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Catalina/Capri 25/250 Sailor's Forums

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Sails Replace or Repair that is the question

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Summers Eve
Deckhand

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USA
10 Posts

Initially Posted - 10/23/2007 : 12:40:00

My 1984 Catalina 25 tall rig has the same set of sails on it from the day I bought it 12 years ago. When I first bought it I put a Hood roller furler on it. I had a 150 jib cut to about a 135 for the fore sail. This boat doesn't get a lot of use and from what I can tell the sails aren't really blown out. But they are dirty and the UV cloth is coming off the fore sail.

I can't decide if I should just take the financial hit and replace then or if I should just sent the off to be cleaned and have the UV cloth replaced on the jib.

I'm looking for advice on both issues. I would like to know if anyone else has been through this recently. I would also like some recommendations for sail manufactures and where to send them if I just want them clean and repaired. Preferably somewhere near Fort Worth.

Thanks
Steve

Summer's Eve #4489
1984 Catalina25 Tall Rig
Eagle Mountain Lake
Fort Worth, Texas

Edited by - on

OLarryR
Master Marine Consultant

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USA
3431 Posts

Response Posted - 10/23/2007 : 13:12:46

Steve,

I have the original sails making them...17+ years old. That is a main, 110 & 150 Genoa. The 150 looks like it was used a lot less than the 110 and seems to have much better shape...still it is of same vintage. I just finished taking to Quantum sails which is headquartered in Annapolis, MD about an hour from where I work. I was contemplating getting a 110 or 120 Genoa and possibly still use the existing 150. But chances are that once I put the new sail on the furling rig, I won't want to take it off. Quantum indicated that I consider not using the old 150 and get a 140 or 150 genoa to replace it. I am cosndiering that. First step working with Quantum is that they will give me a quote on the new sails and then if I go ahead with it, they will come down and take measurements on my boat - It would be custom sails from them and they would cut the main larger than my existing main and rcmd 1 full batten and 3 oversized but not full battens. In any case, this is where I am right now. I may also get a quote from Doyle and/or consider standard sail replacements.
(I have an '89 tall rig.)

In your case, you mention you had a 150 cut down to a 135 and that was 12 years ago. The fabric apparently is much older ? Original sail material ? My thought is if you have gotten 12 years out of a sail that was already overhauled, I would go for a new one now especially if the Genoa is showing it's age. On the other hand, if all it needs is a cleaning and work done to the UV cover...well then go that route. Most sails hold up structurally for a long, long time...mine going on 17+ years. However, performance-wise, they probably were blown out after 7 years or so if not earlier. But if not into racing so much, many would not replace a sail after just 7 years. Some may even look at a 17 yr old sail and think it's okay.

Treat yourself to a new sail...rather than spend the money whatever it is for cleaning and repairing the old one. You already did that once - go for it this time around !

Edited by - on

stampeder
Master Marine Consultant

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1608 Posts

Response Posted - 10/23/2007 : 13:18:07

I had my main sail re-worked at North Sails.
They did excellent work. My main was blown-out on the leech, they cut and tightened it and added a leech line. They reinforced the batten pockets and repaired a small hole near the lower luff edge.

I wanted to try the repair route prior to replacement. I'm glad I did. Total repair cost was about $130.

My suggestion would be to find a repair shop that has a wind machine and appropriate mast and equipment to properly assess and test. I had originally discussed sail repairs with a local guy that sews in his home. He sounded qualified, he's a sailor etc.
My suggestion would be to send the sail to a repair loft that has proper equipment and get a quote.
North Sails has a location in Kemah.

Edited by - on

dlucier
Master Marine Consultant

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Virgin Islands (United Kingdom)
7583 Posts

Response Posted - 10/23/2007 : 14:41:32

Hmmm, repair or replace?

If the sails are circa 1984, I'd be inclined to replace rather than refurbish, especially if the cost of repairs represents a significant percentage of the cost for a new sail.

Also, newer sails might be a selling point if the need arises.

Edited by - on

summerseve
Deckhand

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USA
6 Posts

Response Posted - 10/23/2007 : 15:18:50

Thanks for the feedback guys. One thing I didn’t mention is that the sales were new when I bought the boat in 1996. It has a fully battened main and I got 3 hank on jibs, a 100, 150 and a 150 of some sort of Mylar. I have never seen that type of sail before or since.

If Stamper’s repair cost was only $130 compared to $2200 for a new set I think I may go that route first. I absolutely do not race. I do drink wine, listen to music and rip on my crew.

With that said anyone else have any recommendations for a repair loft?

Thanks
Steve

Edited by - on

piseas
Former Treasurer

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USA
2017 Posts

Response Posted - 10/23/2007 : 15:40:01

Since the sails were new in 96, its a no brainer to me from what you described and how you use the boat-repair is the way to go.
Steve

Edited by - on

Dave Bristle
Master Marine Consultant

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Djibouti
10005 Posts

Response Posted - 10/23/2007 : 17:12:04

A very reputable loft that has done other work for me quoted me $500+ to replace the UV shield on my roller 135 (1998) about four years ago. The shield wasn't coming off yet, but was getting close. I decide to let it go until the sail was the issue, and then get a new sail. (They agreed with my decision.)

Edited by - on

dlucier
Master Marine Consultant

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Virgin Islands (United Kingdom)
7583 Posts

Response Posted - 10/23/2007 : 19:35:14

<blockquote id="quote">quote:<hr height="1" noshade id="quote">Originally posted by Dave Bristle
 A very reputable loft that has done other work for me quoted me $500+ to replace the UV shield on my roller 135 (1998) about four years ago. The shield wasn't coming off yet, but was getting close. I decide to let it go until the sail was the issue, and then get a new sail. (They agreed with my decision.)
<hr height="1" noshade id="quote"></blockquote id="quote">

Now that's a no brainer!

Edited by - on

OLarryR
Master Marine Consultant

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USA
3431 Posts

Response Posted - 10/24/2007 : 05:32:21

I thought you cut down the 150 12 yrs ago meaning the sail and the others were much older. Your clarification that they were new 12 yrs ago and the type of sailing you do...sounds like cleaning and repair are the way to go.

The impression I am getting from the discussion with Quantum regarding buying sails from them, I am expecting them to be on the high side cost-wise. I was checking websites yesterday from Catalina Direct, Cruising Direct and FX sails and I may wind up going that route. May also give Ulman a call since a number of responses to an earlier posting on sails indicate many went with Ullman Ventura.
I am anxiously awaiting Quantum's quote - Hope to get that today.

Edited by - on

stampeder
Master Marine Consultant

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1608 Posts

Response Posted - 10/24/2007 : 14:22:15

My #1 Jib tore in a 'moderate gale' a couple weeks ago. I was going to send it to North Sails for some TLC but have decided to buy a new 110 Hank on jib from Lee Sails.

Edited by - on

summerseve
Deckhand

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USA
6 Posts

Response Posted - 10/25/2007 : 11:30:57

My friendly neighborhood West Marine guy has recommened Sailcare.com. Has anyone had any experience with them?

Thanks
Steve

Edited by - on

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