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Original Sail Posting Update - Leech Line

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OLarryR
Master Marine Consultant

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USA
3466 Posts

Initially Posted - 01/08/2006 : 20:38:41

I went out today for a sail. Weather was in the 40s with light wind. Figured I would give the leech line a look and tighten it a bit based on one of a number of suggestions made in response to my earlier topic on sailing with original sails and having some flapping of the tail edge of the main sail. Here's the update:

Leech line ? There isn't any leech line ! Looking over past responses - Eric mentioned about putting a leech line into the sail if the sail did not have a leech line. That's after getting the old sail assessed at a sailmaker to see if it was worth doing.

Larry

Larry
'89 Robin's Nest#5820, Potomac River/Quantico, Va
http://catalina25.homestead.com/olarryr.html

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Champipple
Master Marine Consultant

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USA
6855 Posts

Response Posted - 01/08/2006 : 21:18:05

After adding a leech line and other basic repairs, your going to be looking at a price that isn't going to be worth it. A new main runs in the 5-6 boat unit (500-700) dollar range. Jib in the (150%) is in the 500's.

If the sail was an original, even if you had a leech line to tighten, it probably wouldn't do anything for you. After 20 or so years (actually much sooner) the sail gets blown out, stretched, worn, pulled etc.

Duane

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OLarryR
Master Marine Consultant

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USA
3466 Posts

Response Posted - 01/09/2006 : 20:44:40

I will probably replace it but will live with it for awhile longer. I have a few other things to work on first. If it really bugs me during this Spring, then I will consider the replacement option.

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eric.werkowitz
Captain

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USA
283 Posts

Response Posted - 01/09/2006 : 22:31:48

Larry,

My experience suggests that not all 20 year old sails are equal. My boat would no doubt sail better with new ones, but my addition of a leech line for what I believe was about $75 (couldn't find the receipt) was well worth the investment. A good sail loft could assess the sail for you before doing any work.

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Steve Milby
Past Commodore

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USA
5902 Posts

Response Posted - 01/10/2006 : 07:33:22

If you'll look at the leech line on any sail, you'll see that it isn't really very high-tech. It's a fairly simple device. If you think the sail isn't worth the cost of having a leech line added to it, you might consider buying a little sailcloth and a sail cleat, and sew them on yourself. The pocket on my old mainsail ripped out, so I sewed a new pocket along the leech, and it worked fine. If the value of the sail is fairly depleted, you don't have much to lose. It might make the sail serve you another few years, and you will certainly learn a little about repairing sails in the process.

One suggestion: If you install a new leech line cleat, don't try to stitch it on through many layers of sailcloth with a needle. Tape the cleat in place, and then use an electric drill to drill a hole through the tough sailcloth, and then sew it on with a needle and thread.

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OLarryR
Master Marine Consultant

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USA
3466 Posts

Response Posted - 01/10/2006 : 18:48:57

The sails do not look bad. They actually look pretty good. It is just the tail edge flapping that bugs me. $75 does not sound so bad ! Maybe taking it to a sailmaker would be a good experience for me. Have not been to one in a real long time and well...if they take a look at the sail and start laughing...I guess I then should consider a new one.

I recall a leech line from sometime in my past. I believe my 1980 ODay 23 had a leech line on the sail. I never used it but recall it. That was a new boat and obviously new sails. Had it from 1980-1985 and sold it same week I sold my house on Long Island and moved to Northern Virginia.

Weather predicted to be excellent this Thursday. I think it's going to make another run for close to 60F. I may go out for a late afternoon/early evening sail. With weather like we have had this past week, hard to decide when to take the main sail off for a sailmaker's assessment ! Well...plenty of winter left. I know I will get my chance...soon.

Larry

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Champipple
Master Marine Consultant

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USA
6855 Posts

Response Posted - 01/10/2006 : 19:19:09

If they look that good, then I'd go ahead and do it. You can get parts and supplies to do it the way Steve mentioned at Sail Rite.com (they are on our links page, but unaffiliated)

Or you can check with any of the sail lofts out your way.

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