Changing Jib size and impact on sailing in light winds

[tdskip]

Hi folks - total newbie question here. Our Ericson 25+ is missing her jib, and in an attempt to save some money I've been looking at used sails.

Her factory sail dimensions are;

Luff: 25.81
Leach: 22.14
Foot: 14.09

I haven't been able to find a matching jib, so how would the following

Replacement A

Luff: 22.5
Leach: 19.2
Foot: 10

Replacement B

Luff: 24'8"
Leach: 21'8"
Foot: 11'3"

How would a jib with these dimensions impact how she sails? B a better choice than A?

Thanks!

 

[Joe]

A is way too small... look at the difference in foot length.
B is better , the foot is probably closer the the boat's "J" dimension and with a short pendent at the tack you could hoist the sail all the way up... the result will be like a 100 Percent working jib. Now you can start saving for a 135-150 percent genoa to use on light air days.

Here is a site that will help you understand more about rig and sail dimensions.

http://www.mauriprosailing.com/techinfo/boatspecs/boatspecs.htm

 

[shemandr]

Clearly B beats A on dimensions. You do have to take age and amount of use into consideration. A good shaped A may sail better than a tired B. Unfortunately it's hard to assess the condition until you put it up and see it - in a variety of wind conditions. You can feel the sail cloth. It should feel stiff. Look along the leech - that's where sails flog and where the sail cloth breaks down first. As a sail ages the point greatest depth moves aftward - towards the leech. Typically sailors will apply more halyard tension to try to pull it forward. Look at the luff for signs of stretch. The difference between a good sail and a limp rag is huge and if you want to enjoy sailing your boat it is an enormous help to have a good headsail.
By the way, I have my eye on a particular Erickson 25 as a potential next boat. It has a good pedigree and should be fun to sail.

 

[tdskip]

Thank you both very much for the coaching - we'll see if "B" is still available and give it a try and then report back.

Thanks again.

 

[Don12364]

Make sure you have 3' of genoa car track ahead of your current sheeting position as either of the above sails is likely to need it.