I am looking for some cheap newish sails for a ALN merlin 2180. The wife keeps blaming them for the lack of success at the club race, i blame it on the extra 2 stone up front since the baby. also require baby sitter for sunday mornings

I hope she doesn't have internet access or you won't be needing a baby sitter!!!

More serously i am trying to find out about the type of sail that would fit an early merlin. would a new sail fit an old mast. i am also looking to replace the mainsheet swivel base and rachet pulley

Hi Pete,I've got a previously appreciated jib you can have for the cost of postage (good condition)if thats the sort of thing you're looking for.My number's in the yearbook.happy christmas!

Last Christmas I purchased (from the MR 'For Sale' list) a used set of sales for MR3133.  Even though the jib and main dimensions were as original, I was a little nervous as I was informed that a main cut for a deck stepped mask would not match a hog stepped mast.  I have to say that they seem to fit perfectly and maintain what seems to be (to the untrained eye) a great shape under all sailing conditions.  No doubt the purists or sail-makers would argue differently, but for about $180 I basically ended up with almost new sails.  However, my experience may not mimic that of others.

is it the case then that good used modern kevlar mains could still do a better job than a 15year old dacron on a 30 year old deck stepped smokers regardless of the cut for deck step rigs.

Biggest thing is that the 'new' main is cut for you type of mast , ie ally or carbon, that where the greatest difference is.

I have a superspars alloy m7 mast...wanting to find a 2 or 3 year old sail that is suitable...where should I look for this and what make / type ...? Cheers

Generally modern deck steped carbon masts are bendier & therfore have more luff round allowed in that area, now if you put them straight on to a stiff hog/centreboard alloy mast you tend to get a full sail with to much flow forward at the luff. The answer I adaped was to rack the mast slightly earlier which moves the spreader tips aft therefore imposing more fore/aft bend which in turn mimicks the shape cut into the sail. Or if I'e lost you, you have to bend your mast to match the sails youve bought, calibrate everything for future referance it's not rocket science. Others might suggest you have the luff recut to remove excess luff round that works but you obviously end up with a smaller sail! If you follow my set up you can ease the shroud off downwind creat a straighter rig & increase power.
Food for thought?   All the best Barry 
(x sailmaker)

Opps for rack I meant rake!!!!