I'm buying a particular used mainsail I found on a web site no matter what, however I'm wondering what a sail cognoscenti or sailors in general think of the change in dimensions and the effect it would have on my boat. The following are dimensions of my current mainsail and the dimensions of the sail I'm buying: Current - I - 30', J - 10' 6", P - 24' 10" E - 8' and the sail I'm buying, I - 30', J - 10', P - 26' 5", E - 10'. Any thoughts appreciated, thank you. John
Changing mainsail dimensions
- Thread starter Before the Bell
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If it fits
How long is your boom? Looks like you will need 2' more room on the boom for your "new" sail. If it fits then there should not be a problem but since it is not a replacement sail you may have trouble with the head, tack and clew attachment. Not all mast-boom-gooseneck arrangments are the same. While this is not a show stopper it does make the sail life go WAY down. The math is like this. new sail every 6 years = $2000 used sail every 2 years = $1000 or $3000 over 6 ears. You have to do your own math but this is usually how it works unless you can find a really good used sail at a really used sail price.
How long is your boom? Looks like you will need 2' more room on the boom for your "new" sail. If it fits then there should not be a problem but since it is not a replacement sail you may have trouble with the head, tack and clew attachment. Not all mast-boom-gooseneck arrangments are the same. While this is not a show stopper it does make the sail life go WAY down. The math is like this. new sail every 6 years = $2000 used sail every 2 years = $1000 or $3000 over 6 ears. You have to do your own math but this is usually how it works unless you can find a really good used sail at a really used sail price.
square peg in a round hole
I agree with Bill depnding on the boat a new sail is not as expensive especialy if you purchase in the off season. The sail will be perfectly taylored to your boat's specs. We had new sails made and it made a huge difference in boat speed and performance. Unless there is a way to try the sail on the boat first, test sail, I would go with new.
I agree with Bill depnding on the boat a new sail is not as expensive especialy if you purchase in the off season. The sail will be perfectly taylored to your boat's specs. We had new sails made and it made a huge difference in boat speed and performance. Unless there is a way to try the sail on the boat first, test sail, I would go with new.
As you can see....
... the used main you are buying is both longer and taller than your current sail. Whether it will fit or not depends on whether your boom and mast can accommodate these increased lengths. What I suggest is that you connect a line to your main halyard and run it up the mast as far as it will go -- then measure it. Then take the line and run it from the gooseneck to your outhaul and measure that. Then you'll know if the sail you are buying is a bargain or not.
... the used main you are buying is both longer and taller than your current sail. Whether it will fit or not depends on whether your boom and mast can accommodate these increased lengths. What I suggest is that you connect a line to your main halyard and run it up the mast as far as it will go -- then measure it. Then take the line and run it from the gooseneck to your outhaul and measure that. Then you'll know if the sail you are buying is a bargain or not.
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