Converting a sail question

[peter2407]

What's the success rate/best approach for converting sails to being hanked on from other types? Being vague about the "as is" because I want to cover all types...

 

[Debenair]

Logic suggests little problem as the luff tape for any foil is simply stitched on after the sail is made. Your sailmaker buys it in on a roll. You will probably want to take advice as to whether you need a wire or rope luff depending on the construction of your sail and whether. It is designed for a stretchy luff. These days probably not.

 

[SHUG]

There should be no problem in going from luff groove to hanked although local reinforcement and protection at the hanks may be needed.
The other way round is of course more problematic.

 

[rob2]

I wonder if any sailmaker would like to comment on whether the luff tape for a furler is adequate for conversion to a hanked sail? I suspect that it should manage in light airs, as it is expected to manage when reefed on a furler, but standing alone with point loading at the hanks may be too much should the wind get up before you change down. If it is adequate, then you would only have to punch holes along the luff, press in some eyelets and fit the hanks. If not, of course, the tape will have to be unpicked and a new one sewn on with rope or wire as well.

Rob.

 

[sailorgirl]

When our no 3 was converted from furling to hanked on, the luff tape was taken off and a bolt rope put on as well reinforcements at each hank. The conversion was done by the sailmaker who originally made the sail. It was done because we thought we'd use it more as no need to change the furling sail simply set up the inner forestay and hank it on but in practice if we feel the need for a sail on the inner forestay its usually storm jib time so our no 3 remains in its bag 99% of the time

 

[wilkinsonsails]

Converting hanked sails to furling ,the luff tape is cut off behind the eyelets.A new tape is fitted and suitable forecord is fed into it ,alternatively if a pre made tape is available that's sometimes used.
The other way round ,furling to hanks ,the forecord will be very stretchy and the sail will have poor luff stability .This means that the sail will often grow beyond its marks.This is why sails have a wire or pre stretched bolt rope fitted when set flying or are hanked on.
.The hank eyelet will need reinforcing as the tape alone is not thick enough to support a pressed eye.The chafe point where the hank rubs over the forecord will need Leather or other anti chafe material fitted.
it's less costly to change to a furling luff than to hanks ,because of the need to reinforce and the hardware requirement .
Cindy

 

[William_H]

Of course much depends on the size of the jib and boat. For smaller boats indeed on all my jibs I use the nylon piston hanks. These are attached by 2 self tapping screws through hole in the hank through the sail cloth and into the nylon on the other side of the hank. They are capable of going around/over a bolt rope or wire luff. Reinforcement and eyelet holes are not necessary. Youcan fit the hanks as close as you think necessary and as many as you want. While there will be some loading on the hanks remember that luff must be very tight on the halyard so aleviating some of the hank load.
http://www.bainbridgeint.com/Item.aspx?Item=PRD-900109&PartNo=A188A
This is the kind of thing I use. Yes the brass piston can get corroded and stick so need lube occasionally. You can get cheaper twist to slip on the forestay for smaller jibs.However for bigger jibs you will need metal piston hanks. These are hooked onto and through an eylet which does have to be reinforced. good luck olewill