I am thinking of buying a new mainsail. I did an archive search and it sems like sail warehouse comes up as a good place. Anybody have any positive/negative comments about them; or any other good places to look? I am also wondering about the difference in performance I can expect. My mainsail is 12 years old, has a couple of small tears fixes with sailtape, and has a good bit of very tiny "pores" that light can be seen through. I am expecting a performance increase, but wondering, for any who have done this, if it is worth the $. Thanks for any information, Richard
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John S
Mainsail Decision
OK let me say I might offend you so right off the bat I apologise. A lot of people with Macgregors only want to spend the least money possible. The entire Mac line of boats have always been equipt "just good enough". So if just good enough is OK, then buy a premade sail from the cheapest source and be done with it. HOWEVER. You say your current mainsail is 12 years old, and you could be dealing with a mediocre sail for another 12 years. Or you could do some upgrades prior to buying the sail, and have a sail that performs so much better as to be an incredible difference, but it will take some money and mods. Traveler. If you don't have a traveler get one. Adjustable outhaul. Vang. Adjustable backstay. Cunningham or other means to adjust the luff. When it comes time to buy your sail, you need to measure your own boat. If the sailmaker does not measure or ask for real measurements of YOUR boat, find another sailmaker. Your new mainsail will only be a real good performer in a relatively small range of wind speeds. Your sailmaker should allow you to give some input into the way the sail is made for that reason. Example, a sail made for light winds will not do so well if you routinely sail in high winds, and may bag out more quickly as a result. I chose a mainsail from Air Force Sails that was custom made to my specs. I chose to have a cunningham, extra roach, 4 battens of which the top two are full length, loose-footed, and one line of reef points. All of the above sail shaping equipment was factored into the design of the sail. Result: a sail that has a great shape and is adjustable for wind speeds and direction to get the best performance. I was amazed at my new found ability to pull the fullest part of the sail around on the new mainsail with my sail adjustments. I heel a lot less in higher winds, and I can beat to windward fast and close to the eye of the wind. Good luck on your new mainsail and read everything you can about your choices before buying. John S Boise
OK let me say I might offend you so right off the bat I apologise. A lot of people with Macgregors only want to spend the least money possible. The entire Mac line of boats have always been equipt "just good enough". So if just good enough is OK, then buy a premade sail from the cheapest source and be done with it. HOWEVER. You say your current mainsail is 12 years old, and you could be dealing with a mediocre sail for another 12 years. Or you could do some upgrades prior to buying the sail, and have a sail that performs so much better as to be an incredible difference, but it will take some money and mods. Traveler. If you don't have a traveler get one. Adjustable outhaul. Vang. Adjustable backstay. Cunningham or other means to adjust the luff. When it comes time to buy your sail, you need to measure your own boat. If the sailmaker does not measure or ask for real measurements of YOUR boat, find another sailmaker. Your new mainsail will only be a real good performer in a relatively small range of wind speeds. Your sailmaker should allow you to give some input into the way the sail is made for that reason. Example, a sail made for light winds will not do so well if you routinely sail in high winds, and may bag out more quickly as a result. I chose a mainsail from Air Force Sails that was custom made to my specs. I chose to have a cunningham, extra roach, 4 battens of which the top two are full length, loose-footed, and one line of reef points. All of the above sail shaping equipment was factored into the design of the sail. Result: a sail that has a great shape and is adjustable for wind speeds and direction to get the best performance. I was amazed at my new found ability to pull the fullest part of the sail around on the new mainsail with my sail adjustments. I heel a lot less in higher winds, and I can beat to windward fast and close to the eye of the wind. Good luck on your new mainsail and read everything you can about your choices before buying. John S Boise
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chris
main sail
If your not racing for the america's cup you'll get a sail that will make you happy at the sail warehouse. I got my sails there and have been very happy. The local sailmaker that makes Quantom Thurston sails didn't even ask me for specifics for my boat, Macs are production boats so I went a little cheaper with the sail warehouse. Your not picking a new wife or interviewing for a heart transplant!
