Exactly how much sail is Too Much ?

[Mike Nelson]

I am searching for a new main sail for my Hunter 23 and have found a pretty good website that specializes in sails (Brand New and used). I found a main sail in "excellent" condition for my H23 for $170 and I'm thinking about buying it.But...Question:I would like to be able to oversize my sail area a little and would like some insight on how much would be better than factory, and how much would be too much.The factory dimensions of my sail are the following:I = 26'J = 8' 6"P = 25' 8"E = 9' 9'Should I just go with factory size sails, or oversize it a little ? My main objective is to have just a little more power.Thanks for any advice,Mike

 

[toomas]

Go for a genaker

I'd stick to the standard sails for the mainsail for this kind of boat without a heavy keel. (I have a CB 260 myself)And in all situations that you don't have a head-wind, you can use a good genaker or cruising spinaker or what it's called. Then you'll have the power that's possible to control in a centre-board-boat.toomas

 

[mmsailor]

oversized sails ,

I have a standard size sail on our h23 and dont think I want to oversize the main, the idea prevs posted sounds good, but let us know about the web site u found I could use a couple more sails, thanks , Mike B

 

[Wanderer138]

One more thing...

Make sure your new mainsail is cut for the prebend in your mast (especially if you have a Z-Spar mast). Otherwise you will have to straighten the mast (not a big deal) or live with less draft in the main than originally designed. Less draft = less power, so you may actually be defeating the purpose.Personally, I would only replace my main with a sail that was specifically cut for that rig.PeterH23 "Raven"