The first thing I'll say is that in most sailboats I've owned and seen, the spinnaker always looks close to brand new, no matter how old it is. That's because it rarely gets used due to the complicated set up. It is just easier to turn on the damn diesel.
That said, I'll give you the inexpensive and easier way to set one up, i.e., the cruiser's version. I'm sure racers will be horrified by this, but I'm mostly concerned with ease of operation, not getting maximum speed.
I had an asym on my previous boat, a Bristol 30, and it sorely needed the extra help in light air. I used to sail it free, with no pole and no attachment to a stay. The tack of the asym had a line about three feet long, and I would tie that to the bale on the anchor roller. Then I would use the spare spinnaker halyard to hoist the asym.
The line on the tack could be adjusted to tighten the asym or give it a big belly, as needed.
I could go maybe four knots in about 6 knots of wind, which was great for that boat. I once got caught in a spot where the wind suddenly went from 5 to 20 knots, and I was going like hell. I'm still not sure how the sail didn't split.
Taking it down singlehanded, I would point into the wind so it piled back on deck instead of into the water. It came with one of those bags (a turtle, I think they're called), but it was old and never worked correctly.
I've never felt the need for an asym on my 320, although I end up using my diesel more than I want due to light air. I'm happy cruising at 3.5- 4 knots in light air.
Jack Brennan
Sonas, 1998 Catalina 320
Tierra Verde, Fl.
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From: C320-list <
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Sent: Tuesday, July 2, 2024 3:31 PM
To:
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Cc: Ian Neale <
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Subject: Re: [C320-list] Question for Catalina 320 Owners