If your not racing for the america's cup you'll get a sail that will make you happy at the sail warehouse. I got my sails there and have been very happy. The local sailmaker that makes Quantom Thurston sails didn't even ask me for specifics for my boat, Macs are production boats so I went a little cheaper with the sail warehouse. Your not picking a new wife or interviewing for a heart transplant!
couple choices
Blue water has OEM MacGregor sails and I think they are a descent price. The sailwarehouse also has a nice selection. You can order stock OEM sails or in stock high performance sails. You can also measure your boat and order custom sails to your specs. Request a catalog from them; it contains detailed instructions on ordering custom sails. Personally, unless you are more then a weekend sailor the stock sails are plenty. good luck, mark
Blue water has OEM MacGregor sails and I think they are a descent price. The sailwarehouse also has a nice selection. You can order stock OEM sails or in stock high performance sails. You can also measure your boat and order custom sails to your specs. Request a catalog from them; it contains detailed instructions on ordering custom sails. Personally, unless you are more then a weekend sailor the stock sails are plenty. good luck, mark
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John S
Touche
Not a wife or the America's Cup. It's like buying a suit off the rack versus having one made for you. If you are not at the level of using a sail made specifically for your boat, by all means buy "off the rack". There must be some reason for custom sails.....John S (not a cheap-a## b$st%rd). I sail a lot. I sit there and look at my sails for days at a time. I always wonder if I could go faster/point higher. It is bad enough that my sailing skills are limited. It would be worse (for me) if my sails were the cause of my boat not performing well, 'cause none of my sailing friends would accept that excuse, even if true. They'd say (and rightfully so), why'd you buy those crappy sails? John S
Not a wife or the America's Cup. It's like buying a suit off the rack versus having one made for you. If you are not at the level of using a sail made specifically for your boat, by all means buy "off the rack". There must be some reason for custom sails.....John S (not a cheap-a## b$st%rd). I sail a lot. I sit there and look at my sails for days at a time. I always wonder if I could go faster/point higher. It is bad enough that my sailing skills are limited. It would be worse (for me) if my sails were the cause of my boat not performing well, 'cause none of my sailing friends would accept that excuse, even if true. They'd say (and rightfully so), why'd you buy those crappy sails? John S
hey john s.
can you give me some details on your rudder setup? it looks good enough to put on my v2-24 but i would like some idea of measurements and size of the square tubing. i haven't seen a rudder like this before yours. if u could email me photos at g.b.nickerson@shaw.ca i would be one happy sailor. thanks, gord
can you give me some details on your rudder setup? it looks good enough to put on my v2-24 but i would like some idea of measurements and size of the square tubing. i haven't seen a rudder like this before yours. if u could email me photos at g.b.nickerson@shaw.ca i would be one happy sailor. thanks, gord
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chris
main sail
I sail because I enjoy the smell of the sea the feel of the wind the total freedom. I don't stare at my sails I look at the ocean around me. No one calls me a (cheap-a## b$st%rd). Instead they refer to me as a fun loving guy. My friends accept me as I am. they dont complain about the sails they thank me for the ride. Some people need custom made suits to make them feel good others just feel good about themselves . buy custom if you like or from the sail warehouse if thats what you can afford they are nice sails but whatever you do dont waste the world around you staring at the sails. And John S learn to relax or you will be in a custom made straight jacket.
I sail because I enjoy the smell of the sea the feel of the wind the total freedom. I don't stare at my sails I look at the ocean around me. No one calls me a (cheap-a## b$st%rd). Instead they refer to me as a fun loving guy. My friends accept me as I am. they dont complain about the sails they thank me for the ride. Some people need custom made suits to make them feel good others just feel good about themselves . buy custom if you like or from the sail warehouse if thats what you can afford they are nice sails but whatever you do dont waste the world around you staring at the sails. And John S learn to relax or you will be in a custom made straight jacket.
