New Mainsail - 1983 H30

[Sam Curry]

I am shopping for a new mainsail for my 1983 Hunter 30. I have been advised by some to go with a loose footed main. Is there any problem going from a fixed to a loose footed? Too much stress at one point - clew?I am also looking for recomendation for sources for sails. I have looked at Rolly Tasker in FL and prices seem very good. Is the quality good? Would appreciate any one who has purchased sail from any source in past several years to comment on your experience.

 

[Steve Dion]

Age old problem!

Sam:There have been more posts than I can remember about where to purchase a new sail.From what I have seen, if you want something that is basically "off the shelf", these sails are fine. The price is right.Once you decide to upgrade hardware, fitting, headboards, reefing etc. their prices are in line with mail order sails. The other issue is if you need fixes to your sail, these guys are offshore.My suggestion is to talk to your local sailmakers and get a quote for "exactly" what you want. Then have these other guys quote the sames brank material and the same weight and finish. If you think that the savings is worth it, go for it.Be sure to get a quote from this website too.As far as your question about a loose footed main, you should talk to the sailmakers that you are going to get the quotes from. They are usually VERY knowledgeable and will give you their opinion. I can tell you that the Santa Cruz 52 that I sailed home from Hawaii in August 2000 had one and it worked fine. They also had a Dutchman system on it. The Dutchman is a worth while investment on a new sail. Unlike other systems your sail is ready to put away quickly once you drop it.

 

[David Foster]

Invite a sailmaker to your boat

To have a look and explain your options after seeing your boat,and current sails. This is a free service offered by any good loft if one is nearby.A loose-footed main is a real advance, making the main easier to shape, and more powerful. We are very happy with the Doyle main we bought for our '77 h27 two years ago. The only disadvantage I have heard is that it is harder to gather fresh water during a rainstorm. Not a real issue for our coastal cruising agenda.The good newsis that a new main drives Lady Lillie over 1 knot faster in medium winds while decreasing the heel by 5 degrees. A whole new performance picture. So do go ahead with getting what your sailmaker and you agree on!David

 

[Ed Schenck]

Another sail story.

Second year with our H37C we went with the local North loft for a new mainsail. Nice people, great service, high price, and excellent results(also loose-footed).After reading all the testimonials here on HOW was ready to order a new jib from Rolly Tasker. Their rep in Florida is very easy to work with, price was 30% less than North. Then I read about Lee Sails(see Link). Their price was 50% less than North. I now own a new jib, about two weeks from end of negotiations until it landed from Hong Kong. The cloth looks as good as the North main, the workmanship is excellent, and it is much "beefier" in stress areas than the original.

 

[Dan Geltmacher]

wolfbay group hong kong sails

I bought a new main for $670.00 18 months ago. They advertise cruizing sails. They will make it to whatever specs you specify. I have been very happy with mine. I ordered 6 1/2 weight cloth with one reef point. If I could have a re-do. I would get 7 weight with 3 reef points. I don't have the web site but you can find it by searching for hong kong sails or wolfbay group. The sails are actualy made by LAM SAILS of Hong Kong.Good LuckHawaii Dan