J9 Spinnaker Set-Up?
Posted by CTKookDaddy@reddit | sailing | View on Reddit | 10 comments
Has anyone rigged up a J9 with a spinnaker aftermarket? Seems like it make for a pretty fun but comfortable ride. Haven't been able to find any information through google search.
CharterJet50@reddit
The J/7 has a fixed sprit and asym option. Did you ever get a J/9?
NectarineBoring3803@reddit
https://ibb.co/Js3drT0
Looks like a fitting for a spinnaker pole
Guygan@reddit
Do you own a J9?
CTKookDaddy@reddit (OP)
I do not! But looking at various options in 30 foot day sailing/weekend cruising range. I grew up sailing on the pervious generation of J boats (92-105-109-120- etc...).
Open to suggestions. J-88 a little to sparse J-99 and J-111 might be more boat than I need. J-97E looks interesting but looks like its out of production and not allot floating around the secondhand market.
Guygan@reddit
A yacht yard with a good rigging and composites team could install a retractable sprit in a J9 fairly easily. Get a sailmaker to design a sail first so they know how long to make the sprit, and it's easy. It will only cost you several thousand.
CTKookDaddy@reddit (OP)
I did find this under options on this listing:
"Code Zero/A-Sail Deck Package – fixed carbon bowsprit with tack line, two spinnaker sheets, halyard, and turning blocks to lead the sheet tails to the cabin top winches."
https://mcmichaelyachtbrokers.com/yachts/j-boats-j-9-for-sale/
There are a few pictures with a factory mounted bow sprit floating around but I don't see any with the sail up and actually underway...
foilrider@reddit
The J/9 spinnaker setup is called the J/88.
Brokenbowman@reddit
With a 6.5 ft keel draft, the J/88 may not work for some sailors who sail in skinny waters.
I think OP has a valid question. He should probably consider a bowsprit and mast head crane with an asymmetrical spinnaker on a top down furler.
CTKookDaddy@reddit (OP)
Yes J/88s do look sweet and I understand that would be a better pure racing option. But I do like the streamlined and more comfortable set-up of the J-9 for shorthanded and family sailing.
Guess I'm trying to have my cake and eat it too. Brainstorming if it be possible to set something up aftermarket so I can get my kite fix in. A little Surprised it wasn't available as a separate package from the factory or that I couldn't find anyone online who had already done it.
I can't be the only one..... or am I haha?
FlickrPaul@reddit
Add a selden bowsprit and get your sail maker to build you the type of downwind sail you want to use. (code 0, reacher, runner)
You will also need to add a block to the mast to hang a swivel block off of for the halyard and either a cleat on the mast or stopper on cabin top.
Then you will need to rig the tack line and sheets.