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Need New Sails

PostPosted: Fri Jan 30, 2015 12:42 pm
by Clyde
Last spring I completed the restoration of DS1 hull 11354. This is a 1980 Rebel. Built new floor boards, added a coaming, did some minor hull work. Hull and deck did not need repainting but did repaint inside cuddy and centerboard trunk. Sailed her last spring/summer/fall and got used to it. Added a tiller tamer (I sail alone) and slugs to drop the main fast. I don't race but my sails (Maybe the original?) need replacement. Can't go to weather worth a darn but I have used the main jiffy reef a couple of times which has worked well.

Now my question - and I'm asking for a "Consuner Report" type answer. From the vast experience out there what would you folks consider the best sais and then the "best buy" compromise of price and quality? I sail on a lake, do not race and do my best to avoid heavy weather unless it catches me first. I leave the boat rigged and on a trailer at the sail club - use sail cover for main and bag the jib on deck. I definitely want one set of reef points and maybe slugs unless the bolt rope comes down without fuss.

So that is my qestion to this auspicious group (which I have found to be very helpful in the past.)

Thanks in advance for your input/insight.

Re: Need New Sails

PostPosted: Fri Jan 30, 2015 10:55 pm
by ChrisB
Clyde,

The lowest (initial) cost sails for the DS are those from intensity. A main and jib can be had for about $450. I have a set of these and I can definitely say I don't expect to get the 20+ years from them that I got out of the factory set of Neil Pryde sails that came with the boat. They are definitely not as well constructed as my Doyle UPS. However at their price point, Intensity sails can be replaced more often with new. Neil Pryde sails can be had from D&R Marine for $800. Jotz Sails are just over $1000 for a suit and have some favorable reviews on this forum. If price were no object, I'd plunk down $1500 and buy North Sails' day sailing suit but that was not in the cards for me.

How are things up on Lake Norman? I lived in Charlotte for 15 years and launched my boat from Blythe Landing or Beatty's Ford Park.

Chris

Re: Need New Sails

PostPosted: Sat Jan 31, 2015 4:42 pm
by Clyde
Thanks Chris. At my age and the seldom (unfortunately) I use the boat the Intensit makes sense - or maybe the next step up. My "treasurer" will be the determining factor. I live near Blyth Landing but have the boat on a trailer and always rigged at the Lake Norman Sailing Club in Denver. My power boat is at the Peninsula Yacht Club. Been a bit cold this winter. I'm usually able to get out 11 months out of the year but not this year. Soon I hope.

We opted for the Charlotte area because we have seasons. NYC area too cold, FL too hot so this is a nice compromise plus our daughter lives here. Her twin girls are turning into good sailors.

Re: Need New Sails

PostPosted: Fri Mar 13, 2015 3:09 pm
by diffusion
Clyde,

In the Peak Sails? thread in this forum, I discuss my experience so far with ordering a new suit from this loft, with some detail pictures of the finished sails. The ones I ordered are non class-legal with a full length top batten, but they also offer a basic class-legal suit if you race OD (which I see you do not). I'm still waiting for the water to soften so I can actually try them, but so far I'm of favorable opinion with both the service of the company and the apparent quality of the sails. They appear to be a mid-priced option from what I've read from other posters.