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John S
Unifoil from IdaSailor
Hi Gord That is the relatively new Unifoil rudder head made by IdaSailor. I believe the rudder head tubing is a thick wall 2 inch square tubing. Check out the IdaSailor site at www.idasailor.com The gas strut on the rudder hold down is a project that I've been a part of for about 2 seasons now. I beach my boat a lot and I explore a lot of shallow places, so I find that the give of the gas strut hold down saves a lot of wear and tear. Hey Chris I wish I has an emoticon to let you know I was kidding. Quite frankly, I feel that anyone who sails has to be a great person, please forgive me. Unfortunately, I do spend lot of time adjusting my sails, but I do maintain a situational awareness as well. Being able to tighten or loosen all three edges of the sail, as well as position the sail in relation to the wind, really gives results and I'll leave it at that. John S Boise
Hi Gord That is the relatively new Unifoil rudder head made by IdaSailor. I believe the rudder head tubing is a thick wall 2 inch square tubing. Check out the IdaSailor site at www.idasailor.com The gas strut on the rudder hold down is a project that I've been a part of for about 2 seasons now. I beach my boat a lot and I explore a lot of shallow places, so I find that the give of the gas strut hold down saves a lot of wear and tear. Hey Chris I wish I has an emoticon to let you know I was kidding. Quite frankly, I feel that anyone who sails has to be a great person, please forgive me. Unfortunately, I do spend lot of time adjusting my sails, but I do maintain a situational awareness as well. Being able to tighten or loosen all three edges of the sail, as well as position the sail in relation to the wind, really gives results and I'll leave it at that. John S Boise
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Pete
FX sails
My original sail was almost 20 years old ( '86 M25 ) it still works, but the original sails were cheap to begin with, and it was worn and dirty and had been repaired, it really bothered my that I could see so much sunlight showing through when I was on the other side of the sail. Anyway, it was good enough, but I wanted a new one, we get "real" wind sometimes and I didnt want the old one to shred. I shopped ALL the on line sail lofts, and finally decided to go with FX sails, (formerly airforce). I got a custom made sail, better materials, better workmanship, made in America, the prices was not much more than a chinese made sail. The warehouse type lofts are made off shore, and would be more like what the original sail was. I decided to spend a few bucks more and get a real sail that I could depend on for years to come. The prices may have gone up since I bought mine, but I'd still spend a few extra bucks and get a good one. Just call and ask the sailmaker.
My original sail was almost 20 years old ( '86 M25 ) it still works, but the original sails were cheap to begin with, and it was worn and dirty and had been repaired, it really bothered my that I could see so much sunlight showing through when I was on the other side of the sail. Anyway, it was good enough, but I wanted a new one, we get "real" wind sometimes and I didnt want the old one to shred. I shopped ALL the on line sail lofts, and finally decided to go with FX sails, (formerly airforce). I got a custom made sail, better materials, better workmanship, made in America, the prices was not much more than a chinese made sail. The warehouse type lofts are made off shore, and would be more like what the original sail was. I decided to spend a few bucks more and get a real sail that I could depend on for years to come. The prices may have gone up since I bought mine, but I'd still spend a few extra bucks and get a good one. Just call and ask the sailmaker.
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richard
Thanks for info./traveler benefits on lessthan26'?
Looking forward to playing with a new sail. I have always thought about adding a traveler...I remember a thread about a year ago that said, roughly, that a traveler is not much help on boats shorter than 26 feet. I have seen them on shorter boats though, and with my limited sailing knowledge/experience it would seem like a great addition.
Looking forward to playing with a new sail. I have always thought about adding a traveler...I remember a thread about a year ago that said, roughly, that a traveler is not much help on boats shorter than 26 feet. I have seen them on shorter boats though, and with my limited sailing knowledge/experience it would seem like a great addition.
C
Chris - Mac 26S
Traveler?
