Genoa Tracks
Date: August 24, 1997
From: Rob Chamber rchamber@mail.snip.net
I noticed the Endeavour 32 I'm about to purchase has no genoa tracks. I have read that one uses a fairlead on the toe rail to lead the sheet back to the aft winch. Has anyone found this to be a problem? Has anyone retrofitted with genoa tracks? Thanks for any information.
Date: March 7, 2000
From: Jay Call jaycall@mediaone.net
Rob,
I'm not sure your question is still current (I mean, I don't know if you are still interested or not), but for what it's worth, I had the same question when I recently purchased my E-32.
I've talked to three professional riggers. The advice from each of them was the same: it's not worth the trouble to install the genoa tracks--unless you intend to race the boat (for me, not an important consideration). However, genoa tracks can be installed by troughbolting them on about 4" centers, on top of the toe rail. Again, the riggers said--"Spend your money on something that'll give you a better return." For what it's worth.
Date: July 19, 2000
From: Paul Uhl endvr32@endeavourowners.com
What follows is a response to a question from Dennis Jones dennisjones@rcsgroup.com about adding inboard genoa tracks:
>>Still trying to figure out how to make it go to weather efficiently . . .
I sail our 1982 within about 40-45° of apparent ok and can maintain 6.5knts when it's blowing 15ish. If I fall off to 45-50° I can do a bit better but pointing isn't one of Endeavour's strong points. They'd rather reach. I have two ideas for you however. Pointing is a factor of sheeting angles (I assume your sails are in good condition) and keel efficiency (or lack of). With the E32 we can't do too much about the keel but you may look into the other. The E32 uses the toe rail for sheeting in the headsails which is pretty far outboard for sailing close to the wind. There is an E35 near us that has inboard sheeting tracks positioned aft the shrouds and about as close as you can get to where the cabin rises out of the deck. They're about 3-4ft long. Obviously this will work best with a smaller jib as you will have a difficult time bringing a 130-150% around and inside the rigging. The main isn't an issue. Also, the closer you sail to the wind, the more attention you have to pay to your sail trim as the "groove" becomes narrower.
