Where have you guys purchased new main sails? Are the ones from here made by Doyle upgraded any since 1997?
I am leaning towards loose footed. There are a lot of options...some obviously personal preference...number of reef points, cunningham, etc.. But what about the options for number of full battens? The full battens can get caught up in the shrouds at times.
I am a cruiser primarily but am near a good racing venue and have raced in the past.
Or, anyone have a decent used one to sell? My bolt rope is so shrunk that it stops 4' from the top.
The Doyle sails SBO sell here are better than the OEM sails from 1997. The original sail that came with your boat was "OEM" grade, which means fairly inexpensively made, with an entry level dacron from 1997. The dacron is a middle grade, neither the top not the lowerest.
The cost of the sailcloth used is the biggest factor in the price of sails. The grade used on SBO is a middle grade, which is a really good value for the average recreational sailor. I personally know the designer who does all of Doyle's Hunter sails and he does a fabulous job on the shape and features.
Doyle can build any quality of sail from entry level to top of the line. They can build a much higher grade sails than "OEM" grade for the replacement market - you should consider them. Your salesman can help you choose the right and features for your particular needs and budget. If you want a high end sail from Doyle, you can certainly order it.
I recommend loose footed, for sure. There are no benefits to a footed sail, other than catching rainwater. Loose footed allows better draft control of the bottom section of the sail and simplifies rigging up the mainsail reefing.
As for the pros and cons of 4 full battens vs 2full/2partial or 1/3, that's a longer topic, and I need to go to work right now. There are pluses and minuses to both.
Any well-established sailmaker with a good reputation can build you high quality sails. The most important part, IMO, is talking to someone who can help you navigate all the choices based on your skills, wants, location and, importantly, your budget. I always recommend that boat owners buy the best (lowest stretch) their budget will allow, with durability a close second. Sails that hold their shape for a long time make a huge difference in pointing, low heeling, later reefing, and having balanced helm.
(PS. The internet is your friend when it comes to avoiding the few bad lofts our there)
Judy B
Semi-retired sailmaker
cc
@Dave Groshong
