new sails vs used ?

Steve Dion · Jan 14, 2013

You can get a very good price on running rigging from this website.

Check Minnie's Yacht Surplus, Bacon Sails and The Sail Warehouse for used sails.

anchorclanker · Jan 14, 2013

Ive used their line calculator a few times, changing the various options. If you can make your own splices and re-use your old shackles, you can save a bundle.

Ron20324 · Jan 15, 2013

baconsails.com lets you look at their inventory of consignment sails... and more.

Griffinroydonald · Jan 15, 2013

I would go with a used sale based on price. I am sure the boat will have other issues that require your attention and money. Put it together and sort it out first. You can buy new sales after the fact. I may have a used sail for your boat but want to see what brand and size it is.

Merlin Clark · Jan 15, 2013

You might want to check and watch the SBO classifieds too. I've seen some nice gear for sale for good prices.

Dave Groshong · Jan 15, 2013

New sails are like having a brand new boat, performance wise, there's just no comparison. That said, if you can find a 7+ used sail that fits, you can save about 70%. Minneysyachtsurplus.com, usedsails.com.

Is your boat a masthead rig or fractional? If it's masthead, you'll be looking for a mainsail about 25ft or less on the hoist, and 10.4ft or less on the foot.

The masthead jib should be around 28ft on the hoist, and 11-14ft on the foot.

The fractional rig takes a mainsail about 25.4ft x 9.75ft. The fractional rig jib is about 22ft on the hoist, and 11-14 on the foot.

anchorclanker · Jan 15, 2013

You need very accurate measurements. Don't oder off any charts, a PO may have altered something. Heres how to measure.

http://www.secondwindsails.com/measurement.php

Someone here mis-measured before ordering new sails and they came too long. Very expensive mistake as the sail maker isnt going to refund for those kind of goofs.

A fractional rig the fore sail doesn't go as high up the mast as the main.

rardiH36 · Jan 15, 2013

One item about used sails: When you find one that you like, its OK if a little too small. But never too big. If for instance you find a jib who's luff is say 3"-6" shorter than perfect, the main effect is maybe a fraction a knot slower in light/moderate winds. And none at all when the winds are fresh since the boat will be limited by hull speed and excessive heel anyway. But a slightly small sail will be plenty OK for recreational sailing. However if the luff is too long by the same amount, then you've got a baggy luff that won't tension ... Looks terrible and performance will be bad ... And an expensive visit to the sail loft to have it cut down to size. My current mainsail is a second-hand full battened one previously on a Catalina 36. It's about 6" short for both luff and foot compared to the spec for my boat. But the sail was in very good condition and 1/10th the price of new sail. Been using it for five years now with many happy days on the bay.

Hugh Straub · Jan 15, 2013

trainmanjess said:
hello all

my main sail is toast... pasts of it are shreaded, like someone slid a cheese grater through it. the jib sail has about 9 small holes about the size of 2 inches in diameter or smaller. i was thinking of using the old main sail for patches to close the holes in the jib. what should i use to bond the patches to the jib, before i sew them on ?... i was thinking of using contact cement or rubber cement ?.. or is there a better product out there ?

there are so many differant sizes of ropes, ie; 9/16, 1/2, 7/16, 3/8, 5/16/ 1/4, 3/8 .... what size is needed for on a 25ft sailboat with a 28 ft mast. i have been looking at so many chanderies, and ebay, and .... AAAAAHHHHHH .... advice on rope diameters to use and if differant sizes, where for each size. i do not have a big sailboat. my baby is only 25 foot long wiht a 28 ft mast... the only thing i want to change is i like the idea of having a bowsprit, and move the forestay with me furler out onto the end on it, this will allow a larger foot on my jib and genoa jib. and if the distance is write, it will allow an inner headsail too. but that will be a future project,. right now, what rope diameter do i use ? please help

fair winds and good sailing
Jess

As was said earlier, google Bacon Sails. Bacon's on line computer knows the proper dimensions of your boat's sails and will tell you what used sails are in stock to fit your boat. Bacon also tells you the used sail condition and in my experience are conservative in their evaluation. You will receive the sail on approval and if you don't like it you send it back. As yours is an older project boat, I assume you don't now plan on doing any racing. For reaching from here to there and back, good used sails will move your good old boat just fine.

Kind regards

Hugh

Merlin Clark · Jan 16, 2013

Trainmanjess,
3/8" is a good size line for our size of boat. I'm using double braid (sta set) for my halyards, mainsheets (2 on mine), vang and CB line and it's plenty strong and big enough to feel comfortable. Biggest reason I used this is because I had a big hunk on my shelf. My jib sheets are something softer to the hand and 1/2 diameter and I think they are regatta braid.
Some may argue for no stretch, day glo, j-lo whatever but I'm not an olympic racer and am ok with not having the "VERY BEST" according to Sail magazine.
I agree with anchor to not use someone elses info and measure the sails yourself.
Do the sail that came with the boat fit right? You can just measure them (all 3 sides) but stretch them out first.

RichH · Jan 16, 2013

Best way to 'glue down' before sewing: http://www.sailrite.com/Seamstick-1-2-Super-Basting-Tape-by-3M-60-Yds (available in various widths). This is clear double sided adhesive tape. You can probably get an equivalent at a large box hardware store ... used for sticking rugs to flooring but is HAS to be 'clear' tape.
No need to sew down if the patch is NOT along or near an edge, but best is always to sew.

Next best is clear silicone caulk, spread *thinly* on both surfaces and with the surrounding area very carefully masked with tape to prevent 'smears' of caulk. Allow to fully cure before sewing.

Next after that is FAST CURE 3M 5200 caulk. Same as above, need to carefully mask, etc. It will 'peel' off of dacron sail material ... with difficulty.

Contact cement, rubber cement, automotive 'headliner' spray on adhesives will eventually turn BROWN and 'show through' the sail material.

;-)

new sails vs used ?

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