Used sails

[butchrobbins]

How hard is it to find used sails? Can u find them for a specific model boat or have to have them modified?

My headsail on my Catalina 310 came partially unwound from the roller fuller and ripped off the leading edge in the winds last night. I'm going to take it down and get it to a loft Wed or Thurs. to see if it can be repaired.

Any good references on replacing sails would be good.

 

[sailingdog]

If it is a common boat, like your Catalina 310, you should be able to get sails from some of the bigger discount sail lofts fairly easily. Maine Sail has a source that he recommends for catalina sails, but I don't recall what it is off the top of my head.

 

[richk]

http://www.baconsails.com/

 

[Warren Milberg]

There are lots of reputable used sail brokers, like Bacons, Minneys, Atlantic Sail Traders, Sail Wharehouse, etc. Ove the years, I've bought used sails from Bacons, and online at eBay. I've always been satisfied. In all cases, you must know your exact measurements and you want the option of being able to return the sail for any reason and get a full refund in a reasonable amount of time after purchase -- and it's in the same condition you bought it. Usually it's 2 weeks. IMHO, it hardly ever pays to recut a used sail. Get the right one to start with.

 

[COOL]

Mainsails and Roller Furling headsails are the two
types of sails that are generally the most difficult
to find used, in funcional condition. Most people only
replace these sails when they have exceeded their
sevicable lifespan.
Fortunately the rig dimensions on a 310 are
simiilar to many other boats so you may
be in luck.
Atlantic Sail Traders would be a good place to start.

 

[TropicalPengy]

I am origionally from charleston, not too far from where you are now, there are several sail lofts, and surplus stores there that would carry a suitable headsail for you. or repair the one you have, used sails can sometimes be a blessing in desguise as you will have the option of going with heavier or lighter materials at fraction ofnew cost, can get 3 sails for prie of one usually..

 

[TropicalPengy]

you may also want to try savannah about same distance south

 

[Ron20324]

I was just at Bacon's this afternoon as they were laying out a customer's sail for evaluation. One employee asked if that was a new sail, but no, it was one a customer brought in for consignment. Yes, it looked brand new. Someone will get a good buy. I've been in their "back room" where the sails are stored. It looks like that govenrment warehouse at the end of Raiders of the Loast Ark.

 

[higgs]

I have had good luck with the Sail Warehouse. Bacon has a good reputation, too. Thew Bacon site will give you the measurements for your boat and will allow you to search their stock.

 

[Warren Milberg]

Having bought a few used sails from Bacons over the years, I believe that they underrate their used sails (they also sell new sails). That is, the sails are in better condition than the ratings they give them. They will also take a sail back within 2 weeks if you don't like it or it doesn't fit. They tend to have such a huge inventory because many Annapolis area sailors/racers buy a lot of new sails frequently -- so we get to benefit by buying their often-times slightly used sails.

 

[seanshine]

I've also had outstanding service from the Sail Warehouse. My full battened main and stout 130% are excellant and far better workmanship than I had anticipated. I'm not too sure I spend any time or money on used sails. Sailing is too important, afterall the sails are your engine......

 

[Mike1956]

I haven't purchased used sails, other than those which came with the boats I've bought. I did buy new sails though. I would like to give some advice to all who use roller furling headsails. Whenever I put the boat in the slip, I wrap a short piece of line around the furled sail about 4 or 5 times, then tie it in a square knot as insurance against the sail unfurling, exactly what happened to butchrobbins. I only sail on a Catalina 22, but my genoa cost $600, not to forget that you don't just pop in the corner store to buy a replacement sail. Your whole sailing season could be ruined by such a mishap.