Head Sail cloth wieght

[captcoho]

I'm replacing my 155 genny. I've spoke with other sailors, and two saillofts. I thinking of having a sail built with 7.5oz nodac cloth to 150%.
My thinking is the cloth might be a little too heavy. But here on Lake Michigan the wind can get strong even though the seas can be easy.
The boat powers up easily at about 8 knots, and less than that, I generally "motor-sail".
The sail built with foam luff /foot should furl down to accomadate medium/ heavy air. But I wondering how this 7.5oz will be in light air with no spar or pole.
I'm guessing the last genny was about 6.8oz and performed for alot of seasons.
Any thoughts from anyone would appreciated.......
I should mention that I only cruise, don't race. So I'm not looking to create a sail inventory, I only want a sail that can be versatile from light air, down to a "storm jib".

THNX,
>cc

 

[whatfiero]

head sail cloth weight

7.5 would be way to heavy for a 150 the point of a big sail is for light winds I was thinking 5.5 or less for a 150 used on a lake but you dont race so probably don't do sail changes is the sail your replacing wornout or is it just the stiching gone bad thats what usually happens and where a sail usually fail

 

[rbmcintire]

At the Annapolis Show, I talked with a highly regarded international pro sailor working at Quantum and he proposed the 6.63 dacron from Challenge:
http://www.challengesailcloth.com/high_modulus/6_63.pdf
Plenty durable, all of the features I wanted, plus he comes to the boat, measures and later installs/ checks fit. It was only an additional $400 (each sail) over the cost of internet "you buy'em, you keep'em", pre-made sails. What I liked was that we could talk about clew height (forward visibility) on a custom basis and adjust 135% to 138% (or whatever) in order to maintain sail area. Generally, Spring and Fall are decent wind months on the Chesapeake. In Summer, it's generally a light air venue, but we do get storm cells and some good days.

Rob

 

[captcoho]

Re: head sail cloth weight

The genny is probally original about 25 years old. The UV panel on the front is deterierated, started ripping in several places and finally the leech line got caught during a tack in a good 18 to 22 knot wind. Really adding insult to injury. Yes...thought of having it cut down to 135% or 110%, but it's had a good life and time to replace it. Like I said, I want one sail, had hank-on sails on my other boats. I don't want a cabin filled with sail bags.

 

[captcoho]

Re: head sail cloth weight

Lake Mighigan can get very violent, and very quick. Most of the season winds average 14 to 18kts. And even mid-summer offer a good 12 to 14kt off-shore wind.

 

[Bad Obsession]

I would suggest looking at the jib size. You many want to reconsider and go to a 135%. I will NOT put another 150% on my boat. I find I am overpowered in much over 12 knots and roller reefing is only good to a point. You are better off with the 135 because it will be okay in light winds but easier to deal with in heavier air. It also may get less wear because of hitting the spreaders or the spreader boots.

 

[Jimm]

Interested in experience with different size head sails on a Cat 30 TR/WK - and sources. My 150 genoa died this season. It is simply too much sailing for most Bay conditions.
Options:
1 - recut down to a 135 0r 110 (UK Halsey est $about $1100).
Replace with -
2 - 6.5oz 110
3 - 6.5 oz 125
4 - 6.5oz 135
New sail from UK Halsey est $2500.
On line: National Sail Supply or Precision Sails- est $1300

Some info in this thread helpful, but more specific experineced opinions on size and/or source welcome!

 

[captcoho]

thnx guys....the 155% was fun in the right winds, but to much in heavy air.
I was leaning toward the heavy sail coth in a 135%

 

[Stu Jackson]

The general consensus over the years for folks with this 155 genoa issue has been to do as Bad Obsession suggests. It's the best of both worlds.

Sourcing was also discussed: local - if it doesn't work you have a resource and can get the "cut" you need for your boat; internet - no recourse if something doesn't work. Them's your options.

 

[RichH]

If your want 'flexibility' and better shaping when partly furled, then I suggest a two-weight cloth structure in a radial or semi-radial pattern .... a lighter weight 'quality' woven dacron ~5.5, etc. oz. fabric panels at the luff and the heavier ~6.5oz. at the aft or leech sections.
The lighter weight only exposed when the sail is not full 'reefed'.
This will also give you a better 'roll up' and may allow reef-furling down below the normal 30% SA reduction.
Of course, Im referring to high end quality woven dacron (contender or challenge cloth, etc.), not the cheapy stuff.
150% X .70 = is only 105% when fully 'reefed'.
135 X .70 = 95% LP and is more easily 'bladed-out' when in boisterous conditions.

As other posters have stated, a 150LP jib is only 'useful' if you dont fly spinnakers, as a 150% will not perform as well for 'pointing' as will a ~135LP; the reason being that the leech of a 130-135 comes closest to the normal position of maximum draft in a mainsail --- for best 'bootstrapping' (sail interaction and 'slot effect'). If you look at most of todays 'hot' racing boats .... much shorter LP jibs than in the past --- hint, hint.

Talk to a sailmaker who has racing experience or caters to the racing fleets for best 'match-up' and precise weight selection ---- for the 'normal' conditions in your specific sailing venue. Also be honest with the sailmaker with your helmsmanship and manner of sailing as a good sailmaker can easily 'match' the 'cut'/shape to your exact sailing abilities for 'best' cruising and even racing output if you later decide to do so. If you dont discuss the 'cut' and shape all you'll get is an over-forgiving 'cruisers cut' that will have minimal 'performance' characteristics. A good sailmaker can easily match the sail to YOUR abilities/helmsmanship ... and without much increase in cost.