New Mainsail for H-25.5

[Rich Brooks]

I'm planning to have a new main built over the winter for my '84 H-25.5. Have gotten quotes from several national and local lofts. Some of the quotes are for sails w/ full-length top battens. Has anyone tried this configuration and how do you like it? My boat is sailed on the Upper Chesapeake Bay in generally light to moderate conditions. Rich Brooks, Riverdancer

 

[Darrel]

New Mainsail

I had a new main made for my h23 earlier this year. Full batten at the top and open footed. It has really worked out well. The batten really helps sale shape at the top, particularly in light air. The open foot allows for quick and easy adjustments of the out haul and allows thesail to be opened up with a bigger belly down wind. I highly recommend these modifications to the standard main sail.

 

[Anthony Bavuso]

Details?

Rich,I am also considering a new main for my 25.5. Could you post the results of your pricing research?Thanks.

 

[Rich Brooks]

Price quotes for new main

Anthony: I got price quotes from several large national lofts and from the local loft I've used for the last 10 years. Most prices were pretty even, except for Hood. Sobstad quoted $798 w/ top full-length batten, 5.9 oz. dacron; AirForce Sails was $918 discounted to $781 @ time of quote, 5.9 oz dacron, 2 top full-length battens; Hood Sails wanted $1070, 5.8 oz dacron, standard battens. My local sailmaker, Brad Linthicum, is building the new sail, 6 oz cloth, one reef, standard battens for $780. Shop around some but also talk to your local sailmaker. Good luck!Rich Brooks, Riverdancer

 

[David Foster]

Excellent results on my h27

Bought a new main from Doyle in Cleveland with 2 full battens at the top, and two partials at the bottom. My sailmaker explained that this supports better shape, and a larger roach, without the unnecessary difficulties causes by 4 full battens.We replaced an old, blown out main. All I can say is that we are going 1 to 1.5 knots faster with about 5% less heel - I call that great results.