Hunter 31 Sail Replacement

[stephen Penny]

I just purchased my first sailboat, a 1987 hunter 31 with new standing rigging. It is in great condition except the sails are 15 - 20 years old, pretty tired and the jib clew is high off the deck. Therefore, I am considering new optimumally-designed sails to maximize the boat's performance. The technical proposals I received range from 2 partial and 2 full batten 7.3 ounce dacron main and 6.63 ounce dacron 110% jib (San Francisco Bay and Pacific Ocean cruising) to 3 partial and 1 full or 2 partial and 2 full batten 8.3 ounce dacraon main and 8.3 ounce 110% jib with or without a luft flattener. Seems like the heavier sail is more durable for SF Bay and off-shore cruising but one supplier said it is too heavy for the boat. The local suppliers will measure and can optimize sail fit-up and jib-track location. The non-local suppliers require me to measure the sail (I have the directions and a 100' tape measure). My questions are: 1) what sail weight is recommended for this size sailboat and SF Bay and off-shore cruising, 2) any recommedations on sail fabrication location, and 3) do you have any other sail purchase recommendations?

Cheers, Steve

 

[Steve Dion]

Steve: The recommendation for 7.3 oz cloth is fine and is inline for what I know about friends that have purchased new sails in the area. I also would go with 2 full and 2 partial battens too. If the sailmaker understands that you have a B & R Rig, there should not be any problems with you doing your own measurements. I would suggest that you consider a sail from the HOW site if you do mail order. You will get the highest quality and backed by a good guarantee.

You can get cheaper sails from some of the offshore mfg, but I support this site whenever possible.

 

[André R.]

I agree with Steve, I changed my sails on my H34 1983 2 years ago, what a difference since then. For my main, I choose a 7.3 oz dacron, three reefs, 2+2 battens, cunningham, flattening reef. For the genoa, I took a 110% 7.4 oz. I sail on Lake Champlain, upper state NY, and the winds are continuously shifting since we are surrounded by mountains on both sides. We are also planning on a year long trip around the Carabeans. So we'll be cruising along the Eastern Coasts for a while also.

Good luck

 

[stephen Penny]

Thank-you for everyone's input. I selected 8.3 ounce Challenger high modulus Dacron material due to the high SF high winds. The main was a 2+2 batten system with 2 reef points, loose foot and extended roach since I do not have a topping lift. Jib was 110% with luff pad and designed close to deck. I purchased them from UK Halsey locally-designed and fabricated in Chicago. The Alameda, CA UK Halsey dealer measured the sails, took down the old ones, installed the new ones and repaired the existing blown-out head sail without any additional cost. He maximized sail areas for me and made all the measurements prior to purchase plus offered me the best sail material for cruising. Excellent service and sails look and perform great. The new sail cover was purchased from Hunter Owner's Group.