I have a hunter 340. I need a new headsail and have tried to research several fabric types. In fact, I just got back from the sail show in Chicago. We race on the Wednesday evening races (1X/week), and cruise on the weekends. Here are some of my choices: 1. North Sails : Radial Loft NorLam (6.0) It's a laminate with Mylar and soft polyester, or, NorDac 4800. It's Dacron (6.5) 2. Doyle : XC Quicksilver Dacron (7.52 HA) 3. UK Halsey : PM 05 Taffeta (Passagemaker II), or, Dacron 4. Quantum : Dacron (6.22 HA) Challenge What do you like in sail fabric, type, manufacture, etc. Greatly appreciate any advice. Don
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Racing Headail
If you are happy cruising with the roller furler you have, Can you drop it out of the furler headstay and hoist a true racing sail in that foil? You might then elect to get a true racing headsail for Wednesday night races at the maximum size you want for the majority of wind speeds in which you expect to sail/ race. Although we have a smaller 28.5: we have a bi-radial 3.5 oz. mylar 155% no.1 genoa; a multi layer mylar/dacron laminate tri-radial 135% no.2; and the original equipment 110 dacron no.3 jib; all are tape luff sails matched to a TuffLuff headfoil, not roller furling. We sail on the Chesapeake and mostly use the no.1 and no.2, racing(non spinnaker) or cruising.Can't tell from your post where you sail or in what wind speeds.
If you are happy cruising with the roller furler you have, Can you drop it out of the furler headstay and hoist a true racing sail in that foil? You might then elect to get a true racing headsail for Wednesday night races at the maximum size you want for the majority of wind speeds in which you expect to sail/ race. Although we have a smaller 28.5: we have a bi-radial 3.5 oz. mylar 155% no.1 genoa; a multi layer mylar/dacron laminate tri-radial 135% no.2; and the original equipment 110 dacron no.3 jib; all are tape luff sails matched to a TuffLuff headfoil, not roller furling. We sail on the Chesapeake and mostly use the no.1 and no.2, racing(non spinnaker) or cruising.Can't tell from your post where you sail or in what wind speeds.
choose the loft, not the fabric
Despite all the hype you were getting at the boat show, there's not going to be a whole lot of difference between one loft's high-end dacron and another's. These days, it's all good. What you want is the loft that's going to understand your needs and give you the best service. Ask yourself questions like: "Which loft will send someone out on a Wednesday night beer can to race with us and see what this boat really needs?" One other thing to ask is where the sail will actually be made. Doesn't do you much good to settle on a "local" loft if the sail is going to be sewn in Hong Kong. Where will the sail have to go if it gets ripped, and what sort of turn-around time does the loft usually take to repair a sail in mid-summer? Ultimately, you want to develop a relationship with a loft that's going to take the time to appreciate your needs and provide you great service year after year. After you've done that, choose a fabric.
Despite all the hype you were getting at the boat show, there's not going to be a whole lot of difference between one loft's high-end dacron and another's. These days, it's all good. What you want is the loft that's going to understand your needs and give you the best service. Ask yourself questions like: "Which loft will send someone out on a Wednesday night beer can to race with us and see what this boat really needs?" One other thing to ask is where the sail will actually be made. Doesn't do you much good to settle on a "local" loft if the sail is going to be sewn in Hong Kong. Where will the sail have to go if it gets ripped, and what sort of turn-around time does the loft usually take to repair a sail in mid-summer? Ultimately, you want to develop a relationship with a loft that's going to take the time to appreciate your needs and provide you great service year after year. After you've done that, choose a fabric.
headsail
We sail and race on Lake Michigan. Wind speeds seem to be 10-15 much of the time, occasionally lighter. What do you suggest for a good all around headsail between a good dacron sail vs a laminate with mylar and polyester. I feel I have found a few good sailmakers in which I would have good service, including them coming out to the boat to measure for proper size, and follow up.
