New Sail

[Jim in TC]

So now I am wondering about a new sail. Ours is almost certainly original on a 2006 Sun Cat, used relatively little before we took her over but quite a bit since (relatively short season here in the north), and in some, shall we say, inclement weather. How might "blown out" look on a Sun sail, and how was performance improved? Mostly pointing close to the wind or all around?

Our sail seems mostly sound, a very small hole repaired with tape (holding fine) and stitching in decent shape. Only modest deterioration around the batten pockets. We don't cruise so are never too far off nor do we race, so what is a knot or two between friends? Some online research shows a variety of advice (no surprise there) ranging from "if it is that old it is time," to "replace when your thumb goes through the fabric."

[Renae]

Perhaps the best thing to do in your circumstance is to access a new sail and feel the overall stiffness of it.  Comparatively, is your 2006 sail a soft, blown-out hankie?  If so, then you know what to do...

Props to Sail Technologies on a job well done.

[Roland of Macatawa]

Jim in TC:

Did you see this recent posting, from Rob Voigt, of the availability of a SunCat sail?
https://cpyoa.com/forum/index.php?topic=12097.0

"I have an extra Sun Cat mainsail in great condition.
If your Sun Cat is in need of a new "wind engine", this might be it!
robvoigt@hotmail.com"

He is posting here using a personal, rather than his business, e-mail address.

Regards, Roland

[Jim in TC]

It is Renae who got me thinking and Rob (we have been corresponding) who got me seriously considering. But yesterday in a pretty serious blow I checked things out a bit. I don't see a obvious "blow out" in the the shape and the fabric, using a local sailing expert's advice with a needle (look up checking a sail with needle) passed easily. There is none of the blown-out hankie feel, either. My current thinking is that we are probably good for some more season's use with the old sail.

BTW, the sail on offer by Rob is in great shape because it is brand new and the pictures look great.

[bruce]

Thanks Jim. I like the needle test idea to help determine the state of the cloth.
https://sailcare.com/site/sail-check-how-to-determine-whether-you-need-sail-repair/

I've been asking the same questions of our 2010 sail. Structurally it's seems fine, that I just verified with a needle, but at times there are some sags and creases that shouldn't be there. I haven't made all of the trim adjustments available with equal attention, clearly I should do that before considering a new sail. But when is it time?

Here's a couple of general guidelines I've found, highly dependent on use an UV exposure so everybody's mileage will vary.
https://www.quantumsails.com/en/resources-and-expertise/articles/how-long-do-sails-last
https://www.sailingworld.com/gear/sail-replacement-strategy/

No question for me, if the sail is structurally compromised, that it is weak and tears easily, for whatever reason, it's time to replace. As mentioned, the stitching can fail before the sail cloth, so it may be worth restitching. If the sail can't be trimmed to eliminate obvious defects, it's possible that some attention, DIY or a loft, could help. Sailrite has a good video on repairs, but doesn't address sail shape.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=A2-Y7CChRWw

The Sailing World link, for all its annoying adds, does talk about a typical net migration of the draft aft as the sail ages. Again, how critical that is depends on your performance needs, but it's good to know about. This link about photographing sails might be useful.
https://www.quantumsails.com/en/resources-and-expertise/articles/how-to-photograph-sail-shape

Trimming a single, gaff-rigged sail is a little different. Bill Welch in the Competitive Cat does talk about draft for different wind conditions. Ed Steinfeld did include some of that in his Catboat Guide, but not Welch's illustrations.

How much difference new sails would make is the big question. At this point I agree with you, if the sail is structurally sound, and can be trimmed to a decent shape, I'd guess not much for us non-racers. It would be great to hear more first-hand experiences!

[Cpy23ecl]

Not sure if it would make economic sense with sails as small as these but I believe if the sail is in good condition a sailmaker can reshape it for moderate cost.

https://www.quantumsails.com/en/resources-and-expertise/articles/how-the-recut-process-works

Fred