Time for a new Main Sail

[H33CRich]

I am about to fork out some dough on a new mainsail. The current main ripped during a hoist this year and was repaired. I believe it is an original; 30 years old.

I went to the boat show and got quotes from most of the sail lofts and they all came in at 1900-2400 with the exception of RolleyTasker who came in at 1450 (Show Price). All with the same setup basically; 2 reefs, 4 full battens, cross cut except North; they came in at the high end of this range for a NorDac Radian Radial cut. North's cross cut variation was on the low end of this range.

My marina does business with Eggers Sail Loft in South Amboy, NJ and they came in at the high end of this range for a crosscut sail. My question is; is the radial cut from North worth ticking off my marina manager? Is it that much better? North is great with their technology and I liked the sails rep who in the local sale loft (Manasquan, NJ).

I race maybe 6 times a year. It is not my focus, but I do like performance

 

[Jackdaw]

Man, if you use your sails for 30 years, buy the best you can!

The radial norlams are North's attempt to use high-bias dacron effectively. By creating high-aspect (long and narrow) panels, they align the low-stretch side of the cloth against the primary pull from the corners of the sail.

Its better and should hold its shape better over time.

If your local North guy is willing to come and measure your rig and then fit the sail, then that is worth any savings you might get from sending your rig measurements to china and crossing your fingers.

 

[FastOlson]

Unsolicited Advice...........

We are on our third main (2 different boats) with the more "modern" (well, since the mid-80's) "2 + 2" batten setup. That is, there are two full-length at the top, and two longer-than-average battens on the lower half. This gets rid of 90% of the shake when luffing, and the sail is still easy to hoist and drop.
Remember that if you go with all-full-battens, the friction goes up a lot. This often leads to buying a Strong Track system and changing slugs ($$$), which solves the problem. But then, you are paying to solve a problem you paid to create.
Yikes.


A good well-designed dacron sail should do you fine for many years.
Never be afraid to get a quote and good explanation of the basis for that quote from Any sailmaker, whether North, UK, or Lee, or whoever.

They will all explain why theirs is worth what they charge... and be just as attentive to the explanation from the lowest bidder as you are from the high bidder. (Often it's best to get four or five bids, throw out the lowest and highest, and then ask for further explanation from the remaining ones.)

Regards,
L

 

[Dave Groshong]

We offer quality Doyle sails, 2 reefs, 2 partial and 2 full batten, cunningham, $1600:

http://shop.hunterowners.com/sails-doyle/detail-main.htm?cart=13497330083683161&next=5

I agree with FastOlson, 4 full battens really should have a Tide's Strong batten system, adding about $900.

 

[H33CRich]

We offer quality Doyle sails, 2 reefs, 2 partial and 2 full batten, cunningham, $1600:

http://shop.hunterowners.com/sails-doyle/detail-main.htm?cart=13497330083683161&next=5

I agree with FastOlson, 4 full battens really should have a Tide's Strong batten system, adding about $900.

Where is the sail made? IN a US onshore loft or offshore? What is the sailcloth and weight? What kind of service is provided?

 

[H33CRich]

...
Remember that if you go with all-full-battens, the friction goes up a lot. This often leads to buying a Strong Track system and changing slugs ($$$), which solves the problem...
Regards,
L

I have the 2+2 on my Tanzer (made by Kelly of CT for a Catilina 25) and like the performance somewhat but it is a little more challenging (not altogether bad) hoisting/dropping.

As for Strong Track, I was installing the Strong Track anyway, installed by my marina owner and rigger... Might as well do the 4 full.

 

[rlrmystic]

I just about fell off my chair when my sail guy quoted 3700. For the same Doyle $1800... His argument was the radius cut

 

[Jared1048]

I just got a new Doyle sail made with the challange marblehead high aspect dacron (7.77oz) 4 full battens and I LOVE IT! It is about 40% harder to pull up though but well worth it.