My Hunter 23 is a '86 model with Kenyon mast and boom. The boom is dropping about 9 inches when the top lift is released. The Main sheet is about 2 inches from the mast head. The luff shows no wrinkles when the main is hosted. Is there anyone having the similar problem? Is it possibile to recut the main that much without loosing the proper shape of the main? Is there any one know where I can purchase a replacement main sail? Thanks
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Many places
This web site among them. There may be other alternatives, too, re-cutting being one.
This web site among them. There may be other alternatives, too, re-cutting being one.
H 23 Main Sail
Last week I was visiting a sail shop here in Hampton Va. I got see the blue prints for the H23 with all the sail measurements. I know there are several rigs out there, but what I did see was there is approx 7" of material added to the bottom of the main sail to make the boom droop. Crazy I know, but Mr. Breton Winters (Neilpryde Sails) told me that back then it was done to add sail area. Today its not done anymore and he said it could be taken out. His number is (757) 722-5711 if you would like to speak with him about the problem. We talked for some time about the hunter 23 and its sail rig. He was most helpfull. Scott
Last week I was visiting a sail shop here in Hampton Va. I got see the blue prints for the H23 with all the sail measurements. I know there are several rigs out there, but what I did see was there is approx 7" of material added to the bottom of the main sail to make the boom droop. Crazy I know, but Mr. Breton Winters (Neilpryde Sails) told me that back then it was done to add sail area. Today its not done anymore and he said it could be taken out. His number is (757) 722-5711 if you would like to speak with him about the problem. We talked for some time about the hunter 23 and its sail rig. He was most helpfull. Scott
Recut the Main
I also have an '86 H23. When the main was sheeted flat, the clew end of the boom was below horizontal and was below head level for me. It also interferred with my sun shade. I had a local sailmaker take about 15 inches off the clew end (0 at the tack). I also had him add a 2nd pair of reef points to the sail. It works fine and I haven't noticed any loss of performance. I don't race anyway. Recutting the sail would be much less expensive than buying a new sail. Regards, Jerry
I also have an '86 H23. When the main was sheeted flat, the clew end of the boom was below horizontal and was below head level for me. It also interferred with my sun shade. I had a local sailmaker take about 15 inches off the clew end (0 at the tack). I also had him add a 2nd pair of reef points to the sail. It works fine and I haven't noticed any loss of performance. I don't race anyway. Recutting the sail would be much less expensive than buying a new sail. Regards, Jerry
Me Too!
I too have the same set up as you do and I always wondered the same thing. I appriciate the responses so far. I had planned to get a different size sail to take care of the head knocking but have not needed a new sail yet.
I too have the same set up as you do and I always wondered the same thing. I appriciate the responses so far. I had planned to get a different size sail to take care of the head knocking but have not needed a new sail yet.
boom droop
There is another point to consider. Boom Droop can also be caused by the stretch in the sail caused by the rope that runs up the leech of the sail rotting away. That rope can stretch alot over the years. It happened on my H23 and I ended up with a new open footed main. We added a full batten across the top and boy has the performance of the boat improved. Have your sailmaker take a look, maybe he can save it, but if not a new main is not a bad way to go. They only run about $800. for this boat and the performance improvement my just be worth it.
There is another point to consider. Boom Droop can also be caused by the stretch in the sail caused by the rope that runs up the leech of the sail rotting away. That rope can stretch alot over the years. It happened on my H23 and I ended up with a new open footed main. We added a full batten across the top and boy has the performance of the boat improved. Have your sailmaker take a look, maybe he can save it, but if not a new main is not a bad way to go. They only run about $800. for this boat and the performance improvement my just be worth it.
$800?
That seems a little high, unless you're buying a performance sail... I've gotten quotes for my cruise/race sail (6 oz Dacron) as low as $500 for a brand new, guaranteed sail... Shop around, if you plan to buy a new sail! --Jon Bastien
That seems a little high, unless you're buying a performance sail... I've gotten quotes for my cruise/race sail (6 oz Dacron) as low as $500 for a brand new, guaranteed sail... Shop around, if you plan to buy a new sail! --Jon Bastien
Another Possibility
My '88 with original Neil Pryde main had the same droop problem. My local sailmaker found that the luff rope had shrunk about 8 inches. He disconnected the rope at the tack and we pulled the luff straight. This shrinkage would not allow the sail to be fully raised ( about 8 inches short )and caused the boom to droop. With this problem corrected the leech/boom was raised back to almost level. Cost $0 Steve
My '88 with original Neil Pryde main had the same droop problem. My local sailmaker found that the luff rope had shrunk about 8 inches. He disconnected the rope at the tack and we pulled the luff straight. This shrinkage would not allow the sail to be fully raised ( about 8 inches short )and caused the boom to droop. With this problem corrected the leech/boom was raised back to almost level. Cost $0 Steve
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