Converting a roller sail to hanks

[Kelpie]

I'm considering adding a removable inner forestay to take a hank on sail.
I've already got an old genoa that I could get adapted, assuming that's a cost effective option.
I'd probably want it reduced in size a bit- can an older and slightly baggy sail be improved and flattened by recutting?
How big a job (and how expensive) is it to fit hanks?

 

[William_H]

Presumably the sail on inner forestay would be for storm conditions. I would suggest fabric may not be strong enough for that service. Sail would probably be cut down both at foot and leach to get a suitable size. Fabric may also be old and prone to failure. I had a no 2 (hank on) that last race of last season just ripped luff to leach. I thought fabric was in good condition even after a few minor repairs. Apparently I was wrong so I guess it is time for a new one.
Anyway I might suggest get a sail made for the job. Hanks https://www.whitworths.com.au/ronstan-piston-jib-hank-suits-8mm-wire seem to be about 7squid each here and you would need perhaps 8 or 10 plus cost of recutting and new eyelets would make it not cheap. ol'will

 

[Refueler]

Yes its actually easy to convert ... you leave the boltrope / boltwire in and that provides key strain relief for the hank to work via. Contrary to some belief - there is no reason to add eyes for hanks if you use the sew-on variety ... I like the bronze version.

basically the hank has a U shape that the boltrope sits in and you sew round it via the eyes in the hanks.

As to cutting a sail - Will H comment about 'tired sail' is true ... and may prove sail to be beyond use.

I have just replaced my genny ... the old suffered shredded UV strip and I stripped the shreds of ... while doing it - the sail actually tore in a few places. Only short tears - but enough to plainly show that sail was well past its golden years. I suspect that being a Furler and having the UV had hidden the fact of its deterioration.

But yes you can cut and reset a sail shape / size ... but by time a Sailmaker has done that - IF he will ... he may look at sail and say - too old ! But cost will be a factor that may convince you to look at buying a good 2nd hand sail.

I bought a very good 2nd hand sail for 50% the cost of a new ... apart from one small mark - you'd honestly think it new. That way also - you can choose hanked or furled ...

 

[geem]

Have a chat to Andy at the sail loft in tyrell Bay, Cariacou. He is a good guy and reasonable costs. I doubt you would get it done any cheaper than with him

 

[Kelpie]

Thanks all.
I'm actually thinking of this as primarily a downwind sail. One of my lessons learned from the Atlantic crossing was that it was not ideal to run with the main up, because you had to try to guess how strong each approaching squall was, and take the decision whether to turn up and reef, or just run with it. With headsails only, you can stay on course and furl/drop as necessary.
A jib for stronger conditions would also be nice but that would probably be a completely different sail.

 

[Kelpie]

Have a chat to Andy at the sail loft in tyrell Bay, Cariacou. He is a good guy and reasonable costs. I doubt you would get it done any cheaper than with him

Thanks, good to know, I'll pop in today.