So many options - am going to replace the main on my 2003 Hunter 41 to hopefully make furling in and out easier. Very wide difference between North Sails (who will come out and measure) and Precision (won;t measure, but about half the price) Mostly Chesapeake bay and some coastal cruising - no racing - want to head to the bahamas Experience or suggestions ?
Sail Recommendation
- Thread starter spadaforaj
- Start date
You'll be much better off with a loft that comes to your boat to take measurements.
I used North Sail when buying my first sails. Went ok, but even with them measuring, main had to be altered some and jib wasn’t quite what I asked for. I have a traditional main sail.
My buddy has a H33 with a furling main. He went with FX Sails (another mail order outfit). He likes his new sails and other than they forgot to put wear patches for one set of shrouds, are working well.
Greg
My buddy has a H33 with a furling main. He went with FX Sails (another mail order outfit). He likes his new sails and other than they forgot to put wear patches for one set of shrouds, are working well.
Greg
Uhm I think for an in mast furling sail I would have the boat measured. I don't think you would build the same sail for in mast furling as you would build a sail for hoisting. It's possible the sail will be build a bit more flat to accommodate the furling. Also you have to work out the batten system. And there's the issue of roach. Because of the differing battens the roach will be less for the furling. Maybe the mail order house can make those adjustments with ease. But if they get it wrong what will happen? Service can be worth the extra cost. Yes it is expensive. But a sail is a pretty big expense anyway.
In addition when the boat is measured the sail maker may be able to correct, or at least tell you to correct, some of the elements that are cited on this site regularly like the angle of the boom to the mast. I presume a reputable sailmaker isn't going to build a sail that is destined to fail because something is off about the rig.
In addition when the boat is measured the sail maker may be able to correct, or at least tell you to correct, some of the elements that are cited on this site regularly like the angle of the boom to the mast. I presume a reputable sailmaker isn't going to build a sail that is destined to fail because something is off about the rig.
Try some other lofts. I recently got quotes from several, most of whom would come to the boat to measure. North was still the most expensive of all, about 20% more than others. As you’re talking about being in the Chesapeake there’s no shortage of lofts in the Annapolis area. North might be good for some but don’t assume they and Precision are the only games in town.
jssailem
SBO Weather and Forecasting Forum Jim & John
- Oct 22, 2014
- 22,092
In Seattle we are fortunate to have several options. I know that the Precision folk nearby work hard to make a reputable sail. Sails are designed in their shop outside of Victoria BC. Price is attractive. I choose North Sails. With only 120 boats built 50 years ago, like mine, there is not a lot of history. Having an expert on the boat looking at the rig and measuring the sail plan made the process easy and successful.
As others have said, get someone that will come out and measure. It will make or break your experience and how it fits. I went with North Sails and they did an excellent job. Furling main with vertical battens. Took a couple of trips to the boat to get the battens to smoothly go in and out but what a difference it made!