Researching new Main Sail

[HeaveToo]

We shall see what happens after my main comes back from the sail maker from repair.  The verdict was that it is going to last a little longer but not a lot longer so I should start saving for a new main.

How much should I spend on a new main?

Has anyone tried any of the off-the-shelf places for a new main?

Any recommendations?

Right now I am thinking about 6.5 oz dacron with two reef points, partial battens, loose foot, and triple stitched. 

[Tim Gardner]

What did they say about your old one?

[captronr]

I've not needed new sails for my compac, but did for our Mac 26X. 

I ordered the main from Judy B at Hyde Sails, out of San Francisco.  I've read Judy's sailing posts on other sailing sites for many years, met her in Lake Havasu AZ a couple of times, and had her on my boat once to check the sails.  She sold me a great sail at a good price.  I've known several others who have purchased sails through her, and have never heard of negative feedback.  Would suggest you contact her to get a price if nothing else. 

Standard disclaimer; just a satisfied customer.

Ron

[Mas]

Hey Heave what is your thinking about it being loose footed? Easier to get good sail shape? The two reef points are smart for our little craft.

[HeaveToo]

Two reef points are a must.  If conditions get nasty I have a 110 that I can roller reef down to about 90 and having a second reef would be more insurance. 

The sail maker said that my bolt rope is broken in several places.  He is going to reinforce the sail with some webbing but he said that it will be a temporary fix.  He said it would be about $200 to do a new bolt rope and for a sail the size of mine it would be best to just replace it.  He guessed that a replacement would be between $600 and $700. 

He was pretty open and answered a lot of questions.  He told me not to bother with full battens at all.  He said that for the sailing I do to stick with 6.5 ounce Dacron.  The loose footed main is good for our boat.

A loose footed main gives you a lot more control over where your draft is on the main.  When you are close hauled tighten the foot down and when you are off the wind loosen it up.  Most sails are going towards loose footed designs these days.

I would love to be able to afford a whole new set of sails...Main, 135%, and asymmetrical spinnaker.  As my uncle once said, nothing that a little $$$ couldn't fix.