Used Sails

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Cpt. Jon

Cpt. Jon

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Dec 9, 2008
426
1980 Hunter 30 "Denali" Seaford, VA
Hello,

I've been contemplating replacing my 30 year old original main sail recently (well since I bought it) but money is pretty tight right now. It's bagged out, could probably use some repair, it's soiled, and when I was putting the cover on the other day it seems that one of the slides came off. So I am considering purchasing a used sail for the time being. Have many of you purchased used sails? One site gave me these dimensions for my boat, I assume they are accurate, but not 100% sure.

Hunter 30 1980 I-40.5, J-12.83, P-34.08, E-11.42

So I am wondering if some of you have sites that you reccomend for purchasing a used sail, I know I can google search and I have, but there seems to be a lot to weed through and I would really like a site that had a picture of the sail posted.

What are some general guidelines for the sail size regarding the luff and foot etc? Is it rule of thumb not to exceed the dimensions above? How do you ensure that the slides on the sail are the right ones etc?

Thanks in advance!
 
George H260

George H260

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Aug 11, 2006
1,446
Hunter H260 Traverse City
This is a repeat of a recent thread:

Sails
Reconditioning your sails
If your main is the original it's probably blown out. If the fabric is OK, it might be able to be reconditioned. Before you buy new sails have them evaluated by Sail Care. Worst case they'll say it is not worth reconditioning and you'll be out the mailing costs. I've read some very good things about Sail Care 800-433-7245 http://www.sailcare.com/ but have not used them myself. This is what I'd do.​

New & Used Sails
If SailCare can't recondition yours you can get a price on a new one. If they have your old one it will be easier to match it to your requirements. It's important that the actual luff, leech and foot measurements be available when shopping for sails - Don't rely on the I, J, P & E measurements listed in Hunter's literature.​

Then check a other few companies that sell sails as a basis of comparison with Sail Care.​

Practical Sailor did a review of sail retailers in March 2005 and listed these companies as being good sources. Once you have the Luff, Leech and Foot measurements call a couple of these companies for prices so you can compare against the Sail Care price. Many of the companies have used sails available.

Sail Exchange 800-628-8152 http://www.sailexchange.com
National Sail Supply 239.693.1896 http://www.nationalsail.com
Cruising Direct 888.424.7388 http://www.cruisingdirect.com
Far East Sails 206.339.3618 http://www.fareastsails.com
The Sail Warehouse 831.646.5346 http://www.thesailwarehouse.com
Air Force Sails 877.237.2457 http://www.airforcesails.com​

National Sail Supply got the nod from Practical Sailor for offering the best price and by far the most attentive responses. As far as used sails go, PS gave the nod to the Sail Exchange. Reminder: this data is from a 2005 PS article.​


A recent discussion on sail vendors on hunterowners.com indicates Atlantic Sail Traders got very high marks from former customers.​
 
L

larryw

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Jun 9, 2004
395
Beneteau OC400 Long Beach, CA
I think I'd have the sail I have refurbished; recut, cleaned, stitched, etc.
 
T

Tom Monroe

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May 25, 2004
99
Catalina 27 Carlyle Lake
Most of us have experienced "money being tight." A few years ago, I shreaded my last good headsail, and ended up paying a couple hundred dollars for a used one that still has a useful place on the boat.

That said, I'd at least look at the price for a new one from National Sail Supply. I just bought a new main from them for about $750 (for a C27 tall rig, so about the size of yours). Really nice sail, and from my point of view, worth the additional cost.

Tom
 
Ron20324

Ron20324

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Jan 22, 2008
8,050
Beneteau 323 Annapolis MD
Baconsails.com in Annapolis. I doubt a picture could tell you a whole lot, but I've been in Bacon's when they lay out and rate the sails. They are pretty accurate and honest.
 
Warren Milberg

Warren Milberg

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Dec 1, 1999
2,391
Hunter 28.5 Chesapeake Bay
I, too, have bought used sails from Bacons in Annapolis (www.baconsails.com). I believe they underrate their sails, i.e., they are in better condition than their rating would imply. I have never been disappointed with their sails. As with any used sail, you've got to be sure of your measurements and you've got to be able to return the sail if you don't like it or it doesn't fit. Bacons is good about that giving you two weeks to return it (in the same condition you bought it). However, you are not that far from Annapolis and it is always better to personally inspect a used sail. As others have said, never rely on factory sailplans/specs when buying a sail -- new or used. Measure your boat yourself. It only takes a few minutes. Do not measure your old sail and assume a newer one will fit, especially if you have any mastbend, a bimini to clear, or other peculiarities.

If you main is a 30 yr old OEM sail, I seriously doubt that Sailcare's treatment will do you much good. That is a very old sail and probably pretty out of shape. I think you would be far better off to put the money you would spend on refurbishing this sail on a newer one. While I like and use Sailcare, their process has its limits. The best they may do is produce a cleaner sail that is badly out of shape. I think you know it's time for a newer main....
 
Cpt. Jon

Cpt. Jon

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Dec 9, 2008
426
1980 Hunter 30 "Denali" Seaford, VA
Thanks for input you guys!

I did send a message to sailcare detailing my sails issues to see what type of response I get.

I have looked at bacons and their site seems alright, maybe I'd make a trip up there, though return shipping on something I'm not happy with would probably be a cheaper than driving up there and back.

I will check those other links that you sent as well when I have some real measurements I guess. Thanks for pointing out that I shouldn't rely on the manufactures measurements or the old sails measurements.

I do have some questions about how to take the measurements, any tricks like trying to use the halyard to measure the luff or do I end up having to go up the mast? Where am I measuring to for the luff and foot? How do I know what my leach should be? What about roach?

Thanks again!

Jon
 
L

luvitt

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Oct 30, 2008
297
na na na
YUP, Bacon & Associates in Annapolis MD. I used to live there and bought from them for a little 22'. good prices, good place. visit sometime if u r in the area, awesome shop. there website rocks.
 
I

Ian4781

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Feb 19, 2008
42
pearson 26 Pearson 26 Knowlton.
Take a look at FX sails ,they are having a summer sail on now.I bought a new main from them and loved it,and the service was top,top notch.
 
higgs

higgs

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Aug 24, 2005
3,736
Nassau 34 Olcott, NY
An important thing to remember: You cannot make a silk purse out of a sow's ear.
 
Warren Milberg

Warren Milberg

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Dec 1, 1999
2,391
Hunter 28.5 Chesapeake Bay
Jon:

Take a look at North Sails Direct and download their mainsail measurement form and instructions (or any other name brand loft). While they say to hoist a tape measure, it's hard to find one long enough. I use a longish piece of light line (pulled tight to eliminate stretch) and then measure that. See: http://www.northsailsdirect.net/SailMeasurement.htm
 
B

bffatcat

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Jun 8, 2004
853
Pearson 26W Marblehead
30 year old main sail ???

call around to some of the dealers, Bacon, Minney ect: You might be able to pick up a good used main for $300-400 depending on condition. Or you can order a new main from Dirk at National Sail Supply in FL he`s the agent for rolly tasker sails in Bangcok Thats what I did 2
years ago. Excellent sails, Excellent service, and good prices I wouldnt put any money into a 30 year old blown out mainsail
 
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