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Sail & Rigging - Self Tacking Swan 48 ???
18 February 2024 - 22:48
#1
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lwhillman
Join Date: 27 August 2014
Posts: 17

Self Tacking Swan 48 ???

Just talking out loud here ...

Any thoughts, please, on the good and bad about mounting an athwartship track just forward of the mast and putting on a self tacking jib?
19 February 2024 - 10:10
#2
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matteosalamon
Join Date: 29 January 2007
Posts: 1049

Dear Larry,

when I bought Vanessa I found a self tacking jib, installed by previous owner.

Getting rid of the bulky hardware was the first job I did, and I am sure Vanessa was soo happy to go back to the (perfect) original deck layout ;-)

I am happy too, the deck layout is so perfect I don't need a self tacking jib, and (personally) I don't like  a S&S Swan transformed in a Beneteau/Janneau&C. type boat. Personal thinking, of course.

Fair winds!

matteo (47/069 Vanessa)
19 February 2024 - 13:22
#3
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lwhillman
Join Date: 27 August 2014
Posts: 17

Dear Larry,

when I bought Vanessa I found a self tacking jib, installed by previous owner.

Getting rid of the bulky hardware was the first job I did, and I am sure Vanessa was soo happy to go back to the (perfect) original deck layout ;-)

I am happy too, the deck layout is so perfect I don't need a self tacking jib, and (personally) I don't like  a S&S Swan transformed in a Beneteau/Janneau&C. type boat. Personal thinking, of course.

Fair winds!

matteo (47/069 Vanessa)

Cia Matteo!

 

Thank for the comment.   In so many ways I share your instinct to stick to the original design.   But my age and back are suggesting otherwise.

Do you have any photos of the self tacking set up you had?

 

Larry
19 February 2024 - 15:53
#4
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matteosalamon
Join Date: 29 January 2007
Posts: 1049

Dear Larry,

yes I do and will send all images later tonight to your mailbox!

Fair winds!

matteo (47/069 Vanessa)
20 February 2024 - 09:31
#5
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martin
Join Date: 05 August 2010
Posts: 167

As far as I recall a meeting in northern Norway, Swan 44 Cadeau has a self-tacking jib, on a boom construction no less, and that may even be an original S&S design. Maybe you can contact the owner about it; I believe they are a member of this association.

Sailing a 48 myself ... what is your experience with a foresail in the size of a self-tacking jib? My initial impulse would be that the power from the sail is too small as the 48 is very dependent on the large foresail area, but I admit I have not tried to sail a season with a smaller sail.

Martin (48/039 Vellamo)
20 February 2024 - 13:13
#6
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lwhillman
Join Date: 27 August 2014
Posts: 17

I share your concerns ... and others ... about self tacking.   The super high aspect main and a small jib would likely leave the boat way underpowered.   That's why I'm seeking out suggestions and comments before pulling the trigger!

 
20 February 2024 - 13:17
#7
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lwhillman
Join Date: 27 August 2014
Posts: 17

Got 'em.   Self tacking may not be a good idea, but whoever set it up on Vanessa did a really nice job!

 

Did you sail some with the self tacking arrangement?   If yes, what did you hate about it (beside it not being "S&S"y?
20 February 2024 - 15:50
#8
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matteosalamon
Join Date: 29 January 2007
Posts: 1049

Deare Larry,

yes, a very good job indeed!

Honestly when you are sailing two handed or single handed in 20/25 kn a self tacking jib is not bad at all!

Fair winds!

matteo (47/069 Vanessa)
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