Rigging a lapper for a Weekender.

[umop_apisdn]

Ok, I am looking at making a larger headsail. Several people have recommended a "lapper", which I gather is essentially greater-than-100% jib.

1) How does a lapper differ from a genoa? or are they different names for the same thing?

2) How far back should the leech of the lapper be? To the first shroud? Second shroud? even farther?

3) should the jib sheets run inside the shrouds or outside?

4) How far back on the deck should I put the fairlead that the jib sheets run through?

5) How sucessful have people been at making their own furlers? The drum looks easy enough, but I would think you would need really smooth bearings top and bottom.

6) Should I put reef points down the luff, so I can use it as a regular jib too? or should I just carry the second jib with me? Now that I thing about the question, I am going to have to lower it to reef it anyway, so it is probably just as easy to stow it and put up the smaller jib instead.

Thanks all,

Noel.

[Dave R1]

Noel, I don't know how big you should make your lapper. I expect a naval architect or a master sailmaker would know but for folks like us, the best thing is make one and try it. Tarp sails are fairly cheap and quick to make.

As to location of fairleads and running sheets inside or outside the shrouds that will depend on the size of the sail. I think I would plan to run the sheets inside. To find the proper placement of the fairleads, extend a line perpendicular to the luff through the clew to the side deck.

One thing to keep in mind is that the Mainsail on these boats is the power sail unlike a lot of production cabin boats. Adding a larger headsail will decrease weather helm (increase lee helm). The boat might tolerate or like some decrease in weather helm but you don't want neutral or lee helm. If you ever fall over board the boat will take off on you. :shock:

Good luck. Remember, post pictures and share your experiences making and using your lapper. We all want to know.

[capt jake]

If all works out this weekend, you will be able to see my lapper/furling set-up. I have been very pleased with it's performance.

[Stump]

And just as an added push, when comparing the two boats speed in the water, capt jakes (with a lapper) in much faster than mine (with a stock jib) I'm waiting unitl this winter then I'm planing on making a lapper, until then I'm having too much fun sailing.

[Barry Pyeatt]

The lapper as Capt. Jake has it is approx. 115- 120% of the fore triangle area. His leech falls just shy of the forward shroud.

Anything larger than 100 can be considered a Genoa, but as I understand it if the leech falls short of the shrouds it is more commonly referred to as a lapper when the sheets run inboard.

Some things for consideration.

Furling system mounted just behind the forestay so that the furled sail may be lowered and stored and replaced by another easily.

Use the Halyard for tension on the luff of the sail and furling system.

With the rigging of the Weekender having shrouds mounted at the rail the lapper would have its sheets run inside the shrouds. The block conveniently mounts at about the bottom of the turnbuckle on the second shroud to give a good angle for management.

If you plan on a lot of light air work, you may want to also consider a whisker pole and then run the sheets outboard of the shrouds and make provisions for a snatch block further aft about even with the main bulkhead. A short length of track can be attached to the deck allowing for easy placement for a snatch block on either side.

Commercial swivels such as those from RWO are relatively inexpensive and work extremely well. A spool can be fashioned from found items, wire spools etc. http://www.thechandleryonline.com//product.asp?dept%5Fid=1735&pf%5Fid=151%5FHR2080

Critical placement is for the furling line so that it is at 90 degrees from the furling spool and thru a fairlead and then run back to the cockpit. Along the outer rail is convenient unless you have flush deck. It is out of the way and easy to use.

A lapper of this size still allows for some weather helm and it is sufficient to keep it heading up into the wind. But you will be amazed at how well the Weekender will react to this size headsail. If you have light air conditions a lot where you normally sail, it will make a huge difference for you. You will not be disappointed. Evening sailing is particularly good and a lot of fun with this sail. Especially if the first mate is along. :wink:

[JeffM]

Dave R1: "Adding a larger headsail will decrease weather helm (increase lee helm). The boat might tolerate or like some decrease in weather helm but you don't want neutral or lee helm. If you ever fall over board the boat will take off on you."

A little off-topic, but I've been wondering about this. The way I figure it, even a boat drifting head-to-wind might easily drift faster than I can swim. I don't know how likely I am to end up in the water with the boat still upright, but it might be worth considering some sort of harness--even if I'm not single-handing, my kids aren't ready to come about and get me! Maybe a bowline around my waist with the other end around a stern cleat on windy days. (I already have a boarding step/handle on the transom.)