I have a 150% Genoa that I need to convert to work with a roller furler. Does anyone out there have a recommendation for a sailmaker that can do this (stitch in #6 luff tape) at a reasonable price? Thanks
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I have a 150% Genoa that I need to convert to work with a roller furler. Does anyone out there have a recommendation for a sailmaker that can do this (stitch in #6 luff tape) at a reasonable price? Thanks
Converting a Genoa
I'm having my 100% jib converted by SailCare, Inc. The cost which includes the Sunbrella protection and telltales will be $430.They are very busy and it may be too late to get it done before this spring.
I'm having my 100% jib converted by SailCare, Inc. The cost which includes the Sunbrella protection and telltales will be $430.They are very busy and it may be too late to get it done before this spring.
Converting a Genoa
I'm having my 100% jib converted by SailCare, Inc. The cost which includes the Sunbrella protection and telltales will be $430.They are very busy and it may be too late to get it done before this spring.
I'm having my 100% jib converted by SailCare, Inc. The cost which includes the Sunbrella protection and telltales will be $430.They are very busy and it may be too late to get it done before this spring.
If you have a sewing machine .... DIY
http://www.sailrite.com/Categories/Luff-Tape-Conversion-Kit Also lookup foam luff material so that you can reef as well as furl. A foam luff would enable you to reef down a 150 to 105% and still have good shape. Before you purchase such a kit... be sure to verify the make and model of the furler (foil) as each requires a specific geometry of continuous support tape to fit correctly.
http://www.sailrite.com/Categories/Luff-Tape-Conversion-Kit Also lookup foam luff material so that you can reef as well as furl. A foam luff would enable you to reef down a 150 to 105% and still have good shape. Before you purchase such a kit... be sure to verify the make and model of the furler (foil) as each requires a specific geometry of continuous support tape to fit correctly.
If you have a sewing machine .... DIY
http://www.sailrite.com/Categories/Luff-Tape-Conversion-Kit Also lookup foam luff material so that you can reef as well as furl. A foam luff would enable you to reef down a 150 to 105% and still have good shape. Before you purchase such a kit... be sure to verify the make and model of the furler (foil) as each requires a specific geometry of continuous support tape to fit correctly.
http://www.sailrite.com/Categories/Luff-Tape-Conversion-Kit Also lookup foam luff material so that you can reef as well as furl. A foam luff would enable you to reef down a 150 to 105% and still have good shape. Before you purchase such a kit... be sure to verify the make and model of the furler (foil) as each requires a specific geometry of continuous support tape to fit correctly.
sail modification
I have always received EXCELLENT service from atlantic sail traders.com A very personal and focused company. Ask for Richard or Brian.
I have always received EXCELLENT service from atlantic sail traders.com A very personal and focused company. Ask for Richard or Brian.
sail modification
I have always received EXCELLENT service from atlantic sail traders.com A very personal and focused company. Ask for Richard or Brian.
I have always received EXCELLENT service from atlantic sail traders.com A very personal and focused company. Ask for Richard or Brian.
careful about reefing v. furling
Even with foam luff inserts, a genny may not be able to be reefed. It's not just a question of being able to maintain adequate sail shape when reefed; the sail must be made of sufficiently strong material and be cut and sewn appropriately to be able to withstand the stress while reefed down. Many large (>135) gennys that were orignally cut to be hanked on won't make the grade. Remember, you reef down when the wind pipes up; the stresses on a reefed down sail will be greater and in different places than when the sail is completely unfurled. Unless it has been specifically cut and sewn to accomodate those various stress points, at best, your old sail won't hold it's shape long. At worst, it will blow right out. When I went to convert my old 165 to roller reefing, my sailmaker took one look at it and said it would be a complete waste of time: the cloth was too light to take strong wind conditions (big gennys are light air sails), and it wasn't built to take stress anywhere but along its full cut seams. I eventually wound up buying a new genny specifically made to allow for reefing.
Even with foam luff inserts, a genny may not be able to be reefed. It's not just a question of being able to maintain adequate sail shape when reefed; the sail must be made of sufficiently strong material and be cut and sewn appropriately to be able to withstand the stress while reefed down. Many large (>135) gennys that were orignally cut to be hanked on won't make the grade. Remember, you reef down when the wind pipes up; the stresses on a reefed down sail will be greater and in different places than when the sail is completely unfurled. Unless it has been specifically cut and sewn to accomodate those various stress points, at best, your old sail won't hold it's shape long. At worst, it will blow right out. When I went to convert my old 165 to roller reefing, my sailmaker took one look at it and said it would be a complete waste of time: the cloth was too light to take strong wind conditions (big gennys are light air sails), and it wasn't built to take stress anywhere but along its full cut seams. I eventually wound up buying a new genny specifically made to allow for reefing.
