Looking For New Sails

[stephenH26]

I'm considering replacing my original Main and Jib (roller-furling) sails on my 1996 Hunter H26, as they are 10 years old and the winds and UV have begun to take their cumulative toll. I'm sure some of you have purchased replacements over time and would appreciate learning from any of your experiences and suggestions. For example, should I stick with the original manufacturer (Doyle) or consider another, go with a larger Jib or consider a Genoa, or select from some of the many new sail materials or options out there instead. We are predominantly weekend cruisers just out to enjoy the curves of a sail along with that rare ability to harness just a bit of mother nature's power...thx!Stephen

 

[Dick1505]

New Sails

Stick pretty close to the original size head sail. Too easy to overpower our water ballast boat with the bigger sails and it isn't worth the problems involved in adding Genoa track and having to switch Sheets inside and outside the side stays. I just had pretty good luck working with Airforce sails on a new full batten main with two reef points, etc. Haven't sailed enough with the new sail to give much on performance.