Buying a new Hunter mainsail

[Sailing steve]

What features should I look for in a new sail and what questions should I be asking the sailmaker if durability is important?

Any sugestions for discussing material and construction of a new mainsail on a more tweaky and performance orientated Hunter fractional rig that (so far) I have very little experience with?

Must be at least 20 years since I bought a suit of sails and that was for a completely different rig so I'm way out of touch.
TIA

Steve

 

[matt1]

Don’t assume some of the more fancy brands will be more expensive - my North Genneker was very reasonably priced although trying to get a deal at this time of the year Vs the autumn will be very hard. I’d always go for laminate if you can afford it. You don’t say what Hunter, but full battens, or at least long battens can be beneficial. I’d get 3 quotes; one from North / Elvstrom, one from a local loft to you and one other middle of the road brand. Probably more important than initial selection is how you care for the sail; eg never let if flog, flake it nicely, remove in winter etc

 

[JimC]

I suggest you consider joining the Hunter Association . It costs £15 p/a. In the forums you'll find lots of advice and members' experiences with sails from various lofts. I've a Channel 31 myself and in the C31 forum there's been a lot of praise for the fully-battened mainsails produced by Sanders Sails of Lymington.

 

[Sailing steve]

Thanks. Already joined and am making the same inquiry there.

It's a big spend so any and all independent advice on the current thinking is welcome before I get my wallet out.

 

[Concerto]

If you want a reasonably priced and good quality sails, plus good advice, have a word with Cindy at Wilkinson Sails. She has a very good reputation and everything is made in the UK.

 

[Tranona]

Many of the popular sailmakers have on their websites guidance on the various types of sails, cuts, materials etc to help you get a fix on what the differences are and what might be suitable for you. Then discuss your requirements with 3 or 4 - but don't be surprised if you get different answers, simply because there is a lot of choice. In reality though it is an extremely competitive business and you really can't go wrong with the mainstream makers.

 

[Daydream believer]

Go to a sailmaker like Hyde & get them to come & measure the boat would be one tip I might make. I insist all my sailmakers do that & I have had quite a few sails on my boat. In doing so I have been able to discuss cut to suit mast bend etc & how I want the sail made. The reef points on the mainsail are cut to ensure that the reef lines come in the correct place on the sail cover as well as suit the amount of reef I need.
I also discuss the sliders. My top slider jammed on one sail after the track got a small chip in it; so Hyde sent a couple of top sliders to try out first. Batten cars & battens can be discussed whilst on the boat. The reef spectacle length can be correctly set so they suit the sail stack.
I usually go for the 20% October discounts for delivery in the following March. On a sail costing £4-5K it is worth the wait until October & I lay up for winter anyway.
Hyde make the sails in their own lofts in the Philippinnes

 

[ashtead]

You don’t say where you are located Steve but ideally you would choose a local sailmaker to discuss with if you can or one who has experience making sails for your marque of vessel. I haven’t had a mainsail made but have used Peter sanders in Lymington for 2 sails in past and he takes the time to talk through with you the options. In summary there seem to be 3 price points ,your average Dacron as fitted to new boats by likes of elvstrom, a strong sailcloth mid point and the higher tech laminates. I guess it’s down to how much is the budget -that’s a vast simplification but often people are driven by walking around a local marina looking at boats like theirs and getting quotes fromsailmakers with the logos on the stack packs or doing the same at boat shows.