnaker cut to provide some level of upwind performance, so far it seems to be around 60 ish degrees AWA in light to moderate winds (up to 5-6 knots) and then begins to fall off which at that point is time for the jib anyhow. I am still learning how to tweak the setup with the hope of garnering another 5 degrees or so ie hopefully to 55 AWA... (this may be wishful thinking, time will tell) I realize this more of a "full blown spinnaker" solution than you were asking about, but given my very recent experience I thought I would share it as an option .... I don't have a picture of Serenity with the A3 flying yet but as soon as I get one I will be posting it! If you are interested I can provide some dimensions ... Keith *Keith R. Martin, P.Eng.* *Burnaby, B.C. CanadaSerenity,** M17 Hull #353* On 24 July 2015 at 09:27, Henry Rodriguez <heinzir@gmail.com> wrote:
Who uses a drifter with their M17? What are the dimensions? I see in the archives there is a picture of Larry Yakes' Corn Dog that shows a drifter that appears to be tacked to the bow pulpit. How is that working out, Larry? How big is the sail? Do you tack it like a genoa or jibe it like a spinnaker? What type of fitting do you have on the bow pulpit? What other light air options, short of a full blown soinnaker, are there? Thanks!
-- Henry https://picasaweb.google.com/heinzir