Inhauler - higher course

[martti]

Hello

I have read some articles about using inhaulers when going upwind.
e.g. www.sailingworld.com/from-the-experts/boat-speed/gaining-extra-height-with-inhaulers-44673.html

Any comments how usable these are and any pictures from assembly ?


-Martti

[davideso37]

Martti,

As the article notes the inhaulers are used extensively on yachts with non overlapping jibs where the sheeting angle can be a lot closer. On the SF37 they have tracks on the cabin top for the short footed jib so barber haulers are not needed. I think there are examples of tracks on the cabin tops in the hints and tips pages.
On my SO37 I have tried barber haulers on our large 150% genoa and it helped a little with height in lighter airs. The downside was the extra friction on the inhauler each time we tacked. I now have a larger genoa 160% which helps with height in the light airs. This is set up very close to the deck and it is not possible to inhaul it. I also have a 105% blade jib for heavy airs. This is set up to just clear the sidestays and can be inhauled if the sheets are set up inside the sidestays. We have however only used this in strong winds when we are dumping mainsheet and we have not felt the need to inhaul it yet. No doubt we will get caught in light airs one day and will reach for a spare set of genoa sheets. The inhauler are sitting there waiting for that day. In general if the sail area matches the wind strength and you have a clean bottom height should not be an issue.

Regards

David