INVESTIGATOR 563

The storm jib is a handy sail for +15 knot winds.

Hey Ian,

Awesome photo!

The boat taking the photo, is it also an I563? What's the cable going down with an eye used for?
My mast rigging has the same second stand with an eye coming from the back stay, i don't know what its used for and my main guess is that its for the boom topping lift as there is no topping lift sheave at the top of my mast. Am i correct with my guess?

I also don't see a topping lift on your I563. Connected to the backstay?

Actually I think you’ll find that the boat taking the pic is probably stationary and pointing the other way, as that hanging strop is actually standard on the forestay. It was on mine till I replaced the standing rigging and on the few others I’ve seen in the lake . You’ll probably find it on other pics in the gallery. I’m interested that you have one on the back stay .

It’s original intent was to act a hauling point to raise the mast via the main sheet block or an ancillary block set up and attached up front somehow, but leave the eye swaged on the end of the forestay uncluttered to attach to the SS bow roller bracket . I think there are some discussions on it very early in this forum to maybe it was back in the original MSN hosted forum. I think it’s even mentioned in the investigator Club notes in the Library . I don’t think I ever used it as I don’t raise the mast solo but I suppose there are those who would find it useful. It does look pretty daggy but Kevin Shepherd must have considered it a help when he designed the boat.

I don’t think I’ve ever noticed one on any other brand of TS, so Kevin was an innovator, but we all know that.

Does anyone know the dimensions of this sail? My #2 jib is too big for the second reef in the main. It gives lee helm in a blow and the fairlead car doesn't go far enough back to add lots of twist to the jib.

I'm interested to know if more people have smaller jibs. I read that sailing under jib alone works in high winds but that seems to just blow the bow down wind when sailing to windward.

Looking forward to getting out this weekend, fingers crossed for no rain.

Ian

viewtopic.php?p=655&hilit=sail+dimensions#p655

You can get the pdf here Ian . I think it’s from John Crawford.

I have bought a small sail close to the listed Storm Jib size ages ago but have not yet fitted hanks to try. Tend to be conservative when we sail, so I’ve mainly got it in case I get caught out in crook weather with a failed outboard. Hope I never do. I will be interested to try it in non emergencies.

Would be interested in others comments on the use of the storm jib for those who have one. Earlier in my 563 ownership when I read everything I could on sailing (forgotten a lot of it now) I found references to a reefed JIB setup with reefing points like a main for occasional use. Have not seen anything on it since but makes sense I suppose. It’s just another way to reduce sail area and achieve a balanced helm.

Thanks Ozzie, I had those dimensions. I'll have to re-measure mine, but I'm pretty sure it's a different shape from the one in the picture.

I didn't think about putting reefing cringles in and reinforcing the tack and clew for reefing - probably the cheapest option. I have also checked https://www.sailexchange.com.au/collections/jibs-1 on the off chance something showed up.

I replaced the luff wire in the small jib with double-braid because the wire had rusted, perhaps a little more sewing might be in order. Yes, interested to hear what others have, or if you think my sail balance problems are just because I don't know what I'm doing (likely).

Ian

See below investigator info including sail measurements

I've been doing some time wasting thinking about sail balance. The drawing below shows a rough estimate of centre of effort vs centre of lateral resistance. The CLR is VERY rough - I cut out a cardboard template of the below waterline parts of the boat and balanced it on a pencil. Actually I think my rudder is larger than the original so its likely aft of the centre board as shown.

Anyway the drawing shows significant lee helm. Any thoughts from the experts? mainsail 9.86m2
#1 jib 7.28m2

I am yet to measure my jibs, and reefing points on the main. That's the next step.

Hi Ian, see below, a very good explanation of CE and CLR including the effects of heel. I think you will enjoy it

https://youtu.be/-cRG_Z3jkf0

Regards Peter

Thanks Peter!

The part at 26. minutes into the video I hadn't thought about (always something to learn). The other thing that's not mentioned in the video is asymmetrical the hull shape when heeled which causes the boat to round up. These two things together should compensate for the unbalanced sail plan when the wnd picks up.

I still think I'd like to try a smaller jib like the one shown in Ian's photo at the top of this thread.