Hurley 18 Sails

[Matt_L]

I'm close to buying a Hurley 18 that is in uncared for condtion and without sails. I have reasonable boatyard experence so getting her seaworthy is not a problem but not having sails is. Does anyone know of where I might be able to find cheap second hand sails to suit (or that can be reasonably re-cut) I've tried e-bay and clasifieds online but have not come across anything much, and I really want to know that i can get my hands on some sails before I buy the boat. I'm looking to use the boat for singlehanded passage making, as it seems a pretty tough little boat. Has anyone else used one in this way?

 

[Thistle]

Welcome to the forum!

Hmm. I'm never very sure about secondhand sails. Think about why the previous owner is getting rid of them. Won't it usually be because they are past it and therefore probably not worth buying anyway? (Yes, I know many racing sails are used only for a short time and probably have a lot of life left in them but a racing cut is unlikely to be ideal for cruising and I can't imagine there are many serious racers in Hurley 18s!)

I'm also not sure about the economics of getting sails cut down. I was told by a sailmaker that it wasn't worthwhile because two of the corners would have to be re-made and that's where most of the labour - and hence cost - lies.

If you'd like to fill in some information in your profile - see "user options" at the top of the page - I'd expect some of the other forumites would be able to point you towards good value sailmakers in your area.

 

[mainmarine]

try www.seateach.com they usually stock second hand sails
Malc

 

[aluijten]

There is a Hurley owners association (http://groups.yahoo.com/group/Hurleyowners) , you could try it there.

Arno