New sails are nice, but not absolutely necessary. If the main is "in its final years", you might want to use it for a few more to get your money's worth out of it. Then you will have gained more experience with the boat and may have better ideas about what you want in a new sail. Maybe full battens ---- but maybe not. Maybe some full and some partial? Maybe one reef? Maybe two? Maybe you'll find that you really like the Dutchman --- or maybe that you hate it. No need to rush, especially if you're not racing. In any case, if you're planning to sell, maybe let the new owner get new sails HE likes, instead of possibly burdening your boat with ones he doesn't.

Old sails do continue to work. We had a mainsail on our 1981 J/36 that we believe was original when we bought the boat in 1997. We damaged it in a race (beating into 40 knots for 6hours- some stitching gave out) and used it as a delivery sail after having it repaired. The new owner is still using it now, in 2023.

 

I agree about not rushing out to buy a new sail. Especially since you are new to owning a boat. There is a lot to consider when ordering a main and a this point you don't know what you don't know. As long as the main isn't toast, use it for a few more years.

I will comment on National Sails as I bought my current genny from them. They are a Rolly Tasker dealer and their sails are of very good quality. However options are limited, and I think you will find they will not fit a Dutchman system for you.

 

I agree there's no rush, but, when you decide to buy, don't buy from an online sail seller. Buy from a reputable, local sailmaker. Sit down with them, face-to-face, and tell them how and where you intend to use the boat, in as much detail as possible. They'll think of things that never occurred to you. They can recommend type of fabric, cloth weight, cut, and options that you'll need. They'll measure your boat to ensure that the sail will fit perfectly, and that the sail slides are correct. If it isn't right, they'll stand behind it. The first time you buy a sail, you need more guidance than we can provide here. It will cost a bit more for the service, but you'll get a good education, and, amortized over the 15-30 year life of a good quality cruising sail, the difference will be insignificant.

 

the 15-30 year life of a good quality cruising sail

Your sails must lead a charmed cruising life. We've got probably the most rugged sails made and I'm not expecting 15-30yrs cruising on them.

Mark

 

Thank you all for the great advice!

 

Or you can order the sails directly from catalinadirect.com
they are OEM equipment for Catalina boats, usually made by ulman.

https://www.catalinadirect.com/shop-by-boat/catalina-320/sails/catalina-320-mainsls/

 

I used #2 and an Asym from Rolly Tasker, very satisfied with them.

 

You should check with Bacon Sails in Annapolis. They sell used sails and sometimes new sails for the price of used.Just check their website for their inventory.

 

Great advice! And I live in Annapolis

 

It costs about $800 to add Dutchman furling to a mainsail, currently I have a mainsail from Cat Direct mentioned above. They discount sails from the Ventura loft of Ullman when ordered in the fall for April delivery. I've bought 2 in this manner, first was a 150 genoa, liked it so tried a main. Order in September 15% off, 10% October, etc. they probably are made offshore and the sale fills a container. Not much in the way of fitment problems on a 320, all use same Isomat spars.
I've been in lofts of major makers a few times and they do a lot more repairs than new sails, in fact they always mention the difficulty of keeping their people busy.

 

Since the PO currently has a Dutchman system, his cost should be significantly less. He can reuse the topping lift, and can have the pockets on the foot of the old sail moved to the new one. I did that when I bought a new main a number of years ago and saved a lot.