couture@jaws.DEC (03/28/85)
There was a terrific article on bottom paints in Practical Sailor this month. Unlike other publications which have paid advertising, Practical Sailor doesn't so they can name names without losing ad dollars. The two basic toxins in bottom paint are tin or copper. Tin tends to control plant growth and copper controls animal growth. Ergo, fresh water sailors would be better with tin based paints while those of us in the ocean usually have to go with copper. The exception is aluminum boats since galvanic action precludes the use of copper-based paints. Some paints contain both tin and copper. Supposedly, this is the best of both worlds. I tried Woolsey Super Vinylast (sp) two seasons ago. It was supposed to help control the slime because of trace tin. It didn't work at all. I still had to dive three times with a sponge. Actually, sponging the bottom isn't that unpleasant as long as you have access to a shower soon afterward, otherwise your friends tend to congregate upwind of you. I use a vinyl-bound paint because it provides a hard coating which can be sponged throughout the season. It's drawback is that it must be hand-sanded every season to keep it from building up. You can't use a machine sander with vinyl because it will melt and clog the paper. However, wet sanding only takes a few hours and provides a smooth surface. If you go this route be sure to bring someone along to drive home since you won't be able to lift your arms to the steering wheel. One last suggestion . . . use a roller to put on the paint and have somebody follow you immediately with a brush to smooth out the bumps. ANOTHER SUBJECT: Does anyone have any experience with one of the new non-spinnaker down wind sails. They're called "Spankers," "Gennikers," "Bloopers," etc. I've heard good and bad. jaws::couture
jeffh@plx.UUCP (Jeff Huntington) (03/29/85)
Yes, I have experience (both good and bad) with cruising spinnakers. The one I have is the Hood MPS (Multi-Purpose Spinnaker). I really like it. I ordered mine with a snuffer (dousing sock); that's the only way to go. Cruising spinnakers fall into two basic groups: those that are more like big baggy, full-headed jibs; and those that are more like spinnakers. I believe the jib-like type are more of a drifter/reacher and the spinnaker type look and work more like a real spinnaker. My MPS will work in very light air as a jenny and allow me to point up to about 50 degrees. As the wind increases, the luff colapses and I can't point as high. It works best off the wind. Going directly downwind, the MPS works best with the main down. I have tried to wing it out like a jib downwind, but it is too full for my wisker pole to be effective. Actually, it works out very well sailing on the MPS alone on a broad reach or a run. It fills, draws, and looks very much like a real spinnaker when it is used that way. My boat is set up with a 110 roller reefing jib and the MPS; that makes a very good combination for my sailing area (S. F. Bay). Go for it, it's fun.