adapting spars to new sail plan for cs 17

[tfrei]

Hi, 

 

I'm almost done adapting my CS 17 to the updated sail plan using the new sail track.  Under the new plan, the mizzen sprit should be 108 inches; the main should be 118 inches.  In order to adapt my old spars to the new plan, I built a new main sprit and then planned to cut down the old main sprit (is that the word, or should I just say spar?) to the correct size of 108 for the mizzen spar.  The old main spar was 116 inches.  My question is: Should I cut it down to 108 inches (from the present 116 inches) or just leave it be?  I keep reading that it doesn't hurt to have the spars a little longer.  Thank you.

[Dnjost]

While I did not switch to the new sail track, I had a similar issue in that both my sprits were a tad too short.  I put the main on the mizzen (straight swap, no cutting) and made a new main sprit.  Test sail will be next week. I will send photos and reports.  

 

 

[Reacher]

I made my sprits according to an early spec sheet so they were too short for the updated sail plan I installed. I ended up splicing in extra length plus a few more inches. I haven't noticed a problem with the extra length and it is easy to cut it down.

 

If I were using new sails I think I would try out the longer sprit and then trim it when you determine the exact length you want.

[Randy Jones]

I don't think the extra length on the mizzen boom will be a problem but you'll need to test it to verify that the mizzen sheets still clear the rudder, transom corners, and motor if you've got one. 

[Ken_Potts]

The longer mizzen sprit-boom will stick farther forward of the mizzen mast. There is a possibility it may interfere with the leach of the main but you can always just try it and see.

[mattp]

I also had to extend both of my sprits though I feel silly not swapping and extending only one like Dnjost describes! ?

 

My issue may have been with using a different sail plan than what the drawings were for.  I do recommend testing before commuting to the cut.