careful about reefing v. furling
Even with foam luff inserts, a genny may not be able to be reefed. It's not just a question of being able to maintain adequate sail shape when reefed; the sail must be made of sufficiently strong material and be cut and sewn appropriately to be able to withstand the stress while reefed down. Many large (>135) gennys that were orignally cut to be hanked on won't make the grade. Remember, you reef down when the wind pipes up; the stresses on a reefed down sail will be greater and in different places than when the sail is completely unfurled. Unless it has been specifically cut and sewn to accomodate those various stress points, at best, your old sail won't hold it's shape long. At worst, it will blow right out. When I went to convert my old 165 to roller reefing, my sailmaker took one look at it and said it would be a complete waste of time: the cloth was too light to take strong wind conditions (big gennys are light air sails), and it wasn't built to take stress anywhere but along its full cut seams. I eventually wound up buying a new genny specifically made to allow for reefing.
Even with foam luff inserts, a genny may not be able to be reefed. It's not just a question of being able to maintain adequate sail shape when reefed; the sail must be made of sufficiently strong material and be cut and sewn appropriately to be able to withstand the stress while reefed down. Many large (>135) gennys that were orignally cut to be hanked on won't make the grade. Remember, you reef down when the wind pipes up; the stresses on a reefed down sail will be greater and in different places than when the sail is completely unfurled. Unless it has been specifically cut and sewn to accomodate those various stress points, at best, your old sail won't hold it's shape long. At worst, it will blow right out. When I went to convert my old 165 to roller reefing, my sailmaker took one look at it and said it would be a complete waste of time: the cloth was too light to take strong wind conditions (big gennys are light air sails), and it wasn't built to take stress anywhere but along its full cut seams. I eventually wound up buying a new genny specifically made to allow for reefing.
If the genoa is light weight cloth ....
you can simply add triangular reefing reinforcing patches on the 'edges' of the leech/foot to take care of the load/chafe where the genoa is reefed to its maximum (max. will be 30% of original %) . By light weight I mean less than 4 oz/sq. yd., etc.
you can simply add triangular reefing reinforcing patches on the 'edges' of the leech/foot to take care of the load/chafe where the genoa is reefed to its maximum (max. will be 30% of original %) . By light weight I mean less than 4 oz/sq. yd., etc.
If the genoa is light weight cloth ....
you can simply add triangular reefing reinforcing patches on the 'edges' of the leech/foot to take care of the load/chafe where the genoa is reefed to its maximum (max. will be 30% of original %) . By light weight I mean less than 4 oz/sq. yd., etc.
you can simply add triangular reefing reinforcing patches on the 'edges' of the leech/foot to take care of the load/chafe where the genoa is reefed to its maximum (max. will be 30% of original %) . By light weight I mean less than 4 oz/sq. yd., etc.
There are a number
of very good points in the comments below. The first thing to consider is whether the condition of the sailcloth is in good enough shape to warrant the expense of adding sail tape. If it is, and is of sufficient weight (I would guess 6 oz cloth as a minimum)then the next thing to consider is the expense of adding UV protection for the foot and leech. Sunbrella UV strips are expensive, as is a foam luff. I've found Sailcare, as noted below, to be a good place to have sail mods made, but also as noted they ain't cheap and they are really busy. I would think a local sailmaker/loft the best place to take the sail and to discuss what you want done in person with a qualified sailmaker. It may be that the price of all this suggests getting a new and/or used furling headsail. There are some bargains at many of the used sail brokers, if you know what you are looking for and are sure of the dimensions. A furling genoa, for example, will typically have a luff one to two feet shorter than a hank on sail to accomodate for the height of the furling drum. Finally, I've found that I can reef my 150 headsail with a foam luff to just about any size I want and still get decent crusing performance. I've had this sail reefed to about 60 per cent in a blow and the boat still did quite well. As the wind rises, sail shape seems to mean less and less as the boat is gonna go in a blow regardless of shape. Racing, however, would be a whole different calculation.
of very good points in the comments below. The first thing to consider is whether the condition of the sailcloth is in good enough shape to warrant the expense of adding sail tape. If it is, and is of sufficient weight (I would guess 6 oz cloth as a minimum)then the next thing to consider is the expense of adding UV protection for the foot and leech. Sunbrella UV strips are expensive, as is a foam luff. I've found Sailcare, as noted below, to be a good place to have sail mods made, but also as noted they ain't cheap and they are really busy. I would think a local sailmaker/loft the best place to take the sail and to discuss what you want done in person with a qualified sailmaker. It may be that the price of all this suggests getting a new and/or used furling headsail. There are some bargains at many of the used sail brokers, if you know what you are looking for and are sure of the dimensions. A furling genoa, for example, will typically have a luff one to two feet shorter than a hank on sail to accomodate for the height of the furling drum. Finally, I've found that I can reef my 150 headsail with a foam luff to just about any size I want and still get decent crusing performance. I've had this sail reefed to about 60 per cent in a blow and the boat still did quite well. As the wind rises, sail shape seems to mean less and less as the boat is gonna go in a blow regardless of shape. Racing, however, would be a whole different calculation.
