New Main H216

[Paul Wash]

I have a quote to replace my main with Grand Prix Dacron mainsail. The existing main is OEM (circa 2004). The wear and tear from the spring racing season is beginning to show notwithstanding the age itself. I have rot, rusty cringles, sail tape, and little shape.

The only drawback with the racing Dacron is the resin doesn't like to be folded or flaked, so rolling is a must. I can live with this. It's also the least expensive. Additionally, the Dacron is more shapeable for a boat at our size as compared to the more expensive laminates.

Its possible I can get another season out of our existing main. I am not planning on selling for a couple of years. Is it foolish to spend another chunk of cash on sail that is probably worth more than the boat itself in order to eek out better performance on all fronts?

 

[Ed Schenck]

Friends on my lake and persons here on SBO have all had success with Sail Care: http://www.sailcare.com/ . I have personally seen an old Highlander mainsail come back looking like new. But that's an offseason deal. What do you do meanwhile?

Another racing buddy put his main over two ironing boards and coated it with a light epoxy mix and ironed it as he went. Not sure about the shape but it felt like a new sail.

 

[Paul Wash]

Washed and Treated in the Spring

The current main was washed and treated using a "secret formula" to help breathe new life into it similar to the sail care process they have. It definitely helped refresh it. The OEM sail on the 216 is not meant for racing - just tooling around and daysailing. So those are the other considerations for biting the bullet and diving in head first. But pelase keep the thoughts coming...

 

[Ray T]

Re: Washed and Treated in the Spring

The best reason is that a new sail that has a good shape should make you feel good.

 

[Paul Wash]

Pentex

We are now debating the Dacron vs. the laminate with Pentex. Biggest reason is we are concerned that the fragilility of the Dacron makes the laminate look more attractive. The price difference is negligible when it comes down to that. The only thing that is a concern is that the laminate is not as stretchy as the Dacron, hence harder to shape.

Any other thoughts?