Hello All, I'm returning to sailing after many years and have just purchased an 81 Hunter 30. I am looking into doing the upgrades and improvement that one has to expect. My biggest idea is new sails, so my questions are: 1. How do you know if the sails have reached the end of their useful life? 3. Does anyone have any recommendations on a new set? I plan to stick to bay and ICW cruising (no open water stuff). Speed is not a real issue since I don't know enough yet to get the most out of high power sails. So, I'm looking for a good balance between cost and long term utility. 3. What is a reasonable price range for a main/genoa set? Any advice that more experienced sailors out there can give me would be much appreciated. Dave...
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Reasonable prices are here on this site!
David: If you check out the prices here on the HOW site you will get a good idea of reasonably priced sails. You are going to find them cheaper and you will find them more expensive. I would recommend that you have some owners with H'30 give you some ideas. I personally like a couple of full battens in the top positions in the sail and then partial battens in the lowers. I would also recommend a Dutchman system for the main. You need to get a good quality sailcloth. If you go get quotes be sure that everyone quotes you the same material and weight (not just weight). You will probably want two reefs. As far as how long sails last....... You will see sailors that think that 10-20 year old sails are in good-excellent shape (believe me that they are not). Once you see how much better a boat sails with new rags you can really tell the difference. I would guess that if you sail most of the year 4-5 days per month 8-10 months a year in moderate winds, you will probably get 5-8 years out of your sails. Sun takes it toll on the material and sailing in high winds with too much sail does too. This does not mean that the sails are shot, it is just that they have lost their shape. They can be rebuilt and get a few more years out of them. You can also get them rebuilt and reconditioned. Be sure to consult with the sailmaker and explain the normal sailing conditions in your area.
David: If you check out the prices here on the HOW site you will get a good idea of reasonably priced sails. You are going to find them cheaper and you will find them more expensive. I would recommend that you have some owners with H'30 give you some ideas. I personally like a couple of full battens in the top positions in the sail and then partial battens in the lowers. I would also recommend a Dutchman system for the main. You need to get a good quality sailcloth. If you go get quotes be sure that everyone quotes you the same material and weight (not just weight). You will probably want two reefs. As far as how long sails last....... You will see sailors that think that 10-20 year old sails are in good-excellent shape (believe me that they are not). Once you see how much better a boat sails with new rags you can really tell the difference. I would guess that if you sail most of the year 4-5 days per month 8-10 months a year in moderate winds, you will probably get 5-8 years out of your sails. Sun takes it toll on the material and sailing in high winds with too much sail does too. This does not mean that the sails are shot, it is just that they have lost their shape. They can be rebuilt and get a few more years out of them. You can also get them rebuilt and reconditioned. Be sure to consult with the sailmaker and explain the normal sailing conditions in your area.
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David Foster
Ask a sailmaker
A local loft should be willing to visit your boat, inspect your sails, and make a plan based on your sailing objectives. Mine did, and I have followed the resulting two year plan to my delight, faster sailing, and reduced heel. David Lady Lillie '77 h27
A local loft should be willing to visit your boat, inspect your sails, and make a plan based on your sailing objectives. Mine did, and I have followed the resulting two year plan to my delight, faster sailing, and reduced heel. David Lady Lillie '77 h27
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Ed Schenck
Here's a guess.
Here's a guess with just a little supporting experience. For the mainsail I did what David suggests, went with my local North loft. Great people and great results for about $2500. This is on an H37C which has a smaller main than your H30. For the jib I went offshore with Lee Sails, all via e-mail although I sent them my sail to be sure of size, especially luff tape. New sail looks great and was half the cost of a new North, about $1100. The obvious third option would be used sails. I plan to go this route for a drifter but would not recommend for your "new" boat's main and jib. Some of those companies are: http://www.thesailwarehouse.com/ http://www.baconsails.com/ http://www.minneysyachtsurplus.com/
Here's a guess with just a little supporting experience. For the mainsail I did what David suggests, went with my local North loft. Great people and great results for about $2500. This is on an H37C which has a smaller main than your H30. For the jib I went offshore with Lee Sails, all via e-mail although I sent them my sail to be sure of size, especially luff tape. New sail looks great and was half the cost of a new North, about $1100. The obvious third option would be used sails. I plan to go this route for a drifter but would not recommend for your "new" boat's main and jib. Some of those companies are: http://www.thesailwarehouse.com/ http://www.baconsails.com/ http://www.minneysyachtsurplus.com/
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Sam Lust
Quantum - Excelent value
I bought a new main and 135 jib fron Quantum at the Atlantic City show. $3000 for what I consider an excelent set of sails. I had all the measurements, but Rick came down to my boat to check a couple of things anyhow. When the sails came in in the spring he brought them down to the boat, bent them on and we went for a sail to be sure everything was right. I couldn't be more pleased.
I bought a new main and 135 jib fron Quantum at the Atlantic City show. $3000 for what I consider an excelent set of sails. I had all the measurements, but Rick came down to my boat to check a couple of things anyhow. When the sails came in in the spring he brought them down to the boat, bent them on and we went for a sail to be sure everything was right. I couldn't be more pleased.
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David
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