When is it time for a new main sail - Hunter 23'

[carboman]

My sail number is 687, not sure if it's the original. Is this number referenced to the hull ID?

How do you tell if you need a new main? No tears, rips and the stitching looks decent. Seems like it bows out alot even when it is trimmed. I can get a new, full battened main for $700.00. I can get 6.5 knots on a 15-20 knot day.

Thanks!

 

[Jim Kolstoe]

Ok, you've got me puzzled. I own an h23, hull number 687, with that number shown on my sail. (And I still have the original mainsail). I had to pull out a picture I took of the mainsaill underway, to make sure I was still in the right universe. Hull numbers are one of the sources for people to use as sail numbers. For your hull number, look on the starboard side of the transome just under the gunnel - hull numbers are required to be molded in at that location. Another source would be PHRF registration numbers, although I understand those to be 5-digits, not three. There are other sources of sail numbers as well.
If your sail still has good shape and can be flatted as needed to reduce power, its probably still fine. If its bagging out and you just can't seem to flatten it adequately with your outhaul, halyard and cunningham, it may be time for a new sail. Talk with a sailmaker about it.
If you're going 6.5kt, you're exceeding the hull speed. Maybe someone else can post the formula. I think its around 5.7kt based on the waterline length.