Purchasing a new foresail

[Fred Mueller]

I need to purchase a new foresail for my Catalina 320, cruising (no racing) in the Cheasapeake. I would like some help in understanding the considerations:130% vs 150%?Material?Weight?Recommended sources?Thanks for your help!

 

[bill]

A rookie opinion

Sure there are more experienced voices that will chime in, but I'll offer some thoughts on our limited experience this summer on the Chesapeake.We have an older, full keel boat (Alberg 30) that came to us with a 150 on the roller furler. It's a big sail--and in the lighter winds during the summer here, it appeared well suited to the boat, though in gusts I occasionally felt it overpowered the boat--not ruling out the skipper's experience as a factor here.We had a 130 that we converted for the furler and just put it on--with winds now picking up a bit, I find the 130 more comfortable for me to handle, though the boat doesn't move quite as crisply. Even with some pretty good gusts though, she felt much more in control to me.FWIW...Bill

 

[Kevin]

2nd rookie opinion

Fred, I have had a 27 footer for a couple of years and it came with a 150 (North 6.5 oz.) on a furler. Like Bill, when the winds are light I'm glad I have it. But here are a couple of things I would look at if buying new. Mine has a Sunbrella UV cover which adds weight and affects performance when the winds are very light. I'd ask about lighter alternatives.In all but the lightest wind when sailing close hauled the 150 backwinds parts of the main and I have to reef the 150 a couple of feet. Perhaps your C32 has a wider slot and this won't be a factor. In my case if buying new I'd seriously think about a 130-135, but I wouldn't want the sailcloth to be any heavier than my current 150 since summer winds are often light.Kevin

 

[Allen Schweitzer]

I went with 150%

Fred,I replaced my genny a few years ago & I went with the 150% with sea-foam in the luff so I can roller-reef it down to about a 130. I also went with a dacron UV protector. It's light, it adds to the strengh of the sail & will therefore improve performance. It will need to be replaced more often than a sunbrella protector, but I felt it was worth it.The sail I bought was the Doyle Quick Silver bi-radial headsail. I liked it because it can be re-stitched if it stretches over time and it's cut specifically to hold it's shape better while reefed. For my C-30 it cost me about $1600 and the materials and craftsmanship was top-notch. I'm sure there's a doyle loft near you, if you're interested.Check out the related link.Good Luck!!Allen Schweitzers/v FalstaffC-30 Hull# 632