Second hand sails

[ozsailer]

Hello everyone,
last year I bought our Cheiftain 38 and was happy with the purchase knowing we would have to replace the main in 2 or 3 seasons time. Well we had to pull the main off today to repair what I thougth were two or three very minor tears that I thought were the result of rubbing on the boom or eleswhere. What I thought were two or three turned out to be ten or fifteen very tiny cuts, only small 1 or 2 millimetre. I do not think this is the original sail as I could not find anywhere on the mast, boom or lazy jacks that matched up with the tears. I have put sail tape on both side of the marks and the rest of the sail appears fine.
I have the oppurtunity of buying a dacron 10 Oz main that is in excellent condition that is only 2 or 3 seasons old, She is loose footed as is the one I have presently but does require roughy 300mm cut of the head or foot to fit the boat. The price is right but I am concerned over having the sail recut as I have not done this before. The sail is a 1/3 the price of a new one that I have been quoted on. Is there any advantage in having the extra length cut away from the foot or the head. Any comments for or against would be greatly appreicated.

Greg and Sue
Lake Macquarie NSW Australia

[chucklesR]

OzSailer,
A properly fitted and cut sail is your best starting point. Saving penny's on sails costs dollars later when you consider all the variables (not using the boat because it doesn't perform, heels too much with baggy old sails etc..).

The right way to go is to have a sail maker come out, measure and talk to you about how you use the boat, then go away and make you a sail.
Sure it costs more, those sails are the main engine of your boat and an investment for a long time.

If you must replace your current main with one that doesn't fit properly, cut the foot away, not the head.

[falconxp]

Needed several new jibs for my sailing club.
went to the Watts loft in torrance , Calif and explained my needs.
He came out with three new mules he had cut for another club.
The measurements were correct and he offered me a 3 for 1 price.
Sails were auwsome and students treated the new sails with respect.
sold my old sails at boat flea market for 20% of new.
deal with a known sailmaker in your local area if possible = be open to new ideas and get a no questions 72 hour warranty in writing.
Capt Bob.
Looking for a M26 used foresail & useable spinaker
roller furling

[jarcher]

Very often, the cost of having a used sail recut negates the cost advantage of buying used, especially if the sail is already several seasons old. The only way to know if to talk to a sail maker and see what he or she says.

[THEFRENCHA]

On my 40ft boat I have 3 complete sets of sails. ALL bought on Ebay and then sent for recut by my local sailmaker. Works perfectly well for me

[ManfredOrlow]

Consideringt buying an H27 sailboat without sails. Anyone know of some available? Thanks for advice, too.

[Barquito]

I assume you have looked at online options:

Atlantic Sail Traders - Used sails, New sails, Sail Broker
Used Sails from Second Wind Sails
Sail Exchange

and a large list of other stores at:

Sails, New and Used, where to buy sails.

[obelisk]

Bacon Sails & Marine Supplies

huge selection and easily searchable with good (and accurate) descriptions of each sail.

[BubbleheadMd]

Originally Posted by obelisk

Bacon Sails & Marine Supplies

huge selection and easily searchable with good (and accurate) descriptions of each sail.

Ditto. Very satisfied customer here.

[QuickMick]

Originally Posted by falconxp

Needed several new jibs for my sailing club.
went to the Watts loft in torrance ,
Capt Bob.
Looking for a M26 used foresail & useable spinaker
roller furling

They have a loft in WATTS?!?!??