We sail and race on Lake Michigan. Wind speeds seem to be 10-15 much of the time, occasionally lighter. What do you suggest for a good all around headsail between a good dacron sail vs a laminate with mylar and polyester. I feel I have found a few good sailmakers in which I would have good service, including them coming out to the boat to measure for proper size, and follow up.
Challenge is my preference for cruising sails....
very responsive to sail shaping, long lasting, etc. high quality material. BUT ... if you're serious about Wednesday nights, .... go with a laminate (dacron laminate for the low end or a vectran or spectra for the high end). Especially for light wind evening racing Id go with a radial cut, lighter weight to match the light winds in the evenings, very flat / precise / flat luff entry shape (needs the helmsman to be 'good' .... needs a 'steering row' of telltales to prevent separation bubbles on the leeward side) ..... inotherwords a FLAT shaped FAST sail specifically designed for the average condition on Wednesday nights where you race. I'd also cut the sail to be a 'deck sweeper' for higher efficiency. If you dont specifically ask for a well made 'racing cut' and precision luff sail .... all you'll get is a forgiving 'cruisers cut'. If you 'really' know how to steer a boat ... go with a GOOD sail. For such a quality sail you really need the sailmaker to come and sail on the boat to see how much you tension the rigging, exactly how you steer, etc. .... and his/her design will MATCH your 'style' of sailing .... go with the loft who will do the exact measurements ON your boat. I'd avoid woven dacron for beer can racing ... its more adjustable for shaping but not as fast as a laminate. Yeah will cost a bit more but the value of the sail will be much more so will be the better racing ability from the sail.
very responsive to sail shaping, long lasting, etc. high quality material. BUT ... if you're serious about Wednesday nights, .... go with a laminate (dacron laminate for the low end or a vectran or spectra for the high end). Especially for light wind evening racing Id go with a radial cut, lighter weight to match the light winds in the evenings, very flat / precise / flat luff entry shape (needs the helmsman to be 'good' .... needs a 'steering row' of telltales to prevent separation bubbles on the leeward side) ..... inotherwords a FLAT shaped FAST sail specifically designed for the average condition on Wednesday nights where you race. I'd also cut the sail to be a 'deck sweeper' for higher efficiency. If you dont specifically ask for a well made 'racing cut' and precision luff sail .... all you'll get is a forgiving 'cruisers cut'. If you 'really' know how to steer a boat ... go with a GOOD sail. For such a quality sail you really need the sailmaker to come and sail on the boat to see how much you tension the rigging, exactly how you steer, etc. .... and his/her design will MATCH your 'style' of sailing .... go with the loft who will do the exact measurements ON your boat. I'd avoid woven dacron for beer can racing ... its more adjustable for shaping but not as fast as a laminate. Yeah will cost a bit more but the value of the sail will be much more so will be the better racing ability from the sail.
Crusing or Racing Priority
Sorry, I was thinking this was the older Hunter 34 masthead rig ; however, the 340 being a fractional rig without a backstay and much wider spreader/ chainplate base, plus typically a furling main and maybe the shoal draft--- this seems to be substantialy a cruising oriented model. Having a good local sailmaker visit the boat and talk to you about how you want to cruise and race it would be the best starting point. The location of the headsail track and the wide set chainplates might preclude larger headsails. Generally, I've felt performance oriented Mylar/Dacron laminates in a tri-radial cut last as long as conventional higher weight Dacron and perform better over that time frame. The higher cost range high tech exotic fabrics are more appropriate to a J105 fleet. Just my thoughts.
Sorry, I was thinking this was the older Hunter 34 masthead rig ; however, the 340 being a fractional rig without a backstay and much wider spreader/ chainplate base, plus typically a furling main and maybe the shoal draft--- this seems to be substantialy a cruising oriented model. Having a good local sailmaker visit the boat and talk to you about how you want to cruise and race it would be the best starting point. The location of the headsail track and the wide set chainplates might preclude larger headsails. Generally, I've felt performance oriented Mylar/Dacron laminates in a tri-radial cut last as long as conventional higher weight Dacron and perform better over that time frame. The higher cost range high tech exotic fabrics are more appropriate to a J105 fleet. Just my thoughts.
