Making new sails

[phdoc007]

I have gotten the urge to make a new mainsail (at least) for my Mac 25. The previous owner decided to cut 3 feet off of the mast and use an I23 mainsail.

The Mac sails sort of ok, but I am having a hard time getting her to a close reach. She doesn't like coming even near the wind. This makes tacking a challenge.

The I23 clew does not even come close to the end of the boom (about a foot and a half away) and trying to take a bit of the sag out of the leech to keep it from flapping about (this even occurs when the sail isn't luffing) is nearly impossible. I have even added new battens to the leech and still no luck.

I looked at the Sailrite site and their kits aren't that cheap (although the video clips are very useful). So instead I found this freeware program Sailcut CAD to help with the design of the sail.

Does anyone have a better sail design software and what would be the best material for the sail? I have an industrial sewing machine, but I have never tried sewing before. I do plan on practicing on scrap (a lot) before I begin this project.

I also have many other sewing projects in line for me to work on over the winter months (like new cushion covers, vberth mattress cover, pop top cover, etc.)

 

[Ross]

Buy A book called the sailmakers apprentice. He pretty much covers the details.

 

[Charlie13958]

New mast

I would first look for a proper mast for the boat, failing that, I would think about a full roach main to compensate for the loss of sail area due to the short mast.

 

[Ross]

I would first look for a proper mast for the boat, failing that, I would think about a full roach main to compensate for the loss of sail area due to the short mast.

There is no rule that says you have to use any particular shape or type of sail.
When ,after you have read a few books, you decide to make a sail you will know there are as many choices for sail shapes as there are for keel shapes.

 

[Tim R.]

My opinion

Don't waste your money on making sails. if you just want a sail that will make the boat move, then fine. But you are talking about a sail that will significantly increase the performance of the boat. Call a local sailmaker, especially since your mast is not standard, and have it done properly. Making decent sails is not that hard but anything beyond that should beleft to the professionals.

 

[Bill Roosa6491]

Making your own sail

I dito purchasing the "Sailmaker's apprentice", a great book that will allow you to become a pro in short order. Make the ditty bag!!!

there is nothing like looking up at "your" sail and hearing the water rushing around your boat. If for no other reason than that I'd recommend you design and make your own sail.

A word of advice, you will be spending a lot of time with the "finish" work as you don't have a press that can quickly install your cringles and other stuff. You will be hand sewing all the "holes" as a sewing machine will not do that kind of stuff.

Good luck and let us know how your project turns out.

 

[Ross]

You will need a palm and needles. http://www.woodenboatstore.com/products.asp?dept=116 These will be good enough. Make or have made a fid. And make all manner of canvas stuff by hand sewing.