There are a number
of very good points in the comments below. The first thing to consider is whether the condition of the sailcloth is in good enough shape to warrant the expense of adding sail tape. If it is, and is of sufficient weight (I would guess 6 oz cloth as a minimum)then the next thing to consider is the expense of adding UV protection for the foot and leech. Sunbrella UV strips are expensive, as is a foam luff. I've found Sailcare, as noted below, to be a good place to have sail mods made, but also as noted they ain't cheap and they are really busy. I would think a local sailmaker/loft the best place to take the sail and to discuss what you want done in person with a qualified sailmaker. It may be that the price of all this suggests getting a new and/or used furling headsail. There are some bargains at many of the used sail brokers, if you know what you are looking for and are sure of the dimensions. A furling genoa, for example, will typically have a luff one to two feet shorter than a hank on sail to accomodate for the height of the furling drum. Finally, I've found that I can reef my 150 headsail with a foam luff to just about any size I want and still get decent crusing performance. I've had this sail reefed to about 60 per cent in a blow and the boat still did quite well. As the wind rises, sail shape seems to mean less and less as the boat is gonna go in a blow regardless of shape. Racing, however, would be a whole different calculation.
of very good points in the comments below. The first thing to consider is whether the condition of the sailcloth is in good enough shape to warrant the expense of adding sail tape. If it is, and is of sufficient weight (I would guess 6 oz cloth as a minimum)then the next thing to consider is the expense of adding UV protection for the foot and leech. Sunbrella UV strips are expensive, as is a foam luff. I've found Sailcare, as noted below, to be a good place to have sail mods made, but also as noted they ain't cheap and they are really busy. I would think a local sailmaker/loft the best place to take the sail and to discuss what you want done in person with a qualified sailmaker. It may be that the price of all this suggests getting a new and/or used furling headsail. There are some bargains at many of the used sail brokers, if you know what you are looking for and are sure of the dimensions. A furling genoa, for example, will typically have a luff one to two feet shorter than a hank on sail to accomodate for the height of the furling drum. Finally, I've found that I can reef my 150 headsail with a foam luff to just about any size I want and still get decent crusing performance. I've had this sail reefed to about 60 per cent in a blow and the boat still did quite well. As the wind rises, sail shape seems to mean less and less as the boat is gonna go in a blow regardless of shape. Racing, however, would be a whole different calculation.
UV protection for roller furled sails .....
Sunbrella is ungodly heavy and costly for use as a UV shield. For light weight and easy application I prefer adhesive backed "Insignia Cloth" (same stuff used for numbers and sail logos). Just paste it down and run a few stitches over it to keep it down --- light weight, does a good job of UV protection, 1/3 the $$$$$, 1/4 the weight ... and lasts about 50% as long as Sunbrella and is easy to replace. Typically adhesive backed insignia cloth starts to go after 10-12 years.
Sunbrella is ungodly heavy and costly for use as a UV shield. For light weight and easy application I prefer adhesive backed "Insignia Cloth" (same stuff used for numbers and sail logos). Just paste it down and run a few stitches over it to keep it down --- light weight, does a good job of UV protection, 1/3 the $$$$$, 1/4 the weight ... and lasts about 50% as long as Sunbrella and is easy to replace. Typically adhesive backed insignia cloth starts to go after 10-12 years.
UV protection for roller furled sails .....
Sunbrella is ungodly heavy and costly for use as a UV shield. For light weight and easy application I prefer adhesive backed "Insignia Cloth" (same stuff used for numbers and sail logos). Just paste it down and run a few stitches over it to keep it down --- light weight, does a good job of UV protection, 1/3 the $$$$$, 1/4 the weight ... and lasts about 50% as long as Sunbrella and is easy to replace. Typically adhesive backed insignia cloth starts to go after 10-12 years.
Sunbrella is ungodly heavy and costly for use as a UV shield. For light weight and easy application I prefer adhesive backed "Insignia Cloth" (same stuff used for numbers and sail logos). Just paste it down and run a few stitches over it to keep it down --- light weight, does a good job of UV protection, 1/3 the $$$$$, 1/4 the weight ... and lasts about 50% as long as Sunbrella and is easy to replace. Typically adhesive backed insignia cloth starts to go after 10-12 years.
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