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Mainsail Recommendations

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Bob R
Deckhand

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USA
2 Posts

Initially Posted - 06/07/2006 : 20:36:36

The mainsail on my 1985 Std looks like it is giving up the ghost. On my first sail of the season a seam gave way. I've had at least one tear a season fixed for the past three years. So I guess it's time to spring for a new one.
I checked out the pricing at Catalina Direct, Cruising Direct Sails and The Sail Warehouse. I'm also wondering whether it's worth going for the 2+2 Batten with loose foot. Any experience and advice would be much appreciated.

Edited by - on

mfasis
Navigator

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114 Posts

Response Posted - 06/07/2006 : 21:06:17

Bob,

I just bought the Ulman Ofshore full batten loose foot from Catalina Direct and I could not be happier. The price was right and it is so much better than my old sail.

Mark

Edited by - on

dlucier
Master Marine Consultant

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Virgin Islands (United Kingdom)
7583 Posts

Response Posted - 06/07/2006 : 23:13:53

A fellow sailor at my marina just replaced his mainsail on his Starwind 22 using a local loft in Toledo. The sail looked well built, but beyond that, it was just a basic Dacron, nothing fancy about it kind of sail. I was somewhat stunned when he said it set him back $1,700.00.

Compared to that, CD's prices are extremely reasonable.

Edited by - dlucier on 06/07/2006 23:36:26

Trust Me
1st Mate

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USA
71 Posts

Response Posted - 06/08/2006 : 05:35:27

I'm with Mark...Ulman full batten. This sail is built well compared to original.
Ron

Edited by - on

Brooke Willson
Admiral

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USA
983 Posts

Response Posted - 06/08/2006 : 07:21:04

The batten issue is much debated on this forum -- you'll find those discussions in the archives. I believe it depends much on where you sail -- what kind of winds you experience. After much research, I decided that here in the Chesapeake the 2+2 with loose foot made sense. I've been delighted with that choice for the last two years. I ordered mine from Doyle via catalinaowners.com. It's a good sail, but next time I'll use Scott Sails, who made my genoa (local loft, better construction).

I'd recommend you talk to sailors in your area about what works well for them, as well as look for local lofts who can service your sail. Sometimes cheapest isn't the best choice.

Brooke

Edited by - Brooke Willson on 06/08/2006 07:21:38

Bob R
Deckhand

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USA
2 Posts

Response Posted - 06/08/2006 : 07:31:57

<blockquote id="quote">quote:<hr height="1" noshade id="quote">Originally posted by mfasis
 Bob,

I just bought the Ulman Ofshore full batten loose foot from Catalina Direct and I could not be happier. The price was right and it is so much better than my old sail.

Mark
<hr height="1" noshade id="quote"></blockquote id="quote">

Thanks, Was that all full Battens or 2+2. If so why that one versus 2+2? I heard that full battens are sometimes probelmatic in raising or lowering the sails

Edited by - on

Gloss
Master Marine Consultant

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USA
1916 Posts

Response Posted - 06/08/2006 : 07:44:44

Ullman full batten with loose foot rocks.

But only buy this if you want a great sail at a great price

If you buy one, Gary Swenson will build you an anchor riding sail for about 80 bucks (if I remember correctly) if ordered at the same time. This sail really cuts down on anchor swing as our boats seem to like to do.

Edited by - on

Frank Hopper
Past Commodore

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Pitcairn Island
6776 Posts

Response Posted - 06/08/2006 : 12:05:58

Full battens are not problematic on little boats like ours, they are perfect.

Edited by - on

Brooke Willson
Admiral

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USA
983 Posts

Response Posted - 06/08/2006 : 12:42:12

Perfect is relative to where and how you sail. The argument (at least the one I bought, literally and figuratively) here in the Chesapeake is that full battens reduce the draft of the sail. If you sail in a place with lots of light air, the full battens will somewhat restrict the depth of the sail when you ease the clew outhaul. After all, that's what battens do - they make the sail stiffer. So, here in the Chesapeake where there are too many light air days, having full battens at the head of the sail, where the wind is stronger, works well, but having partial battens at the bottom allows one to deepen the draft more. All of life (and sailing is life -- everything else is just details) is a compromise, and the 2 + 2 compromise works well here.

I have a hunch that full battens are perfect for SF Bay, or maybe even Cheney Lake if the winds are as big as Frank says they are. That's why I suggested you see what other sailors in your area are using and why, and why a local sail loft can be an advantage even if a little more expensive.

Whatever you decide, Bob, I'm sure you'll be pleased just because of the difference a new stiff sail makes.

And, yes, I have found that the full battens require me to be dead into the wind to raise and lower sails. The full batten puts more pressure on the sail slide. That's why bigger boats with full battens need ball bearing batcars to get the sail up and down.

Brooke

Edited by - Brooke Willson on 06/08/2006 12:56:58

Frank Hopper
Past Commodore

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Pitcairn Island
6776 Posts

Response Posted - 06/08/2006 : 15:13:12

One of the best things about full battens is that you can tension them to form what ever pocket you want. Granted no one will do the every time they sail but a light air region would benefit from tight pre-bent battens to support the pocket. I have never had any issues withy slugs and pressures and I raise and lower my main on all points of sail. I do think you loose some of the trim responsiveness with full battens because you do have to tension them while the sail is down. I think 2+2 is a wonderful sail design and they probably do not hang up on the backstay as often.

Edited by - on

ajski1000
1st Mate

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USA
52 Posts

Response Posted - 06/08/2006 : 21:16:07

HI,

I just purchased a new Main from Cruising Direct. 2+2 full, cant make all 4 but I would have liked, I also went with the loose foot.

Service has been Great, Would highly recommend it and the price is righ too!

Call Sven Rand Tell him I recommend you :)

Edited by - on

Champipple
Master Marine Consultant

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USA
6855 Posts

Response Posted - 06/08/2006 : 21:29:27

I sail with a two plus two - it works great with the lake erie light breezes you can get in july and august. Full battens would kill the draft. I'm also a loose foot.

If you Call Sven Rand or Dan Calore at CD - Be sure to thank them for sponsoring our nationals with a 110% jib.

Duane

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