Cut down 150 genny to 125?

blakemiddleton · #1 11-17-2008

Our new boat came with a 150 furling genoa, and we find that it is too much sail. We would rather not buy a new sail so is cutting this one down to a 125 or so be a good idea? I talked to a local sail loft and they quoted $400-500 to recut and redo the uv protection. Does that sound like a reasonable way to go?

maestrosid · #2 11-17-2008

I had to have mine cut down. The PO did not have UV protection and the seams blew. I am not a racer, so I can't address efficiency and sail shape, but a 150 was a bit big for SF Bay and my boat.

Cost about $400 for the recut and UV protection.

merc2dogs · #3 11-17-2008

Depending on the size of the sail It does sound pretty reasonable, but another option, if the sail is in good shape, would be to take measurements and check to see if someone is interested in swapping.

Ken.

sailingdog · #4 11-17-2008

It may not make sense, depending on the cut of the sail. Some sails, especially more expensive racing sails, are cut in such a way that recutting them is often not a great idea. It might make more sense to sell the sail and have a new sail made.

AllThumbs · #5 11-17-2008

If it's a furling sail, why not furl it up a bit when it's windy?

sailingdog · #6 11-17-2008

Because, on many furlers, once you furl up about 30% of the sail, the shape goes to h3ll... it gets fairly baggy and performs poorly in high wind conditions.

Quote:

Originally Posted by AllThumbs

If it's a furling sail, why not furl it up a bit when it's windy?

AllThumbs · #7 11-17-2008

OIC, so the furling sail just makes it easy to stow, it's not made for reefing...

jjablonowski · #8 11-17-2008

I had mine re-cut down from a 150% to about a 135% because, as in the case of MaestroSid above, the P.O. was late in putting on UV protection and some seams failed.

A local loft did it, and added luff foam to aid in retaining shape when partially reefed. Worked out well.

Had it done in December, when loft was pretty idle. Cost was under $200 for a small sail (boat is 25 ft), they re-used the Sunbrella UV shield.

blakemiddleton · #9 11-17-2008

Quote:

Originally Posted by sailingdog

It may not make sense, depending on the cut of the sail. Some sails, especially more expensive racing sails, are cut in such a way that recutting them is often not a great idea. It might make more sense to sell the sail and have a new sail made.

It's not a racing sail, just a cross cut dacron cruising sail. We thought it would be good for light winds, but it is pretty heavy, and collapses too much. Sounds like having it recut is the way to go. Thanks.

blakemiddleton · #10 11-17-2008

Quote:

Originally Posted by sailingdog

Because, on many furlers, once you furl up about 30% of the sail, the shape goes to h3ll... it gets fairly baggy and performs poorly in high wind conditions.

Yep, with even just a few wraps, the sail shape goes to crap, and it gets way too baggy. I think we'll just deal with going a little slower in light air, and eventually get an asymmetrical spinnaker.