cape dory mail sail

[sophist]

I am looking to replace the main sail for my cape dory typhoon weekender. I have price quotes and sail weights all over the map.
Questions
What was the orignal sail weight?
What weight should the new sail be- don't race but daysail only off coast of MA?
Should I reduce the P measurement slightly to raise the boom when sailing.

Thanks
Sophist

[LessTacksing]

Why don't you try the cape Dory owner's association at capedory.org. They may have mor info for you.

[RichH]

A 5 oz. 'quality' woven dacron would be appropriate for a 'weekender' on the coast of MA.

For your 'too low boom' .... perhaps you're not properly raising your present mainsail properly. This is VERY common problem that results in a boom that apparently is too low. Suggest you go to: How to properly RAISE a woven dacron mainsail - SailboatOwners.com and follow the directions to evaluate IF in fact youre not raising your present sail correctly .... and if these methods correct the 'sagging boom' then there will be no need to alter the sail plan dimension. Plus if you follow that 'posting' you may not even need a new mainsail, just a simple alteration to restore the shape, etc.
If you already are properly raising the sail (so that the 'clearance under the boom is proper'), a few % cut from the foot so that you can raise the boom will not appreciably alter the boats sailing characteristics .... and may even be a plus in the mid-afternoon 'sea breezes' when a 'slightly smaller' main would be of benefit.

For your specific 'windy' afternoon sailing venue, suggest you actually discuss these 'special' requirements face to face with a sailmaker .... perhaps a 'flatter cut' sail, and/or a sail cut with reduced 'shoulder' or 'twist' in the upper panels etc. to better handle the late afternoon 'roar' along the NE coast would be of benefit. Youre not going to get this from a 'mail-order' sail maker.