Spinnaker Launcher
A launcher can speed up, and simplify, spinnaker sets and take-downs.
Spinnaker launchers have been
installed in a number of Tanzer 16s. A spinnaker launcher consists of a molded
fiberglass chute and a cloth tube. The increased case to set and douse the
relatively large Tanzer 16 spinnaker makes a spinnaker launcher a very
desirable feature for racing skippers. The following description is intended
for class members who may not have the opportunity to observe installed
spinnaker launchers in boats and who may want to attempt their own
installation.
It is advisable to obtain a
launching chute from the manufacturer. Until the new builder is in production
of boat parts, the best source for Tanzer 16 parts of all types (including
launching chutes) is: Eric Spenser, Canadian Yachting Services, Box 1045, Pt.
Claire, Que. - H9S 4H9 (514-697-6952).
To install the chute, position it
on the port side of the deck as far forward as the top side and center support
below deck will allow. We suggest you make a cardboard template from the chute.
Position the template on the deck and use a light from below to verify its
location. Remember-- measure twice, cut once! After the hole is cut, sand
down the deck surface at the lip around the hole and wipe with acetone to
assure good adhesion. Mask the surrounding area before sanding to prevent
damage to the rest of the deck. If you are attempting this installation as a
winter project, take heed that adequate temperature is required for the epoxy
resin to set up, so you should consider having heat lamps ready if maintaining
temperature is a problem.
The state-of-the-art material
currently used to glue the chute to the deck is PC-7 brand epoxy resin. It
mixes to a heavy paste that has tremendous holding power. It is wise to drill
a few small holes in the lip of the deck to let the epoxy resin squeeze through
for extra holding power.
Since the lip may not lie flat
all the way around, be ready to apply weight via 2x4's weighed down with bricks
or concrete blocks. After the resin is completely set, scrape off excess resin
and fair the edges to the deck.
The cloth tube is tricky to make
and is described in the diagram. Attach it to the chute with three stainless
steel strap/screw pipe clamps joined together.
The spinnaker should have a
retrieval patch mounted on its downwind side.
The most common Tanzer rig uses a
continuous halyard and retrieval line. When you pull the sail up, the
retrieval line automatically pays out, and when dousing the halyard is
automatically pulled in. There are many options for creating arrangements. In
fact, no two Tanzers are rigged exactly alike. Generally, the retrieval line
runs aft of the centerboard trunk from the cloth tube on the port side, turns
forward to the starboard side, and is cleated either on the centerboard trunk
or under the thwart before turning up a block at the base of the mast as it
becomes the spinnaker halyard. Decisions pertaining to the exact layout of the
spinnaker rigging are subject to the specific inclinations for handling,
comfort and convenience of each individual skipper and crew. Good luck!
Punky’s Launcher Bag Formula
