What Sail Material/Construction to choose?

Apex

Apex

.
Jun 19, 2013
1,222
C&C 30 Elk Rapids
I am looking at a new suite of sails for No Worries this winter. I see there has been some recent progress in laminate durability, bringing laminates to cruisers.

We do mainly day sailing, and a couple of fun races, and a few short trips each year. My focus is durability, leaning towards the performance end. I am also looking for value (budget-minded), so usually go for a mid-cost option.


Dacron?
Radial-cut?
load-path?
Polyester Laminate.....etc.???

I have some calls in to local lofts, nationally renowned loft, and a discount loft, so will be having conversations about material and construction. What is YOUR experience, and YOUR preferences?
 
Sailor Sue

Sailor Sue

.
Nov 12, 2009
279
J/ 32 NCYC, Western Lake Erie
Give Richard Wilber at Sobstad - Rocky Road, Ohio - a call. Great customer service, well made sails, and reasonably priced for the quality. He should be able to make recommendations based on your requirements.
 
Sandy Stone

Sandy Stone

.
Jun 2, 2007
404
Beneteau First 375 Slidell, LA
I think I share most of your criteria. When we bought new sails last spring, we ended up with tri-radial construction and high-end Dacron material. So far so good, although I'm sure many here will shudder. Talk to your local sailmaker and see what he recommends.
 
Jackdaw

Jackdaw

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Nov 8, 2010
11,386
Beneteau First 36.7 & 260 Minneapolis MN & Bayfield WI
Sandy Stone said:
I think I share most of your criteria. When we bought new sails last spring, we ended up with tri-radial construction and high-end Dacron material. So far so good, although I'm sure many here will shudder. Talk to your local sailmaker and see what he recommends.
Click to expand
With a good dacron designed to be used in tri-radial construction, that's a great option. Decent shapeholding with great ability to take abuse. Only trade off, the high cost of triradial construction makes is very close to the cost of a laminated triradial. The price difference between my laminated tri-radial and the same sail made of load path dacron was like 15%.
 
Apex

Apex

.
Jun 19, 2013
1,222
C&C 30 Elk Rapids
Jackdaw said:
With a good dacron designed to be used in tri-radial construction, that's a great option. Decent shapeholding with great ability to take abuse. Only trade off, the high cost of triradial construction makes is very close to the cost of a laminated triradial. The price difference between my laminated tri-radial and the same sail made of load path dacron was like 15%.
Click to expand
Spoke to Judy at Hyde Sails along with a couple of other sailmakers. I ended up with the Dacron Tri-Radial. Challenge Warp-Drive 7.11 which in the end is lighter than same construction of the Contender CDX Laminate. It also can handle flogging slightly better and cleans up nicer in case of moisture. Performance is close, perhaps down a % or so, while cost was within $300 for both sails. In the end durability and weight was the deciding factor. 7.11 is an upgrade from the 6.11 also for durability. 1+3 battens, 2 reefs and the list goes on and on. 135% genoa is also on order.
 
Jackdaw

Jackdaw

.
Nov 8, 2010
11,386
Beneteau First 36.7 & 260 Minneapolis MN & Bayfield WI
Apex said:
Spoke to Judy at Hyde Sails along with a couple of other sailmakers. I ended up with the Dacron Tri-Radial. Challenge Warp-Drive 7.11 which in the end is lighter than same construction of the Contender CDX Laminate. It also can handle flogging slightly better and cleans up nicer in case of moisture. Performance is close, perhaps down a % or so, while cost was within $300 for both sails. In the end durability and weight was the deciding factor. 7.11 is an upgrade from the 6.11 also for durability. 1+3 battens, 2 reefs and the list goes on and on. 135% genoa is also on order.
Click to expand
Nice choice!

Pix when you get them. I love the look of new sails.
 
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