It's the Sailmaker first
Rate your options on price and reputation, then pick the loft based on your trust of the sailmaker himself. The sailmaker should be willing to sail with you, and understand your desires and strategy about racing and cruising. When you have picked a sailmaker, then let him lead you through the fabric choice. You are building the relationship with a key member of your sailing team. A good sailmaker will want to continue on that team regardless of whether you are ordering a sail or not. And his loft will do all kinds of good service for you. I do suggest that you include your location in your profile. Then you can hope for more specifics from us on sails for the job in your location, and good sailmakers we know in your area. David Lady Lillie
Rate your options on price and reputation, then pick the loft based on your trust of the sailmaker himself. The sailmaker should be willing to sail with you, and understand your desires and strategy about racing and cruising. When you have picked a sailmaker, then let him lead you through the fabric choice. You are building the relationship with a key member of your sailing team. A good sailmaker will want to continue on that team regardless of whether you are ordering a sail or not. And his loft will do all kinds of good service for you. I do suggest that you include your location in your profile. Then you can hope for more specifics from us on sails for the job in your location, and good sailmakers we know in your area. David Lady Lillie
Headsails
I purchased to headsails from the local Doyle loft (Ullman since January 2088). I'm using Dimension Flex fabric (dacron taffeta with Pentex reinforcement. Look at the Dimension web site. North products are all proprietary so I can't make apples to apples comparisons. In 1996 they sent me quote, 2007, quote and phone call - would not come measure the boat and see how I have her rigged unless I poromised to buy a sail. Sobstad - I used them since 1985. They cut the #3 wrong in 1996. They refused to come measure the boat again to get it right this time. Tack height was off by a foot and the foot was to long so it wouldn't sheet inside the shrouds. They had measured the boat themselves. In 2005, it turns out the price for the main was based on dimensions for some other boat. I have the quote to prove it, though I didn't realize it until after the fact. They obviously new what they were doing since they made the sail correctly. When I asked about it, they wouldn't give me a straight answer. I was happy with their Genesis Pentex sails, but service and honesty appear to have been lost over the years. This year I asked (now Ullman) for a quote at the web site. Iggy called my house and found out I was erecting the winter cover frame. He showed up at the club that day and found me so he could measure the boat before the cover went on. Then we discussed my needs and he made recommendations. I know they were at the Chicago show. To bad you didn't get a chance to speak with them. sv_whiteout@yahoo.com Tartan 30
I purchased to headsails from the local Doyle loft (Ullman since January 2088). I'm using Dimension Flex fabric (dacron taffeta with Pentex reinforcement. Look at the Dimension web site. North products are all proprietary so I can't make apples to apples comparisons. In 1996 they sent me quote, 2007, quote and phone call - would not come measure the boat and see how I have her rigged unless I poromised to buy a sail. Sobstad - I used them since 1985. They cut the #3 wrong in 1996. They refused to come measure the boat again to get it right this time. Tack height was off by a foot and the foot was to long so it wouldn't sheet inside the shrouds. They had measured the boat themselves. In 2005, it turns out the price for the main was based on dimensions for some other boat. I have the quote to prove it, though I didn't realize it until after the fact. They obviously new what they were doing since they made the sail correctly. When I asked about it, they wouldn't give me a straight answer. I was happy with their Genesis Pentex sails, but service and honesty appear to have been lost over the years. This year I asked (now Ullman) for a quote at the web site. Iggy called my house and found out I was erecting the winter cover frame. He showed up at the club that day and found me so he could measure the boat before the cover went on. Then we discussed my needs and he made recommendations. I know they were at the Chicago show. To bad you didn't get a chance to speak with them. sv_whiteout@yahoo.com Tartan 30
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