Our 82 Hunter 22 still has what I beleive to be the orignal sails. If I can only afford to replace one at a time , which should I repace first? They both seem to be in about the same condition. Might look at used. Thanks
- Status
Definitely main.
Main. Definitely main. That's the more powerful part of the engine. Also, get the best sail you can afford. 2 reefs. Sail slugs. Full battens. Don't skimp on your sails! And after you've forked out $500-$750+ for your new main, take good care of it! My 2¢.
Main. Definitely main. That's the more powerful part of the engine. Also, get the best sail you can afford. 2 reefs. Sail slugs. Full battens. Don't skimp on your sails! And after you've forked out $500-$750+ for your new main, take good care of it! My 2¢.
I would say Jib
But thats just me, Alot of times I'll just sail with my genoa on my h27. Its nice for leisurely days or heavier wind. Good luck thats just my opinon. Also there are so used jibs in the gear ads for sale, for some 22 and 23 ft boats, They might fit its worth looking into.
But thats just me, Alot of times I'll just sail with my genoa on my h27. Its nice for leisurely days or heavier wind. Good luck thats just my opinon. Also there are so used jibs in the gear ads for sale, for some 22 and 23 ft boats, They might fit its worth looking into.
Depends on lots of things
On a fractional rig, the main is in fact a bigger sail, but it is a less efficient sail (no matter what type of rig) than a jib/genoa. So one shouldn't discount the effect of the jib. A new jib will likely improve pointing ability and performance whereas a new main would have a significantly lesser effect on pointing ability. There are many problems with worn sails, but a common problem is excessive stretch under strong wind conditions. In fact an "old" sail may be too powerful in strong wind conditions. This is where you want your new sail to be flatter (and twisted). I sail a 24' boat with a fractional bendy rig. I can flatten a worn out main more easily that a worn out genoa by having the lowers and jumpers adjusted appropriatly and by adjusting my backstay as often as my mainsheet when sailing in windy conditions. It's very hard to flatten out a baggy stretched genoa. In fact, I faced the extact same decision for this boat a few years ago, and chose a genoa first, and then a main the next year. It depends on lots of things, we race and pointing well is critical, but that may not be as important for you. A jib/genoa experiences much more abuse with each tack than a main, and they tend to wear out fast too! I suggest you talk to your local sailmaker about the type of boat and the type of sailing you do, and they will probably have the best advice. Chris
On a fractional rig, the main is in fact a bigger sail, but it is a less efficient sail (no matter what type of rig) than a jib/genoa. So one shouldn't discount the effect of the jib. A new jib will likely improve pointing ability and performance whereas a new main would have a significantly lesser effect on pointing ability. There are many problems with worn sails, but a common problem is excessive stretch under strong wind conditions. In fact an "old" sail may be too powerful in strong wind conditions. This is where you want your new sail to be flatter (and twisted). I sail a 24' boat with a fractional bendy rig. I can flatten a worn out main more easily that a worn out genoa by having the lowers and jumpers adjusted appropriatly and by adjusting my backstay as often as my mainsheet when sailing in windy conditions. It's very hard to flatten out a baggy stretched genoa. In fact, I faced the extact same decision for this boat a few years ago, and chose a genoa first, and then a main the next year. It depends on lots of things, we race and pointing well is critical, but that may not be as important for you. A jib/genoa experiences much more abuse with each tack than a main, and they tend to wear out fast too! I suggest you talk to your local sailmaker about the type of boat and the type of sailing you do, and they will probably have the best advice. Chris
New head sail
The head sail on the Hunter 22 developes more power than the main. Fly your main loos footed (ie- use the end slugs only). This alowes you to flaten the main more than if is is in the slug track. If you sail in strong winds 15 to 25 MPH, like I do, you might use only your main. If this is the case, buy a new main first. I sail in Kansas on a Hunter 22.
The head sail on the Hunter 22 developes more power than the main. Fly your main loos footed (ie- use the end slugs only). This alowes you to flaten the main more than if is is in the slug track. If you sail in strong winds 15 to 25 MPH, like I do, you might use only your main. If this is the case, buy a new main first. I sail in Kansas on a Hunter 22.
- Status