Advice on sail purchase

capejt · Jun 10, 2014

As you expected, I whole-heartedly recommend the sails offered through this site. I replaced the main on my 79 H33. Couldn't be happier with the quality and service. As for which to replace first... I replaced the main because it got shredded at the dock during a storm (roller furled). However, in hind sight I should have gone for replacing both. the jib is thirty years plus old and, at least with my rig, the jib is the real "driver".
Sure, it's more expensive that way, but I think you'll be that much more happier.

jdhohmann · Jun 10, 2014

Here is the web site address
http://www.fareastsails.com/

Try it out
JAn

Ian McGain · Jun 10, 2014

Before you purchase, get an estimate from Sail Care on how much it would cost you to bring them back. They do amazing work on old tired sails. I had both my main and jib done when I purchased an old boat. They came back looking like new.
Ian
s/v Meant to Be

Warren Milberg · Jun 10, 2014

Whatever brand you buy (I like FX), make sure you understand how to measure your boat and that you do it carefully. Do not buy an off-the-shelf sailplan for your boat. This is really important if you have a furling headsail, bimini, etc. Most reputable sail lofts/outlets will provide you with a step-by-step template for measuring.

Stu Jackson · Jun 10, 2014

Ian McGain said:
Before you purchase, get an estimate from Sail Care on how much it would cost you to bring them back. They do amazing work on old tired sails. I had both my main and jib done when I purchased an old boat. They came back looking like new.
Ian
s/v Meant to Be

No, sorry, Sail Care does NOT "bring sails back" --- they only clean them, and do a superb job at it. Even their website says they do not make old blown out sails any better.

Joe · Jun 10, 2014

http://www.northsailsdirect.com/ent...categoryid/492/sename/ericson-25/default.aspx

Brian S · Jun 10, 2014

That Ericson is a fractional rig. On a fractional rig, the main does most of the work, so it might be a good idea to replace the main first. On the other hand, at 30 years old, both sails are probably soft as bedsheets and blown out, and both should be replaced.

Agree with Stu, Sailcare won't take the bag out of blown out sails. Recutting might help, but probably not worth the expense. Blown out sails are blown out sails.

You'll be surprised how much better and faster a boat will sail with new sails. More controls, less heeling, faster.

As for the reef points, I doubt you'd save that much money reducing the reef points to 1. If you do, discuss with the sailmaker. They might recommend splitting the difference between the 2 existing reef points, so you're taking a bigger reef in you single reef. But if I had a boat rigged for 2 reefs, I'd keep them in.

alexco38 · Jun 10, 2014

head sail first

Just got a near new Kevlar (black) #1 head sail. Improved pointing from 45 degree to 30 apparent wind.

Light wind capability significantly improved.

Need to save money to replace the main now :cussing:

John23883 · Jun 10, 2014

Doyle

Every few years I send in my main or jib to Doyle here in Chicago. I give them the option:
1. Clean and rehab the sails.
2. Tell me they are worn out and I will buy new.

They have always said that unless I am racing for money, they are fine. Because they don't automatically say, Oh, you need new sails, I trust them.

I put them in a box, ship them sail to Doyle and they let me know in a few days what the cost will be. Let them give you advice on repair or replace, you might be pleasantly surprised.

Scott T-Bird · Jun 10, 2014

If you buy just one, you will spend all of your sailing days muttering to yourself that you should have bought both. By all means, get 2 reef points. The savings can't be meaningful and it is probable that the standard proposal will be for 2 reef points. Put some careful thought into what size you want the head sail to be. When I bought mine, I figured bigger is better, but that is not necessarily the case.

shemandr · Jun 10, 2014

If you can you should buy both sails at the same time. They work in conjunction not as individual units. A sailmaker will build them optimized for your boat. A good sailmaker will know what your boat needs. It's more than just measurements - but those are important too.
Two full length battens and two short is a good compromise.

bffatcat · Jun 10, 2014

new sails

I assume that you have decided on made in usa sails. A smart choice There
are plenty of good lofts around some will have the measurements for your boat some wont. In either case you can measure the sails yoursellf. just lay them out in the back yard
stretch out the luff, leach and foot so they are taught Then measure/ I bought new sails last year for my vintage pearson 26 weekender With 2 thirty year old sails I opted for challenger cloth and standard battens
what you do is up to you One more thing some lofts advertise made in USA but they have offshore sewing lofts Ask to make sure you ask before committing yourself About reef points I opted for one deep reef point. Again the choice is yours

Good luck

richk · Jun 10, 2014

Maybe consignment sails from Bacon's down here in Annapolis? Many folks are very happy with them. Look at http://www.baconsails.com/sailsearch

Joe · Jun 10, 2014

SenecaDaze said:
warren,are you saying my boats rig dimensions may have changed??how so?

I: 30.4 / 9.27 J: 10.5 / 3.19 P: 31.4 / 9.58 E: 10.5 / 3.19
ISP: 30.4 / 9.27 JSP: 10.5 / 3.19

Those dimensions are only part of the measurements taken for a custom sail. For an example of what Warren is talking about, take a look at these measurement forms from the North Sails website:

Mainsail
http://nsdnn.northsails.com/RADUploads/Mainsail Measurementform.pdf

Headsail
http://nsdnn.northsails.com/RADUploads/Headsail_Flying Headsail Measurementform.pdf

Roller Furling Genoa
http://nsdnn.northsails.com/RADUploads/Rollerfurling Genoa Measurementform.pdf