I have a few items I am considering for upgrade this season on my 73 ds2. Still mostly a rookie at sailing and mostly a cruiser on nice days on Lake Michigan. Curious to see how some of the experienced owners would rank these 1-4: mainsail; side stays; vang; ratchet blocks.
1) mainsail. I installed the cdi ff1 with new NP jib last season and it works very well. Still have the old rolly mainsail, kind of blown out but not terrible. Would it be worth it to splurge on a new NP mainsail? Worth it from overall enhanced sailing experience and have matched set for resale purposes? Labor low, cost high.
2) thicker side stays. Ordered them last year but never installed because I noticed I’d have to upgrade to the larger spreaders as well (and install the new chain plates). Current stays in very good condition but most likely original. Forestay already changed out with furler. Labor high, cost low.
3) boom vang. A lot of posts saying these are must have but I still have it low on my list for some reason. I understand the concept and benefits but also like to keep things simple. Also, dumb question, but is a vang as important to have if you have mid boom sheeting? Labor med, cost med-high.
4) ratchet blocks for jib. No labor involved and not huge expense, but what is degree of enhanced sailing experience with these?
Thanks