Thanks for the feedback. It is a hank-on sail. The two sails that I mentioned are the two head sails from the original design. So, it sounds like you are recommending the working jib (90%)?Is it a roller furler or Hank on? If it is roller, I would go with a larger genoa and sail with the option of reefing down. If it is a Hank, and I could only buy 1 sail I would probably go with a 100 or 110.
As a side note, I would weigh heavily what material and durability of sails within my pricerange, and I would choose the best out of all 3 criteria. Buy a cheap sail and you may only get a few seasons out of it, not to mention size doesn't always get you the speed you desire.
Look in the owners manual to see what they came stock with. The engineers that designed it probably had a standard sail or two they recommended.
Long Beach, Mississippi. So, I will usually be day-sailing and over-nighting in the Gulf of Mexico around the barrier islands.It depends a lot on where you are sailing. For Long Beach, if you mean California, I'd stick with a 110 or even a 100 since 20 knot winds are common. If you are thinking elsewhere and want a tad more area, think a 130.
BTW, don't forget to check with Minney's Marine Surplus in Newport. They sometimes have new or near-new sails that might fit at a large savings.
If you absolutely can't both right now, I am going to recommend getting a GOOD 90 to 100% working jib first:My question is, should I buy a working jib (90 %) or a genoa (150%)?
So, how long have you been using this furler and how has it held up? Sounds like a great idea. Thanks for the suggestion.The o'day and compac forums here on SBO are full of posting and articles on how to build one, as well as many sites if you google. Sorry, but I can't search for some of the postings right now from where I am at.
I can also dig out some of the pics of how I built mine... But basically it's sections of 3/4 or 1" PVC glued together in sections that match the length between eyelets on your sail. The sail is attached to the PVC couplers. At the bottom you build a drum for the furling line. The forstay is passed down through the PVC and reattached as normal. Pull the jib sheets to let out the sail, and the drum picks up the drum winding line. To furl it back up, pull the furling line.
I just wanted to take a moment and say "Thanks". I got a lot of excellent suggestions and recommendations. I really like the homemade roller furler, but it looks like a 90 - 100% hank-on is going to be the winner for now. I found one that I can get for a good price through a reputable online dealer with a money-back guarantee.I am re-fitting a Balboa 20. It does not have any sails. I am looking into purchasing a suit of sails, but can only afford one head sail right now. My question is, should I buy a working jib (90%) or a genoa (150%)?
Thanks,
Tom