Need new Sails

[CaptainJB]

The roller furling sails (both main and head) on my 2002 Hunter 356 are beginning to show the need for replacement

Two years sailing in New England and five + years sailing in Florida have taken their toll on the production sails

I have a local sail maker here in Jacksonville who has already repaired the sails a number of time and he has always done a good job. Unfortunately the sail cloth is aging faster than he can repair the tears

The last time I had sails made was in the 80's for my Allmand 31, and since they were not furling sails I had them made by North of very heavy cloth and they are probably still good today and as rigid now as they were when new.

However, the new in mast furling main is of particular importance to me. It cannot be made of too heavy a cloth because it has to roll-up inside the mast, so I am a little uncertain as to what type of attributes I should be looking for in this sail.

Although I am certain the sail makers know what is required, I'm trying to get smart so I know what to ask for when ordering the sail, from whom ever I choose to use

Does anyone have advice?

Thanks

John

 

[Steve Dion]

John: I would start here on the SBO site. You can purchase better sails, you can purchase cheaper sails, but you probably cannot get better sails for any less. They also back up their products as does their mfg.

They build a lot of sails for the in furling masts so they will be able to guide you in the right direction.

 

[stephen Penny]

Suggest talking to all the local lofts and those on-line like SBO, UK-Halsey, Doyle, North, etc. Research on-line to find out the features and benefits of all the options and how to optimize/maximize sail area, roller furling uv protection, other features you may want, reef points, main sail batons, blue water sail design, sail cover (separate or on the boom), etc. Sails are one of the most costly items except for an engine.