Mystery sails

n0w0rries · #1 (**permalink**) 03-25-2011

We just bought a Catalina 34. It's got a 140% Genoa on a rolling furler, and the main is on a dutchman.

I found 2 sails in bags in the bow. The boat had a spinnaker but it didn't come with the boat. I've got 2 spare halyards one is for the spinnaker and I'm not sure what the other one is for.

So my question is, how do I determine what the sails are, and how much they're worth? I figure I'd spread them out on the lawn tomorrow (assuming it's not raining again) and measure/photo them.

My thoughts are to put the money towards a spinnaker or maybe just the boat in general, as I don't see myself using these extra sails. Is it best to try and sell the sails myself, or try and trade them in at a loft for the spinnaker, or ???

HPLou · #2 (**permalink**) 03-25-2011

Congratulations on your new boat. May you have many enjoyable years with her. As for the sails, I would take all the sails to your local sail maker to inspection them for shape and wear. If anything needs to be repaired or reinforced, now is the time to take care of it. Also, these guys have a vast amount of knowledge about sails, rigging and boats. Pick their brains about what can be done with any sails you are not going to use. They may know some one looking for used sails. Good luck with your new boat.

mgiguere · #3 (**permalink**) 03-25-2011

Those sails are probably smaller than the 140 and could be very handy in winds over 10-12 knots. The second halyard is probably for those or a backup jib halyard. Although you're missing a spinnaker, I assume you have a pole on deck. I would just get a used one from a sail-maker (like Bacon's in Annapolis) without giving up my smaller sails. Depending on where you sail, you may end up using those sails in the bow more often than a spinnaker and would not discard them. They are probably not worth much anyway.

Moe

tdw · #4 (**permalink**) 03-25-2011

Quote:

Originally Posted by n0w0rries

We just bought a Catalina 34. It's got a 140% Genoa on a rolling furler, and the main is on a dutchman.

I found 2 sails in bags in the bow. The boat had a spinnaker but it didn't come with the boat. I've got 2 spare halyards one is for the spinnaker and I'm not sure what the other one is for.

So my question is, how do I determine what the sails are, and how much they're worth? I figure I'd spread them out on the lawn tomorrow (assuming it's not raining again) and measure/photo them.

My thoughts are to put the money towards a spinnaker or maybe just the boat in general, as I don't see myself using these extra sails. Is it best to try and sell the sails myself, or try and trade them in at a loft for the spinnaker, or ???

Presuming they are both headsails then surely a number two or three jib and/or storm jib. Depending on the use you have for the boat I wouldn't be getting rid of either.

If I'm right and the number two is compatible with the furler then it could be very useful. As an example we only bring out our number one in very light conditions and our number two is our usual working sail.

If you have no plans to go offshore I guess the storm jib (if that is what it is) could be expendable.

n0w0rries · #5 (**permalink**) 03-25-2011

LOL... I went out to check the sail bags to see what they said on them.
One bag has "Peterson 33 light #1" on it, and has a sail in it.
The other one says "Catalina 30 150 genoa" and is full of canvas. So I guess I only have one extra sail!

I didn't think you switched head sails when you had a roller, you just rolled it in. I guess I need somebody to show me how that's done--my head sail could use a good cleaning anyways--I was just afraid to mess with it.

imagine2frolic · #6 (**permalink**) 03-25-2011

Quote:

Originally Posted by n0w0rries

LOL... I went out to check the sail bags to see what they said on them.
One bag has "Peterson 33 light #1" on it, and has a sail in it.
The other one says "Catalina 30 150 genoa" and is full of canvas. So I guess I only have one extra sail!

I didn't think you switched head sails when you had a roller, you just rolled it in. I guess I need somebody to show me how that's done--my head sail could use a good cleaning anyways--I was just afraid to mess with it.

Depends on where you sail, and what kind of sailing you do.......i2f

chef2sail · #7 (**permalink**) 03-25-2011

We use a number one (155) during most of the light air months on the Chesapeake ( june July August and September). It is made of 7.3 oz dacron. Oour number 2 (135) is our sail for the heavier air months of March April May Oct nov and Dec. It is a 7.7 oz dacron.

Both fit on the furler. I would keep a storm also for future loose. Our Harken furler has two grooves.

Dave

PalmettoSailor · #8 (**permalink**) 03-25-2011

Welcome and congrats on the new to you boat. I hope you'll be as happy with your Catalina as I am with mine. The 34 and 36 are pretty similar. As for roller furling sail inventory its true that most of us with roller furling sail with the sail thats on the furler. I suspect you'll find you need a reef in the main around 18 knots sustained and will want to put the second reef in the main and/or roll in some jib when they reach the mid 20's.

If the winds in your area are in that range normally, then I'd suggest a 100-110 would be a better bet for a primary roller furling sail.

In my area, there are times when I'd like a 110, but much more of the time we have light air so the 150 is the headsail of choice. I'm eyeing a used tape drive 110 though.

BTW, you should consider joining the C34 owners group. I know a couple of the officers and their great guys with a ton of knowledge about the 34.

Fair Winds.

n0w0rries · #9 (**permalink**) 03-26-2011

My main only has 1 reef point. I sail on the California coast, mostly just day trips, but this year we joined the yacht club and plan on doing cruises with them.