Hi -- I am new to sailing and bought a 1977 Hunter 25 with a few friends. i was wondering if someone could help with the following. First it needs a new main sail. Is there a market for used sails out there, are used sails recommended, where do i look for one, etc. Second it has a 5hp outboard which sounds kind of small to me. Any help is appreciated.
Need new mainsail
- Thread starter ribaud
- Start date
- Status
ribaud,
First, welcome to sailing. Check back here often, there's always something useful going on!
I usually see 25s and 26s with 8-9.9 HP outboards. It really depends on your conditions. I'm afraid that a 5HP is only barely going to get you anywhere in a strong wind or current. I have a 9.9 on my H26 and I couldn't imagine motoring with a 5.
I also wonder about used sails. My biggest fear is that the sail might be close to blowing out, or be so misshapen as to be so inefficient that it's not worth the savings. Others will have to chime in, but that's my 2¢
First, welcome to sailing. Check back here often, there's always something useful going on!
I usually see 25s and 26s with 8-9.9 HP outboards. It really depends on your conditions. I'm afraid that a 5HP is only barely going to get you anywhere in a strong wind or current. I have a 9.9 on my H26 and I couldn't imagine motoring with a 5.
I also wonder about used sails. My biggest fear is that the sail might be close to blowing out, or be so misshapen as to be so inefficient that it's not worth the savings. Others will have to chime in, but that's my 2¢
I just checked in the Chandlery here on this site and you would be looking at a main starting around $700. I don't know how much you could save going the used route. Check out your options here:
http://shop.hunterowners.com/detail-sails.htm?fno=0
http://shop.hunterowners.com/detail-sails.htm?fno=0
I agree a 5hp engine is a little wimpy a 9.9 would be more like it. A lot had to do with your sailing conditions, if you sail in an area with strong currents and high winds you'll probably need more hp. My suggestion is to give the current engine a try and keep your eye out for a used 9.9. You'll often see bargains on e-bay or local paper.
If your main is the original it's probably blown out. If the fabric is OK, it might be able to be reconditioned. I've read some very good things about Sail Care 800-433-7245 http://www.sailcare.com/ but have not used them myself. Before you buy new sails have them evaluated by Sail Care. Worst case they'll say it is not worth reconditioning and you'll be out the mailing costs.
If SailCare can't recondition yours you can get a price on a new one or a good used sail. If they have your old one it will be easier to match it to your requirements. It's important that the actual luff, leech and foot measurements be available when shopping for sails - Don't rely on the I, J, P & E measurements listed in Hunter's literature.
Then check a few other companies that sell sails as a basis of comparison with Sail Care. Practical Sailor did a review of sail retailers in March 2005 and listed these companies as being good sources.
Sail Exchange 800-628-8152 http://www.sailexchange.com
National Sail Supply 239.693.1896 http://www.nationalsail.com
Cruising Direct 888.424.7388 http://www.cruisingdirect.com
Far East Sails 206.339.3618 http://www.fareastsails.com
The Sail Warehouse 831.646.5346 http://www.thesailwarehouse.com
Air Force Sails 877.237.2457 http://www.airforcesails.com
Once you have the Luff, Leech and Foot measurements call a couple of these companies for prices so you can compare against the Sail Care price.
National Sail Supply got the nod from Practical Sailor for offering the best price and by far the most attentive responses. As far as used sails go, PS gave the nod to the Sail Exchange.
A recent discussion on sail vendors on hunterowners.com indicates Atlantic Sail Traders got very high marks from former customers. http://www.usedsails.com/ 1-800-946-3800
If your main is the original it's probably blown out. If the fabric is OK, it might be able to be reconditioned. I've read some very good things about Sail Care 800-433-7245 http://www.sailcare.com/ but have not used them myself. Before you buy new sails have them evaluated by Sail Care. Worst case they'll say it is not worth reconditioning and you'll be out the mailing costs.
If SailCare can't recondition yours you can get a price on a new one or a good used sail. If they have your old one it will be easier to match it to your requirements. It's important that the actual luff, leech and foot measurements be available when shopping for sails - Don't rely on the I, J, P & E measurements listed in Hunter's literature.
Then check a few other companies that sell sails as a basis of comparison with Sail Care. Practical Sailor did a review of sail retailers in March 2005 and listed these companies as being good sources.
Sail Exchange 800-628-8152 http://www.sailexchange.com
National Sail Supply 239.693.1896 http://www.nationalsail.com
Cruising Direct 888.424.7388 http://www.cruisingdirect.com
Far East Sails 206.339.3618 http://www.fareastsails.com
The Sail Warehouse 831.646.5346 http://www.thesailwarehouse.com
Air Force Sails 877.237.2457 http://www.airforcesails.com
Once you have the Luff, Leech and Foot measurements call a couple of these companies for prices so you can compare against the Sail Care price.
National Sail Supply got the nod from Practical Sailor for offering the best price and by far the most attentive responses. As far as used sails go, PS gave the nod to the Sail Exchange.
A recent discussion on sail vendors on hunterowners.com indicates Atlantic Sail Traders got very high marks from former customers. http://www.usedsails.com/ 1-800-946-3800
Don't forget Bacon Sails and Atlantic Sails for options on used sails. They (especially Bacon) have received good reviews and you can save ~ 25-40% under a new price for a very good used sail. Just be carefull to match rigging types - the guys at Bacon can explore that with you.
We have a 1989 Hunter 26.5 and purchased new sails from Doyle. I took the original (only) sails to them and they said they were not worth refurbishing. They went over the old sails with me and pointed out all the issues.
doyleplochsails.com
doyleplochsails.com
- Status