Buying Used Sails - Size Measurement Tolerance

[Jimbeaux]

I'm looking at buying a wardrobe of used sails from kijiji. I know the whole topic of buying used is a contentious one but putting that aside for now I checked the sail dimensions of the boat they are coming off and they are somewhat close to mine...e.g. my J is 11.4 ft, the boat these sails are coming off is 10.6. My P is 36.6 vs 37.5.

Is there a rule of thumb tolerance for sizing?

 

[sail sfbay]

I assume this is for a jib sail. For a jib the J dimension is fine but you need to know the luff measurement.

 

[jssailem]

No real rule of thumb. If the sail is bigger than your rig then you will have sail slop like trying to put on your dads clothes when you were 12.

If they are smaller then the situation is reversed and your putting on your younger siblings clothes.

If you follow the Goldilocks theory, eventually you'll find the ones that are "Just Right".

This has nothing to do with how well your boat will sail.

 

[sail sfbay]

...........Is there a rule of thumb tolerance for sizing?

You might these articles helpful to size your sails:
Measuring Sails (thesailwarehouse.com)
Sail Measurement Assistance (secondwindsails.com)
Understanding Sail Dimensions and Sail Area Calculation (sailboat-cruising.com)

 

[ggrizzard]

I have a brand new jib available. Can you post your sail dimensions?
If suitable, I will contact you via private message.
G.

 

[PaulK]

Sail geometry depends very much on boat geometry. Where the shrouds are placed and where the jib leads go, along with how long the forestay is and how far the jib tack is from the mast make a difference. We bought used sails from an owner whose boat had been destroyed in a hurricane. They helped us win the club championship that year, because they were built for the same type of boat as ours, and fit exactly. There should be enough Beneteau 311's around for there to be used sails from them that you should be able to find. While you may be able to find a sail that will "fit", it is not likely to perform well enough to warrant the expense or the time it would take to find it.