Self-Tacking Jib and Staysail Systems

Self-tacking jibs and staysails are popular on boats of all sizes because tacking is nearly automatic, with no need to haul or release a sheet. They work well with furling systems and with jib booms. Calculate loadings for traveler cars and blocks using the the following jib sheet formula: Loading Formulas

Typical Boat Length:
Small Boat: 22' - 28' (6.7 - 8.5 m)
Midrange: 29' - 34' (8.8 - 10.4 m)
Big Boat: 35' - 42' (10.7 - 12.8 m)

 

Standard Self-tacker

This system is often used on course racing keelboats like Solings. The traveler track is bent in a radius equal to the distance from the headstay to the sheeting point along the LP of the sail.

jib1.gif
Diagram
Ref.
Description Small Boat
Part No.
Midrange
Part No.
Big Boat
Part No.
A Thru-deck 088
131
046 047
B Single 2636 2600 1950
1540

 

2:1 Self-tacker

Self-tacking jibs are popular because they keep the foredeck clean.

jib2.gif
Diagram
Ref.
Description Small Boat
Part No.
Midrange
Part No.
Big Boat
Part No.
A Single 340 2636 2600
B Padeye 073 1558 688
C Cheek 350 2644
2606
2606
D Single 2636 2600 2660

 

Self-tacker on Jib Boom

Self-tacking jibs and staysails work well with furling systems and jib booms. This system features two “sheets”—one controls the in and out movement of the sail much like an outhaul. The other controls the boom.

jib3.gif
Diagram
Ref.
Description Small Boat
Part No.
Midrange
Part No.
Big Boat
Part No.
A Furler Unit 00AL
Unit 0
Unit 1 Unit 2
B Double 2638
2602
2602
2662
2662
1952
C Single 2636
2600
2600
2660
2660
1950
D Single 2637
2601
2601
2661
2661
1951
E Deck organizer 270 6054
1500
6052
724

If you would like to link to or reprint this article please contact advertising@harken.com

  • United States
  • Australia
  • France
  • Italia
  • New Zealand
  • Polska
  • Sverige
  • UK