I am refitting a 1975 O'Day 22 for inland waters and some limited BC west coast cruising. The original sails appear structurally sound but appear somewhat loose and baggy even with the luff at full stretch. As I am into comfortable cruising rather than adrenaline action, would I really benefit from putting out between $500 to $1000 for a new mainsail ?...Robin.
Do I need a new mainsail ?
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I'm not all that knowledgeable about sails but, when I bought my boat new it came with Neil Pride Sails and I did a lot of trailer sailing, so I never had a sail cover. In time, my sails lost their stiffness and got thin and baggy. I got caught out in a squall one day motoring across the bay. I knew it was coming and I neglected to head into the wind. When it did hit, it hit from behind and tore a large hole in my furled sail. This was back in 1992 or 93 that this happened. So I had some new sails made, but this time I was determined to buy a sail cover and take good care of them, which I've done through the years. At the end of September this past year, my Mainsail got caught in one of my spreaders on an extremely windy day, and the sail received a large tear. I wasn't sure whether my sail was terminal or if it could be repaired, so I brought it to the sail maker who originally made it. He told me that the sail was sun rotted and that he could repair it, but couldn't guarantee the repair, but he would gladly make me another sail for about $1500. So I decided to get a second opinion as my Mainsail, although it's a little dirty, and the leach near the boom is a little frayed from the topping lift, the sail is still as stiff as the day I bought it, and is not stretched out. The guy at North Sails, pinched the material a little bit, and tried to rip it and it wouldn't rip. Then he said that the sail can be repaired by replacing a panel and making a new batten pocket. He also suggested that the pockets be reinforced with round patches at the end of each pocket. So I told him to go ahead and do the job. I'm sure that I could have had a sail made for between $500 and $800 somewhere, but having known that I've taken care of this sail through the years, this is the call that I made. You will probably have to make the call yourself, or take it to a couple of sail makers like I did. If your sail is thin, soft, and baggy, and can tear easy, you may have to bite the bullet and spring for a new sail. Luckily, my sail got torn at the end of the season, but I feel partially responsible because I neglected to reef my sail on the day that it got torn. Hopefully I'll get a few more years out of this sail, as I have a new sail cover this year. Good Luck!
Joe
Joe
Robin -
The problem with blown out sails is that they tend to overpower the boat since you can't effectively flatten them.. After 7 years of sailing on the older sails (I had two sails, both blown out pretty badly when I bought the boat), I had a new main built about a year ago and the difference was incredible. Whereas I used to round up in 13-15 kts of wind (even with a reef in the main), I now sail in control even with wind in the 15-18 knt range. I also had a second set of reef points put in which increased the flexibility when sailing on Lake Michigan. I haven't had to use the second set, but it's good to know they are there if I need them. Joe points out that existing sales might be able to be rehabbed, which a sailmaker would have to decide. If the quote I got was $1500 for a new sail, I would probably think about that. However, if I'm not mistaken, I had mine made for $800-$900 from a local sailmaker (with full battens and the extra reef point) which was within my budget. If you can get new sails, I think you will notice the difference if yours are pretty blown out. I have a lot less weather helm with the new sail.
On a preventative note, I did just have my 5 year old jib cleaned, repaired and reconditioned by SailCare. I just got it back this week and it looks like they did a nice job. They claim it will extend the life of the sail. Since the boat is out of the water now, I'll have to wait to see how well it works, but they do feel stiffer and they are definitely cleaner. Those are my 2 cents.
Best regards,
Dave
O'Day 222
The problem with blown out sails is that they tend to overpower the boat since you can't effectively flatten them.. After 7 years of sailing on the older sails (I had two sails, both blown out pretty badly when I bought the boat), I had a new main built about a year ago and the difference was incredible. Whereas I used to round up in 13-15 kts of wind (even with a reef in the main), I now sail in control even with wind in the 15-18 knt range. I also had a second set of reef points put in which increased the flexibility when sailing on Lake Michigan. I haven't had to use the second set, but it's good to know they are there if I need them. Joe points out that existing sales might be able to be rehabbed, which a sailmaker would have to decide. If the quote I got was $1500 for a new sail, I would probably think about that. However, if I'm not mistaken, I had mine made for $800-$900 from a local sailmaker (with full battens and the extra reef point) which was within my budget. If you can get new sails, I think you will notice the difference if yours are pretty blown out. I have a lot less weather helm with the new sail.
On a preventative note, I did just have my 5 year old jib cleaned, repaired and reconditioned by SailCare. I just got it back this week and it looks like they did a nice job. They claim it will extend the life of the sail. Since the boat is out of the water now, I'll have to wait to see how well it works, but they do feel stiffer and they are definitely cleaner. Those are my 2 cents.
Best regards,
Dave
O'Day 222
Do you need one? No.
Will a new one make your boat sail better / faster? Most likely, Yes.
I got a new one and am happy I did. Did it change my life. No. Could I have spent the money on something else? Yes. Only you can prioritize how you spend your money.
If you are happy when you sail the boat, that's what counts. If you are worried about the sail giving out on you just make sure you have enough fuel to motor home. If you find yourself always thinking... gee, I wish I had a new main because I'd feel better if the boat sailed a 1/4 to 1/2 knot faster and pointed a few degrees higher then get one. You have to decide if the cost/benefit is worth it.
Will a new one make your boat sail better / faster? Most likely, Yes.
I got a new one and am happy I did. Did it change my life. No. Could I have spent the money on something else? Yes. Only you can prioritize how you spend your money.
If you are happy when you sail the boat, that's what counts. If you are worried about the sail giving out on you just make sure you have enough fuel to motor home. If you find yourself always thinking... gee, I wish I had a new main because I'd feel better if the boat sailed a 1/4 to 1/2 knot faster and pointed a few degrees higher then get one. You have to decide if the cost/benefit is worth it.
Thanx for all the input - it looks like there's no simple answer. And other sailors have talkeed to me about full battens and no battens , slides or luff cords and maybe having it loose footed .....
So I'll keep the old one for next season and evaluate it and the alternatives more fully.
Damn it ! I really do like simple answers ... Cheerz.. Robin.
So I'll keep the old one for next season and evaluate it and the alternatives more fully.
Damn it ! I really do like simple answers ... Cheerz.. Robin.
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