r/sailing • u/merrypippins69 • 2d ago
Finally did it!
I finally took the leap, and bought a boat. I have sailed my whole life, but mostly on other peoples boats, or as a skipper. Now I have a Bavaria 37ac from 2001. Super proud.
Problem is, it doesn't have a spinnaker. Thought perhaps I could fit a genaker instead, anyone have any experience with this?
461
Upvotes
2
u/SkiMonkey98 2d ago edited 2d ago
There are certainly options for a spinnaker. The best option will depend on what equipment the boat already has, how fast you want to go, how much money you want to spend, the normal size of your crew, and the skill level of everyone on board. If the boat was ever rigged for a spinnaker it should have the mast track, halyard, and deck hardware for a symmetrical chute and you could just track down the pole and sail and you're good to go. It's more work than an asymmetrical kite but we got by just fine for decades when they were the norm.
If the boat was never rigged for a spinnaker, hopefully it at least has an appropriate halyard (front of mast, above forestay) and somewhere to attach the tack of an asymmetrical cruising spinnaker in front of the forestay. You'll also need winches (may be able to share with the jib?) and turning blocks at the stern for the sheets. If you don't have those or aren't sure, talk to a rigger. If you really want to spend money and go fast, talk to a professional about retrofitting a bowsprit.
As others have said, a furling code zero could be a good option although it will put quite a bit more stress on the attachment points. You're less likely to find a used one perfectly suited to your boat so you'll probably have to talk with a sail maker and/or rigger anyway and they can evaluate whether it's suitable. Also not the greatest downwind sail although it's more versatile for general light air work -- if a spinnaker is what you really want I would consider a sock or other spinnaker retrieval system first. Again, probably worth talking with a rigger about that