size of jib

[jthatcher]

good evening , all
  i am not sure if i am really ready to venture into technical discussions such as the appropriate size of jib to fly, but i was trying to sort some ideas out in my head, and figured that this would be the place to find some help! 

Adagio is a 1983 first generation 23   with no bowsprit.    I have been told that with the bowsprit, the jib is moved forward and that the sail plan is more balanced as a result, and that this means less weather helm.     it is quite possible that i have over simplified this, and if so, don't hesitate to correct me!   However, assuming that there is a degree of accuracy with this statement i am figuring that the better balance is due to the center of effort on the jib moving forward.   so that got me thinking about the size of the jib.     when one increases the size of the jib from say 100% to 150%  is the center of effort  in fact moving aft?   and if so , does this increase weather helm?      is there a trade off here ?     with the original model boat,  would i be better off with a smaller jib?    and finally,  what size jib is really the best for the 23?   
  lots of questions..  maybe , with the help of the more experienced folks maybe i will be better prepared next season!  thanks,  jt

[Billy]

While a larger jib MAY move the jib's center of effort aft it does increase force on the jib's center of effort, while the main sail center of effort remains the same, moving the Combined C.O.E. forward.

I have a 110 and a 150 genoa. The 110 feels very small and I only use it on very windy days. Since you have a roller furling I would not go smaller than a 110.

Try letting you main out a little more. This will lesson the force of the C.O.E. on your main moving the combined C.O.E. forward. If you can set your main up with a loose foot (leave the bolt rope out of the track in the boom) you will also notice less weather helm.

Then get a foiled rudder. Some weather helm is a good thing though. And trust me, it's much worse on the 19.

After trying all that and still unhappy get the sprit......or a new boat.