Used Sails

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Roger

Well, it's time for a change in mains. My Cat 30 is a std rig, '84 with a need for a new main. Since I'm not racing or cruising I thought I'd try a used sail. Does anybody have a recommendation for one of the used sail lofts?
 
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Tim S.

Buyer Beware! Remember, a used sail is just that. The previous owner got rid of it for a reason. While there are some decent sails to be had, there are some thing you should be aware of. With Mains, unless it comes from a similar boat, the sail may need some rework to get it to fit your boat. The slides on both the luff and foot may need to be changed out, the sail may be to short on the foot and luff, leaving you with less sail area. On the converse, if you need to have it cut down, there is another expense. Also, the reefs may not line up with your reef blocks, if yours are mounted on the side of the boom. And last, you will still have a used sail, which may not last as long as you hope. If you are expecting to keep your boat for awhile, check out the Doyle sails in the chandlery on this site. Even if you plan to sell the boat in a couple years, a newer sail will help the resale.
 
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LaDonna Bubak - CatalinaOwners.com

Minney's

Minney's website has a pretty good selection of used sails. I'd definitely look for ones that were made for a C30 - makes it that much easier to fit. Tim's points are completely legitimate but keep in mind that lots of racers trade out their "older" sails for new ones frequently and I know for myself the old ones would be terrific! Of course if I could afford new sails... ;-) LaDonna
 
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Rhet

Buy a new sail

Sails are a wear-out item on a boat just like a fan belt and bottom paint. A main seems to be to be a work horse sail. I fly it always, even when motoring sometimes. I'd spring for the new main and cut back somewhere else.
 
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Mike

I got a used main for my C-27 in "very good" condition from Bacon & Associates in Annapolis. They do business all over the world and are very reputable. If you call them, and tell them what you are looking for (include sail dimensions) they will fax you a list. I paid around $275 a few years back and would do it again. It had a lot of extras including 2 full battens, extra reefing points, and the cloth was still pretty stiff; and it performs great. I tried to find a used roller furling genoa but didn't have any luck. I also sold my old original 20-yr-old main on the internet for $150. Most used sail lofts that I have seen give you a couple of weeks to examine it and see if it fits. I would try it! If you can't find one for a C-30 you can spring for a new one. Good Luck!
 
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Michael Hagerman

Used Cat 30 Mainsail

Check out the sails in the "Gear Here" Forum (including mine with the same title). It's from my '77 Cat 30 though it's not "original equipment."
 
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Jim Nixon

1 better

I just bought a new main sail for my 1979 Catalina 30. I went to Ulman sails and ask them why I should I buy a sail from them instead of the sail warehouse. I was pleasantly surpised after evaluating my sailing the sail warehouse sail would be OK and that they would sell it to me and inspect it to insure proper manufacture. Good Luck
 
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henry Weber

Can you trust a used sail

Roger, 6 mo. ago I bought a 110% used headsail from Bacon's in Annapolis. I have been more than satisfied with the sail performance and condition. The price was also ok -- $350. There were no surprises and the service was top notch. Check out website -- inventory is online. http://www.baconsails.com/. Good luck. Henry
 
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