converting jib to mainsail

newhaul · #1 (**permalink**) 10-28-2010

i have a new 120 jib off of a 40 ft c&c would it be difficult to recut into a main for my 24 ft islander bahama and how do i do it? i have an industrial sewing machine and am good with it i just need to know whats better repurpose or sell it and buy the one i need? also the jib is set for roller furling

Sabreman · #2 (**permalink**) 10-28-2010

If the C&C sail is really new, then it's worth something. Sell it and buy a proper main with the proceeds. I highly recommend Bacon Sails (see my last entry in this thread http://www.sailnet.com/forums/gear-m...am-wooes.html). They really care about the customer and are an established loft in Annapolis. Bacon Sails & Marine Supplies

The shape of a main and jib are very different. By cutting the jib, you'd be making a sub-par main because the sail was not designed for that purpose. Good idea, but it won't work and in the end, you'll have a main that you don't like and will have spent a LOT of time getting there.

If you really want to make a main, buy a SailRite (Sunbrella Fabrics, Sailcloth, Canvas and Sail Hardware, Gill Foul Weather Gear and More!) kit. They are great people and very helpful. You will save approx 1/2 off the price off a new sail.

newhaul · #3 (**permalink**) 10-28-2010

dont really want to make a sail myself just cant find a buyer for this one and its just sitting. the average price ive gotten for a new main for me is between 800 and a grand.

Faster · #4 (**permalink**) 10-28-2010

WAY to much work to try to convert a jib to a main.. as Sabreman says it's just not the right sort of sail.. different shape and you'd have to add slugs, reef points, batten pockets & battens... it'd be like starting over and you'd end up with something that really wouldn't work well.

Put it in a consignment store.. if it's in good shape it will sell and then get yourself the proper sail for your boat.

Sabreman · #5 (**permalink**) 10-28-2010

Bacon's, Minney's, Atlantic Sail Traders, and the like have made a business of consigning sails. You get part of the selling price (approx 50%, I think) which is about right for a retail markup. I was at Bacon's yesterday and saw a stack of checks to consignees, so they sell.

BTW - By the time you buy all the hardware needed to retro the sail, I suspect that you'll put in a couple hundred dollars. Cost of your kit at Sailrite is ~$615

sailingdog · #6 (**permalink**) 10-28-2010

A jib is cut completely wrong for use as a main. The panels, the hardware, etc. are all wrong. You're going to be a lot better off selling the jib and buying a used sail for your boat.

newhaul · #7 (**permalink**) 10-28-2010

OK decided to sell jib its worth more than 2 times the cost of new main for mine. from fx the c&c listed for over 4k new so worth at least 2k and new main for ib24 is 850 the way i want it with full battens and 3 reefs thanks guys for all the input

garyguss · #8 (**permalink**) 10-28-2010

From the title I thought you were sailing backwards

tommays · #9 (**permalink**) 10-29-2010

While you should be able to sell the sail we buy a lot of used ones and the prices are lower than 1/2 of new as they tend to require some mods that add to the final cost

Are last one was a UK carbon tape drive #3 for a 35' boat at 600 dollars that was a close to new as i have ever seen