I am the current caretaker of a '68 Cal 34. Early this fall we finally blew out our 155% Genoa. Seeing as we are financially challenged as many of you (but rich in family) I was wondering what experiences any of you folks have had with purchasing used sails off the internet/sail lofts in advertisements in the back of cruising mags. We are in the Great Lakes region and realistically sail only about half the year – and weekends at that - if we’re lucky, so at my age (mid 40's) a new sail would probably last me the rest of my life. But with needing to put two kids thru college, I'd sure rather part with a few hundred dollars than over a fifteen hundred. Any advice or experience with this or certain “middle men” would be greatly appreciated. Thanks in advance and here’s to small boats on big water.
Reconditioned/Used sails
- Thread starter Josiedawg
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I have never puchased used sails. I would think that they have done thier usful life, so it may be a waste of money. The sail makers sometimes have new ones that they made mistake when they made them for an other boat. This you can buy new at a substantial savings. I hope that helps.
I live close to Baconsails.com in Annapolis, and I've been in the store a number of times when they take in a sail for consignment. They have a long table they stretch the sail out on, and examine every seam and evaluate it from poor to like-new condition. There are some they turn down because the sail is totally useless unless you're covering firewood with it. I suggest you go on line, put in your size, and see what they have in stock. I believe they still have a ten-day period to return it if you are not satisfied.
What are your dimensions? I have a bunch of older gennys I'm no longer using that are still serviceable...
The dim's off the sail locker sheet are as follows:
39' luff 22'-2" foot 37'-1" leech 402 s.f. LP 20.62.
However the sail is currently at the loft. I was going to pick it back up this week and get actual dim's from the current sail I want to replace. It's on a Harken roller, so I believe this would take a #6 tape. Correct me if I'm wrong.
39' luff 22'-2" foot 37'-1" leech 402 s.f. LP 20.62.
However the sail is currently at the loft. I was going to pick it back up this week and get actual dim's from the current sail I want to replace. It's on a Harken roller, so I believe this would take a #6 tape. Correct me if I'm wrong.
http://www.minneysyachtsurplus.com/
This company like most of the reputable ones have graded sails so you are aware of what you are getting. They also describe what is wrong with each sail.
This company like most of the reputable ones have graded sails so you are aware of what you are getting. They also describe what is wrong with each sail.
I have been happy with Porpoise Sails
Accurate descriptions and good fit. Bought 2 sails, years apart.
My used sails are only good for covering firewood!
http://www.porpoisesailing.com/?gclid=CI3fm924xJ0CFRPyDAodLmP8sg
Accurate descriptions and good fit. Bought 2 sails, years apart.
My used sails are only good for covering firewood!
Bacon's Annapolis
I highly recommend Bacon Sails in Annapolis; check them out online.
I bought a 155% Genoa for our 28.5 several years ago in like new condition for $500.00. It was, as advertised. in like new condition and would have cost $1500 new at that time.
I highly recommend Bacon Sails in Annapolis; check them out online.
I bought a 155% Genoa for our 28.5 several years ago in like new condition for $500.00. It was, as advertised. in like new condition and would have cost $1500 new at that time.
I, too, have bought a number of used sails from Bacons in Annapolis over the years and have been quite happy with them. I believe that Bacons underrates their used sails, i.e., they are really in better shape than the rating would imply -- in many cases. While I think some used sails are good deals, not all are. I would suggest only buying from a broker than permits the return of the sail -- for any reason -- within a short time (usually two weeks) after purchase.
Thanks for all the great input folks. I'll let you know what transpires. Again, seeing as we sail only half a year, and weekends at that, a new sail would probably outlast me. I dont' want to "throw good money after bad" which might be the case in fixing my curring headsail, but I could sure the extra money from a new headsail in other areas right now. Thanks again for the responces and your insight. I appreciate it.
We have a pretty good race program on about 50% used sails as there is a lot of stuff out there that fits a C&C 35 I
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