Does this jib seem right ? 1973 Ensenada 20

[Don C L]

OK, I am not sure where your jib sheet block is, but since it is fixed and has no track you'll need a length of line attached to the tack of your jib to be the right length to get the jib to get the right shape when its flown. Experiment with that. In the photo it actually looks close for that sail. So, say a foot and half long pendant (line that attaches tack of sail to bow plate) and then see how the sail sets. You want the curve or camber of the sail to be even all the way up along the luff.

[Spot]

Originally Posted by Don C L

OK, I am not sure where your jib sheet block is, but since it is fixed and has no track you'll need a length of line attached to the tack of your jib to be the right length to get the jib to get the right shape when its flown. Experiment with that. In the photo it actually looks close for that sail. So, say a foot and half long pendant (line that attaches tack of sail to bow plate) and then see how the sail sets. You want the curve or camber of the sail to be even all the way up along the luff.

Hi Don, what if you don't have a jib sheet block?
My boat is a 'big little boat' with no winches, tracks, etc.
Jib sheets on mine only get one fairlead directly in front of their cam cleats, the rest is either taught or loose.
Thanks!

[WilliamKidd]

I believe there has been a misunderstanding. I do have jib blocks mounted on tracks . The first photo was pre deck swabbing

[Stu Jackson]

I wholeheartedly recommend Pat Royce's great little book, Sailing Illustrated. It would be right up your alley for rigging and working and learning. It's a fun read, too.

[Don C L]

Originally Posted by Spot

Hi Don, what if you don't have a jib sheet block?
My boat is a 'big little boat' with no winches, tracks, etc.
Jib sheets on mine only get one fairlead directly in front of their cam cleats, the rest is either taught or loose.
Thanks!

wear your gloves!

[Don C L]

Originally Posted by WilliamKidd

I believe there has been a misunderstanding. I do have jib blocks mounted on tracks . The first photo was pre deck swabbing Attachment 223601Attachment 223602

looks like you had some snails doing the swabbing for you.

[WilliamKidd]

The whole boat was like that ! Makes me wonder how long it took them

[WilliamKidd]

So this changes the length of said pendant line?

[Don C L]

Originally Posted by WilliamKidd

So this changes the length of said pendant line?

What you are adjusting is called the jib sheet lead or the angle of the sheet pulling on the clew of the jib. You want it to pull in such a way that the sail is not twisted when you are sailing. So you can adjust the lead by sliding the block along that track you have to get the right lead or you can adjust that by putting on different length pendants. I'd probably put on a pendant of a foot or so and then adjust the sheet lead by sliding the block along the track once you are sailing to get the right angle.

[wingssail]

Originally Posted by WilliamKidd

Title says it all folks. I had some trouble with my main ,incorrect sails came with the boat .
So my question to the massive twitching brains on this forum is .... is this jib the right size ? Also I don't seem to have anyway to attach to now chainplate there is an old rusty pulley on the turnbuckle . Does the foot of the jib attach directly or is there a length of line in between ? Attachment 223498

Looking at this jib and the photo elsewhere showing the tracks, I think it will fit.

I would:

• Drop the sail down and tack it right to stem fitting, (below the turnbuckle if possible).
• Pull the halyard snug so no wrinkles come out perpendicular to the head stay (I see at least one in your photo)
• Then choose a spot on the jib track where the sheet pulls equally back and down. (the sheet will be close to bisecting the angle of the clew, as it is in this photo, that looks pretty close)
• if you have tears in the jib where it looks like it is fixed with duct tape. fix that by sewing patches, the leech of the sail is highly stressed, It needs to be strong,

Still wouldn't mind seeing the other two jibs.

[WilliamKidd]

I'll take photos of the other two one is a Genoa. And the other is just absurdly small . It's been kinda tuff to get photos. Constantly windy . Even more so then usual the last five days or so

[WilliamKidd]

Genoa

[wingssail]

Originally Posted by WilliamKidd

Genoa Attachment 223754

I honestly think that the mainsail can be made to work, but these two jibs you've shown us look pretty tired, the genoa more so than the previous one.

The problem in my opinion will be more of how long the cloth will hold up than the shape or fit. The genoa looks slightly better. If you tack it to the stem fitting and adjust the sheet lead it may set OK, but for sure you need to reinforce the leech because it will quickly tear otherwise.

For a sail this small if you decide they are unusable I'd recommend that you buy a sailrite kit and sew it yourself. Your existing hardware may be reusable and you don't have to have a heavy duty sailmaking machine (just the corners will be an ordeal).

Anyhow, you should try sailing this machine soon and then you'll see what works and what does not.

[WilliamKidd]

This is the third . I dug out an old sewing machine today and learned how to use one .

[wingssail]

Originally Posted by WilliamKidd

This is the third . I dug out an old sewing machine today and learned how to use one . Attachment 223779

It's a bit hard to see what with the poor quality of the photo (sorry, don't mean to be cruel), and it is small for sure, but at one time this was a nice sail. If the leech is OK, (can't tell) it might still be OK. Especially for windier days, assuming the cloth is good.

Usually jibs will tack all the way down to the stem fitting, but you have been putitng yours up for the photos with pennants. Is there some reason why you're doing this? Were the pennants attached to the sails already. It's quite difficult to do this long distance.

Good luck with your sewing.