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.
I have a couple of questions and was wondering if a more experienced sailor than I am could help me.My boat is a 1985 Catalina 25 tall rig with the swing keel.
I am entertaining the idea of buying a "Tiller Stay" from catalina direct ($52USD). Has anyone tried it? Is installation difficult? Do you think it will fit if I have my outboard engine control on the top of my tiller?
Second question has to do with sail size, especially the Genoa. I currently sail a Genoa 150% and find that's it's too powerful (heels the boat too much and not always comfortable when guests are on board). I would like to buy a 110% but can't find them used. Should I bite the bullet and spend the $1000 for a new? Is the boat that much better with a smaller sail?
Welcome mrompre, As to the tiller stay, I know a number of people here like them and they are sufficient for their needs. I found that lashing a bungee cord is a cheaper alternative, but less effective than the tiller stay. My best recommendation is to invest in a tiller pilot. I single hand most of the time here in the Puget Sound, so currents, shifting winds, and waves are concerns that the tiller stay can't accommodate for. The two best additions I have made to the boat so far has been the furler and the tiller pilot. (my lines were led aft by PO) As to the head sail, if you don't have a furler to make the 150 a little smaller as the wind pipes up, I think you absolutely need a 110 also. Depending on the average wind speeds in your area, you might use the 110 most of the time. If you aren't racing, the only time your 150 is a huge advantage is when the wind is below 10 mph. As to finding a used one, try looking on http://www.craigslist.org There are different boards for the various citys, so search each board within a reasonable distance. Also, check out the owners manual http://www.catalina25-250.org/manbro/manbro.html for sail measurements. I think that a sail close to the 110 requirements would be better than none. Fair Winds, Chris
I bought a new 150% about four years ago for about $620. You should be able to buy a 110 for less. At that price it will be a Taiwan or Thailand or similar sail, but they're perfectly serviceable sails. If you are a serious racer or if you'll use it especially hard, pay a little more and get a better sail. Discount sailmakers have ads in the classified ad sections of the major sailing magazines.
When looking for a used sail, don't just look for used sails made specifically for Catalina 25s. Used sails made for other boats will work just as well if they are reasonably close in their dimensions.
$1000 for a 110? It shouldn't be that expensive. Check out [url="http://www.cruisingdirect.com/InStockCatalinaSails.htm"]Cruising Direct[/url]. They have <b>new</b> 110 hank ons listed for $480. If it were me, I'd find a way to buy a new sail. A well shaped jib makes a big difference in your performance, even if you're not racing it.
I also use a bungee cord and it works great for short periods of time away from the tiller. No holes to drill, nothing to install. Having said that, I'm currently in the process of installing an auto-pilot and I'm anxious to experience the freedom of LONG periods of time away from the tiller. Just read an interesting article about steering your boat with your sails using a bungee. I don't know how easy it is (haven't tried it yet), but click [url="http://www.sailingtexas.com/chowtosteerwithsails.html"]here[/url] for the details.
I have a 170 I know I'll never use, came with the boat, my '79 sk/sr. It is in very good condition - what does anyone think its worth, where can best sell it, and is anyone interested?!
Welcome, yes the 150 can easily make the boat feel overpowered and a 110 is a lot smaller, it will make the sailing more comfortable. Also, look under tech tips and try to figure out how to reef the main. I have just received a set of sails from Ullman sails. You can get a quote online, just don't spend $1000 for a jib. Frants
First off, I own a Capri, so my set up is different, but were I in your shoes, I'd consider a furler before buying another sail. That way you can roll the sail part way up an you aren't trying to hank on a sail with guests in the cockpit. However, you're getting good advice from the more experienced folks here as well. A furler is definately going to cost more than a new or used 135 or 110.
I have an extra 110 that came with my boat (also a tall rig 25). In the summer here the winds get pretty light and a larger sail would be nice. If you are interested in a swap for your over-sized 150 let me know.
My boat is also a Tall Rig, and even my 135% genny is too powerful on a close reach or close hauled in winds over about 10mph. The 150% is nice to have if you are sailing in an area that usually has only light winds, but in any kind of gust, a 150% can really knock a tall rig C-25 on her ear if the skipper is tardy about easing the sheets or heading up to de-power.
<blockquote id="quote"><font size="1" face="Verdana, Arial, Helvetica" id="quote">quote:<hr height="1" noshade id="quote"><i>Originally posted by Wahoo</i> <br />I have an extra 110 that came with my boat (also a tall rig 25). In the summer here the winds get pretty light and a larger sail would be nice. If you are interested in a swap for your over-sized 150 let me know. <hr height="1" noshade id="quote"></blockquote id="quote"></font id="quote">
HI ...yes I would definitely be interested. I forgot to mention that my 150 genoa was a furling. Is your 110% furling? Let me know, thank you
<blockquote id="quote"><font size="1" face="Verdana, Arial, Helvetica" id="quote">quote:<hr height="1" noshade id="quote"><i>Originally posted by Wahoo</i> <br />I have an extra 110 that came with my boat (also a tall rig 25). In the summer here the winds get pretty light and a larger sail would be nice. If you are interested in a swap for your over-sized 150 let me know. <hr height="1" noshade id="quote"></blockquote id="quote"></font id="quote">
You might want to check out Atlantic Sail traders. I have dealt with them in the past and found they were honest and consciencious (sp?)Fair winds, ron SR SK Orion SW FL
Sorry, the spare 100 is a hank on sail. If your 150 is furling you can, of course, roll it in a bit to suit conditions although the shape will be less efficient. You might investigate having a loft cut it down.
I did think we could have a sail recut. Sounds like a good idea. I forgot to mention before that the price I was quoting for a brand new sail was in CDN dollar...everything is a little pricier up here in Canada.. Anyway, I called around and a few places offered to cut my 150% genoa to 110%. Prices seem reasonable (about $160 cdn ) to cut the sail, however the UV protection that I would like to put back on is about $240.
Has anyone had a sail recut before? Should I go ahead and do it? Would you put the UV back on or forget about it? (remember my sail is in good shape but is probably 15 years old). Thank you all in advance for you advices.
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.