h23 mainsail design

[RichB]

In deciding on a new main for my h23, the main concern is to get the most efficient sail for the buck. I am looking for some user experience which will help define my search.

It seems the more I study it, the more I reconsider basic choices such as which aspect and weight cloth to choose. Then there is cut, battens and other factors.

First question ... Is Neil Pryde (Honk Kong) an original OEM sail? and does anyone know the spec on the original sailcloth?

This coming spring, I plan to sail down past South-West Florida to Dry Tortugas then shoot out on the Gulf stream to Bimini, possibly GBI then into Port Canaveral. This 3 week cruise is driving my decision toward a heavier cruising sail with an aggressive second reef.
Crazy you say ? I'd like to hear some personal experiences crossing the mighty Gulf stream. And more important, some insightful tips.
Historically I sail the coasts of Florida on weekends and week long vacations. So lighter air is usually the case, and I am always up for a friendly speed contest.

Florida is characterized by light winds punctuated with some shocking T-storms. So I have decided the sail should have double reef points and the fabric design and cut will be strong. The ratio of the h23 main is 0.38 (9.8'/25.7'), pointing to a low aspect cloth.

So the second question..... Does a loose footed main with full battens give a significant advantage?

I see the full battens adding efficiency. The loose foot maybe not so much.


Rich B. in the sloop Quintessence.

 

[peptobysmol]

Lucky Dog. I would love to sail in "real" water, however, I'm relegated to my small lake. Great for turning circles, not good for vacationing. As for a Fully batten main, they are more expensive. A loose footed main will allow a more diverse sail shape in light air allowing you to adjust the outhaul to add more curve to the bottom third of your main.
My 23 is also in need of a new main. I actually have a J 22 main on it right now (i know don't laugh). I bought the boat just this last july and am just now realizing what I need and what I can do without. There is a sail loft in Tulsa that will build a new main for me for about $780. Thats about $500 more than I want to spend right now haha. Anyways, keep in touch with your plan for your sail.
Mark Major has done that trip IIRC. He's somewhere here on HOF

 

[RichB]

Thanks for that Pepobysmol. Is that Lake Hefner in Oklahoma City? Not laughing about the sail. Are the P & E of the J22 sail similar??
I have looked for a used main but never found one with near the right dimensions.
$780 is a great price for a main. I assume it meets OEM specs. ? . ?
What's his name ?

I have priced the sailrite DIY kit at just under $800.
It is a 2 reef, 6.63 oz high modulus fabric, full batten, loose foot, race cut, w/window and a bag. The base sail is about $650 plus a sewing machine and a grommet tool.
I know I'd be proud if I ever finished sewing it.

I have communicated with Mark Major. Seems to be a nice fellow. He is somewhere near me in Central Florida.

As for crossing the stream .... It is a fickle lady and timing is important. I have come west in a 74' trawler with an unremarkable forecast and felt quite like the crew of the Andrea Dorea. A north wind against the current and a cross roll makes a giant sea. Going across a week earlier it was relatively calm with the same forecast. I guess it was building all week.

The Gulf Stream flows at about 2.5 to 3 knots so a small sailboat requires a slingshot approach, starting well south of Miami. Unless you are Ericson 4 you will be out there a very long time. I vote for a broad reach in a south wind with a following sea.

 

[RichB]

Peptobysmol, The above sail is $1309 here through HOF.
The completed sail at Sailrite weighs in at over $1600.egards Rich B.

 

[Jim Kolstoe]

my oem h23 sails came from Ulmer Kolius (sp?). I think that if you look very carefully at the materials that came with the owners manual, as replicated on this website, you'll see the little blue square UK logo. No information regarding Niel Pride Sails as OEM for this boat.
Jim Kolstoe, h23 Kara's Boo

 

[peptobysmol]

Yes its Lake Hefner here in OKC, OK
Try looking up Kerr Sails in Tulsa Thats where I got the $780 quote. He also mentioned possibly replacing my bolt rope on my main or wedge cutting it to lift the boom. He didn't seem like he was out to make a quick buck, but rather to help me with the process.
As for the J22, it came with the 23 when I bought it. My 23 also had the ORIGINAL main haha. So, rather than have my boom hang just above the companionway, I put the J 22 sail on. It is probably about 5 inches shorter on the luff and 8 inches shorter on the foot with 4 partial battens and NO reefing points. From what I've heard, the 23's OEM main gets overpowered easily so with a small reduction in sail area I'm not gonna be hurt in the performance dept.