Ordering New Roller Furling Jib

[Ready2Sail]

I need to order a new roller furling jib (O'Day 23-1) and the local name brand sailmakers are quoting me nearly $1,000. A friend said to go to the Sailwarehouse or one of the online places for a better price and it seems to be a lot better. I don't need anything fancy for racing or ocean cruising, just something that will hold up and be useable for Chesapeake Bay sailing. Would you order something online? They have four choices... RF27.16 - 110% for $595 or for $300 more they add a foam luff pad. They also list an O'Day 23 Tempest (not the same thing I don't think). Any advice or suggestions very much appreciated!
http://thesailwarehouse.com/cgi-bin/web_store.cgi?page=storeframe.html&cart_id=

 

[Brian S]

If you are planning to use the headsail as a furled sail, you should probably get the foam luff. BUT, you should also have reinforced patches on the leech and foot at common reef points. Otherwise, there will be a lot of stretch on the sail which will cause it to bag out prematurely.

For down on the Chesapeake, given that in the summer you will be sailing in very light to nonexistent wind, you might consider a 135%, with reefing at 110% and 90%. For very light days, consider a 150% drifter/code 0 type sail, made of very light fabric.

That being said, I am not a familiar with sailing a masthead rig, where the drive of the boat comes from the headsail, so other masthead rig owners should probably weigh in.

 

[HukilauMike]

I did the same thing for my Oday 23. I went with the local sailmaker. I wanted to have someone local who I could call and pester. He also came out to my boat to measure, install the sails (I bought a main too), and then showed me how to use their features. I've heard (seen online) of good and bad using internet sailhouses. Remember, your sail will probably be made overseas, so you will have minimal contact with the sailmaker; I've heard that returns and fixes can be problematic. I've also heard stories of people being very happy with the quality and price of internet houses. Like I said, I went with the local guy and am very happy with the results. It was worth the extra money for me for the personal service and peace of mind.

I have a 135% roller genoa. You need the foam luff if you intend to roller reef.

And the Tempest is a completely different boat. I don't know if the sail dimensions are similar, but if you are going to look for a used sail, don't limit yourself to just Oday boats. The I and P measurements for the Oday 23 Mk II are I = 28.0' and P = 23.5'. If you get something close in good shape, a sailmaker can modify it for size and roller furling for a lot less than the cost of a new sail.

Good Luck.

 

[ebsail]

We bought our jib online for our Oday 25 and it was a good value except that the sheet lead was not correct for our boat. We rigged something to correct the lead and we've used the sail now for two years and are satisfied. Then last year we had a new main made for our boat specifically by our local sail loft (Z Sails in Stamford) and wow, it made a huge difference in the way the boat sails. Remember, the boat's engine is its sails, and I think we bought a turbo main. We should have had them make a jib also but now $ are in short supply.

 

[Ready2Sail]

Thank you everyone for your responses.

 

[azguy]

I bought a Rolly Tasker 150 from the Sailwarehouse for my C22 without any issues or problems. They are not cheap, between the foam luff and sunbrella material on the leach it was $895.

I don't think for mass produced boats you need someone measuring and custom fitting a sail IMHO. In fact I just ordered a full batten mainsail from them yesterday...

 

[Ready2Sail]

Rigging

Did everyone get their rigging tuned up while installing new sail? Some of mine needs to be replaced, so will consider replacing all since I don't know how old it is. Did you do it yourself or have it done professionally? If done professionally I guess I should have mast reseated? I have never done anything with rigging and I know it is another big expense. Any advice is appreciated. Thanks!

 

[Pianobob]

Talk to Rudy at D&R Marine. He has the standing rigging for your boat. It might not be as expensive as you think.

 

[Ziradog]

Just curious, what furling gear are you guys using? Thinking of switching my 23-2 over. CDI seems to be the most popular, but I was wondering if this was just because of the lower price, and if it works ok?

 

[azguy]

I have a CDI, it works great....

 

[HukilauMike]

I have the CDI as well. It has its pros and cons. As you mention, it is certainly the least expensive, and its design eliminates the possibility of halyard wrap. That being said, I can see how it is less robust than other designs. And because the internal halyard is less convenient to adjust, I sometimes wind up making due with a halyard tension that is less than ideal. All that being said, I've never had a substantial problem with the unit in over ten years.

 

[Brian S]

I had a sailmaker who specializes in trailer able sailboats recommend the Schaefer Snap-Furl system over the CDI. Said they think it works better.

That being said, I know many people who are quite happy with CDI.

Just curious, what furling gear are you guys using? Thinking of switching my 23-2 over. CDI seems to be the most popular, but I was wondering if this was just because of the lower price, and if it works ok?