MERLIN ROCKET FORUM

Topic : Are my Sails 'tired'

I have set of 2010 Dynamics that were probably well used for 2 years and then only 12 times a year from 2012 onwards... how do I tell if they need replacing?  The temptation is always to buy new toys but is it necessary?

If I set the boat up with rig 'tuned' according to the guides on (i.e. rake and shroud tension) then set the sails in gentle breeze on land they seem to fill quite nicely and I can get the leech to adjust reasonably well using Kicker and Cunningham so that all the tell tales on the back edge of the main and on the jib float/stream nicely.

I feel I should get new sails but they look OK...  any thoughts?
 


Posted: 25/03/2015 17:18:21
By:
One of the simplest ways it to ask a friend who has new or different sails if you can have a look at his.

maybe even try his on your boat. Once you can accurately compare sails you can determine whether or not the investment is smart or currently unnecessary.

New sails designed to your boat,rig and style of sailing will always give you great performance. A number of friendly sail makers within the class regularly do some fantastic deals.

If you find that a new set is too expensive but are still unhappy with your sails then there is a great secondhand market.

I did some research on here before buying a set of Goachers for club and North for racing, great price, great sails.

I had excellent advice on the forum from Richard Whitworth and Ollie Turner who both know and unstandard sails very well.



Posted: 28/03/2015 06:59:44
By: Gareth Griffiths NHRC

Hi Alan

My view is that the sails I sold you had plenty of life left in them.

On the downside, I think that the mainsail is too flat for my preference.  This helps them look nice when they are set up on the beach and also fast when sailing in light or heavy winds.  However at other times I don't think they have enough grunt in them.  

My final thought is that whilst I would prefer a fuller mainsail it actually does require more adjustment to get rid of the fullness when you don't need it.  So be careful what you wish for!
 
John 


Posted: 29/03/2015 12:09:29
By: John Meadowcroft
Thanks Guys, I'll plod along with what I have until I can convince myself that newer ones will make me faster... rather than just more time on the water!


Posted: 07/04/2015 19:56:17
By: Alan3571
Hi Alan, 
 
would you like to email me some pictures of them set up on the shore for a look and review for you?
 
If the sail label still has a number on it I can tell you which design they are and compare to our latest offerings so you have a comparison, happy to help if I can.
 
I'd really recommend some advice from sailmakers regarding full and flat type of generalisations around designs and shapes as it's a very complex.  I'm still learning after 20 years of making them and even seeing the design shapes in % terms looking at a sail with an eye some one says full while another says flat and there's more to it than that! hey that rhymes...
 
 
 
 
 
 
 


Posted: 18/04/2015 14:26:38

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