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 Catalina 250 Specific Forum
 luff tape & sail material		  New Topic  Topic Locked
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Navy1
Navigator

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USA
126 Posts
Initially Posted - 02/25/2009 :  21:03:32  Show Profile
I have a chance to buy a furling headsail with the right dimensions for my 2004 250WB. But the owner says the luff tape is #6 and my furler calls for #5 luff tape. Can I use the sail with the #6 luff tape in my furler? And if not, does anybody know what it would cost to have the luff tape changed? The sail is made of Pentex laminate by Point Sails in California. Anybody got any information about these sails? I'm not a racer, just a cruiser. Thanks - Roger
Roger Richter
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Steve Milby
Past Commodore

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USA
5900 Posts
Response Posted - 02/28/2009 :  05:55:01  Show Profile
I'm guessing that the reason why you haven't received a reply yet is because none of us has any experience with the subject. It takes special expertise to manufacture and repair laminated sails, and replacing the luff tape on one is a major alteration, and if it can be done at all, should only be done by an expert. Laminated sails aren't generally sewn together. They're mostly glued and taped together. I wouldn't let anyone except one of the top sailmakers attempt the alteration, because, if it's not done right, the likelihood is that the sail will be ruined.

Your best bet is to ask North if it can be done, and ask for an estimate of the cost.

Most laminated sails don't have nearly the durability of dacron sails. Racers are willing to bear the cost of replacing their sails more frequently, in exchange for the slight improvement in performance that they achieve with laminated sails. Most cruisers wouldn't make that trade-off.

I've never tried using a sail with the wrong size luff tape, and don't know whether it can be done. I doubt it.
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dmpilc
Master Marine Consultant

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USA
4593 Posts
Response Posted - 02/28/2009 :  09:30:40  Show Profile
Just curious, do laminated sails tolerate being wrapped tightly around a furler. When I roll the racing genoa for our C-22, I first fold it near the middle and roll it around a 4" pvc pipe toward the foot, or do a fairly loose roll with the help of another person. The advantage of doing it that way over starting at the foot is that you don't a permanent curl at the foot.
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Navy1
Navigator

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USA
126 Posts
Response Posted - 02/28/2009 :  14:27:42  Show Profile
Steve, Thanks for the info. I was begining to wonder if I had bad breath or something. Anyhow, due to your information, I have decided to pass on buying the laminated sails. My birthday is coming in April and the Admiral wants to get me a new 155 Genoa, so I guess I will take advantage of her generosity. Cheers - Roger
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Nautiduck
Master Marine Consultant

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USA
3704 Posts
Response Posted - 02/28/2009 :  18:12:38  Show Profile 
...the Admiral wants to get me a new 155 Genoa...


She's a keeper!
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jbkayaker
Captain

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USA
299 Posts
Response Posted - 03/01/2009 :  19:46:10  Show Profile
Can anyone comment on the advisability of using a 155% genoa on a water ballast and ditto on a wing keel Cat 250 ?
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frog0911
Master Marine Consultant

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USA
1349 Posts
Response Posted - 03/02/2009 :  20:37:51  Show Profile
As long as the wind is below 8 knots a 155 works great on our 250WK, but above that keeping the boat from rounding up gets very dicey even with one reef in the main. I use my 155 more as a drifter sail until the heel angle gets above 18 degrees at which time it comes down and the 135 get unfurled. As the wind pipes up and 18 degrees becomes work the first reef in the main is put in, halyard tighten and outhaul max. Next is a reefed in jib to 100. As long as 18-22 degrees can be maintained we sail on. If not the iron genny comes into action and the canvas comes down. The one thing for sure is that at 33 degrees of heel,(with the big rudder) the boat will round up violently and there is nothing you can do to stop it.
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Nautiduck
Master Marine Consultant

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USA
3704 Posts
Response Posted - 03/02/2009 :  21:14:09  Show Profile
We really like our 135 furler. It is a great all-around sail and has a decent shape even when partially furled. If you go with a 155 only then a concern would be that when furled for heavy winds the shape may not be all that great. Really depends on the winds you have. We have strong enough winds regularly that the 135 makes the most sense for us.
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Sloop Smitten
Master Marine Consultant

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USA
1181 Posts
Response Posted - 03/02/2009 :  22:10:41  Show Profile
<blockquote id="quote"><font size="1" face="Verdana, Arial, Helvetica" id="quote">quote:<hr height="1" noshade id="quote">If you go with a 155 only then a concern would be that when furled for heavy winds the shape may not be all that great. <hr height="1" noshade id="quote"></font id="quote"></blockquote id="quote">

Hmmmm. If the winds get so great you need to furl your headsail you will be able to overcome the negative aspect of the diminished sail shape.
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Notice: The advice given on this site is based upon individual or quoted experience, yours may differ.
The Officers, Staff and members of this site only provide information based upon the concept that anyone utilizing this information does so at their own risk and holds harmless all contributors to this site.