Anything that gets the boom closer (or over) center will improve pointing... There may be a length where this isn't the case, but I can vouch down to 20 feet. Chris
Anything that gets the boom closer (or over) center will improve pointing... There may be a length where this isn't the case, but I can vouch down to 20 feet. Chris
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John S
Traveler vs Reefing
Not only will the traveler help you sail to windward, but one can de-power the sail instead of reefing, by letting the traveler slide to leeward, especially when the wind force might lessen soon and you don't want to have to unreef. I can also tighten up my backstay to flatten the main to have the same effect of depowering. Any sloop rigged boat can definitely use a traveler, but if the cockpit is small enough, it might be intrusive. John S Boise
Not only will the traveler help you sail to windward, but one can de-power the sail instead of reefing, by letting the traveler slide to leeward, especially when the wind force might lessen soon and you don't want to have to unreef. I can also tighten up my backstay to flatten the main to have the same effect of depowering. Any sloop rigged boat can definitely use a traveler, but if the cockpit is small enough, it might be intrusive. John S Boise
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John S
Unifoil
Joel Santarone, the owner of IdaSailor and also Ruddercraft, has developed a system of interchangeable parts that allows him to select from stainless steel components that he has premade on the shelf. Indidvidual rudders are created for each boat type, but the rudder head that he has designed will fit pretty much any of our trailerable sailboats. Either pintles or gudgeons are attached to match the boat. This way, the Unifoil works with the greatest number of boat designs, and if you did wish to get one, Joel can get you what you need. If you build your own, consider making improvements to your OEM rudder. The benefits of a true airfoil design can be nothing short of astounding. Rudder stall angle is the point at which the rudder becomes ineffective, and if you have some weather helm, your boat rounds up. A properly shaped rudder will allow greater rudder angles before stalling, which allows you, the captain, to heel the boat without control loss. Puffs of wind that used to cause roundup, now push you along. My own boat (equipt with a high performance rudder and Unifoil rudder head), will round up, but only at extreme angles of heel, (we're talking water on the galley windows), and as soon as the wind pressure decreases, helm control returns before the boat does much more than a few degrees of windward turn, at which point I am in control again. IdaSailor rudders are a very good investment, whether for performance or safety, but combined with the Unifoil rudder head, the entire rudder system becomes so much more user friendly. My favorite detail is the jack knife type of folding ability that allows the rudder to be left in place, either for trailering or just getting the rudder out of the water. The design works well with a gas strut for hold down, you can expect to see an entire Unifoil assembly with stainless steel gas strut hold down to be offered by IdaSailor soon. Right now, there is a sale on the entire rudder, tiller and rudder head (Unifoil) on the IdaSailor website, check it out. The number of rudders and tillers shipped from the shop is growing, and even larger boats, such as lengths in the 30's, send their rudders to Joel to have a replacement manufactured there. Our boats are orphans, and there is often no where else to go besides IdaSailor, unless you build your own. IdaSailor has the experience, materials and the track record of making rudders that exceed the performance of the often crude factory rudders that were supplied with our 20th century boats. When compared to the cost of a mainsail, a complete rudder set up is a bargain indeed. John S
Joel Santarone, the owner of IdaSailor and also Ruddercraft, has developed a system of interchangeable parts that allows him to select from stainless steel components that he has premade on the shelf. Indidvidual rudders are created for each boat type, but the rudder head that he has designed will fit pretty much any of our trailerable sailboats. Either pintles or gudgeons are attached to match the boat. This way, the Unifoil works with the greatest number of boat designs, and if you did wish to get one, Joel can get you what you need. If you build your own, consider making improvements to your OEM rudder. The benefits of a true airfoil design can be nothing short of astounding. Rudder stall angle is the point at which the rudder becomes ineffective, and if you have some weather helm, your boat rounds up. A properly shaped rudder will allow greater rudder angles before stalling, which allows you, the captain, to heel the boat without control loss. Puffs of wind that used to cause roundup, now push you along. My own boat (equipt with a high performance rudder and Unifoil rudder head), will round up, but only at extreme angles of heel, (we're talking water on the galley windows), and as soon as the wind pressure decreases, helm control returns before the boat does much more than a few degrees of windward turn, at which point I am in control again. IdaSailor rudders are a very good investment, whether for performance or safety, but combined with the Unifoil rudder head, the entire rudder system becomes so much more user friendly. My favorite detail is the jack knife type of folding ability that allows the rudder to be left in place, either for trailering or just getting the rudder out of the water. The design works well with a gas strut for hold down, you can expect to see an entire Unifoil assembly with stainless steel gas strut hold down to be offered by IdaSailor soon. Right now, there is a sale on the entire rudder, tiller and rudder head (Unifoil) on the IdaSailor website, check it out. The number of rudders and tillers shipped from the shop is growing, and even larger boats, such as lengths in the 30's, send their rudders to Joel to have a replacement manufactured there. Our boats are orphans, and there is often no where else to go besides IdaSailor, unless you build your own. IdaSailor has the experience, materials and the track record of making rudders that exceed the performance of the often crude factory rudders that were supplied with our 20th century boats. When compared to the cost of a mainsail, a complete rudder set up is a bargain indeed. John S
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