I thought to post this on both the Sail Trim and Ask All Sailors:
I would like to know where I can find information about how to re-cut an older sail. Not so much techniques for doing stuff like the actual stitching, reinforcing, webbing, etc. But how to determine the improved shape.
In my case it's for an older 7 or 8 ounce'ish Dacron ~95% jib . The sail's overall condition is good for several more years, but it doesn't have enough life left to support a sail loft's charge for the work. (My time is free as the comparing benchmark!)
I recently hoisted an almost new head sail that I encountered for a song. With my split backstay tensioner also cranked down to tighten the head stay, the pointing ability of my boat was very noticeably improved. The tell tails continued to point back I would say at least five degrees more into the wind than with the older 95%'er. Problem is that this newer sail equates to maybe a 75% jib. OK for the frequent 25kt+ winds in San Francisco Bay's slot. But too small for general use.
My thought on re-cutting the ~95% sail is to keep it minimal and in line with my abilities. Cut the threads and remove the #6 luff tape. Cut away some of the sail's luff in an arc. Re-attach the #6 luff tape. The forward section of the sail will be flatter with more forward draft. Boat will point better. It's the amount to cut away that I would like to have some guidance about.
Thanks for the input.
I would like to know where I can find information about how to re-cut an older sail. Not so much techniques for doing stuff like the actual stitching, reinforcing, webbing, etc. But how to determine the improved shape.
In my case it's for an older 7 or 8 ounce'ish Dacron ~95% jib . The sail's overall condition is good for several more years, but it doesn't have enough life left to support a sail loft's charge for the work. (My time is free as the comparing benchmark!)
I recently hoisted an almost new head sail that I encountered for a song. With my split backstay tensioner also cranked down to tighten the head stay, the pointing ability of my boat was very noticeably improved. The tell tails continued to point back I would say at least five degrees more into the wind than with the older 95%'er. Problem is that this newer sail equates to maybe a 75% jib. OK for the frequent 25kt+ winds in San Francisco Bay's slot. But too small for general use.
My thought on re-cutting the ~95% sail is to keep it minimal and in line with my abilities. Cut the threads and remove the #6 luff tape. Cut away some of the sail's luff in an arc. Re-attach the #6 luff tape. The forward section of the sail will be flatter with more forward draft. Boat will point better. It's the amount to cut away that I would like to have some guidance about.
Thanks for the input.
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