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Making a 150% Genoa smaller

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Jmurfy
Navigator

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USA
176 Posts

Initially Posted - 10/24/2009 : 23:06:02

I have an older 150% genoa on a roller furling that has some tears near the sunbrella strip. Does anyone know if a sail loft can cut down a genoa like mine to 130% or 100%? I may have to bite the bullet and get a new sail but I'd like to know my opions. My main is in bad shape and I really prefer to replace that sail with a new one for next season.

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Steve Milby
Past Commodore

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USA
5895 Posts

Response Posted - 10/25/2009 : 04:47:36

Why cut down the sail? Can the tears be patched without changing the size of the sail? Patching it is minor surgery. Cutting it down is major surgery, i.e., much more labor intensive, thus more costly.

If the tears are mostly in single-layer sailcloth, you can just sew a sailcloth patch over them, and the sail will hardly be affected by the repair. That kind of repair can be done by anyone with a home sewing machine.

Edited by - Steve Milby on 10/25/2009 04:53:29

Jmurfy
Navigator

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USA
176 Posts

Response Posted - 10/25/2009 : 07:34:17

Steve, the tear is near the stiching for the sunbrella but the sunbrella itself is all frayed and torn. I suppose I could have the sunbrella replaced. I just wasnt sure how big a deal it is to have the sail cut smaller compared to buying a new sail since I've never had to make repairs before.

The other issue is that I find the 150% sail to large for most conditions I find on Lake Michigan. I usually have it furled to some degree anyways.

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Steve Milby
Past Commodore

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5895 Posts

Response Posted - 10/25/2009 : 08:13:49

Of course it's a judgment call that only you can make, but either cutting down the sail, or replacing the Sunbrella would probably cost more than an old sail is worth. My sense is that you believe you will eventually have to replace the sail, but for now, you want to get another year or two of use out of it.

If it was me, I'd patch the sail myself, and either stitch down the loose, ragged edges of the old Sunbrella, or strip it off completely and not replace it. Either alternative will make it look a little neater. The purpose of the Sunbrella is simply to protect the sail from the sun. If it isn't there, the sun will eventually ruin the old sail, but you should still be able to get another couple of years out of it. If you wish, you can protect the sail from the sun by removing it and bagging it at the end of each weekend. It's a little inconvenient, but sailors with hanked-on sails do it every time they sail.

Don't be intimidated by the thought of making simple sail repairs. I wouldn't attempt complicated repairs, but basic, one or two layer repairs aren't that difficult.

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Stu Jackson C34
Admiral

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844 Posts

Response Posted - 10/25/2009 : 12:07:08

Instead of asking here, why not take it to the guy who knows best: your sail maker?!?

FWIW, we had a 110 cut down to an 85 because of the same problem, but the answer depends on the extent of the damage to not so much the Sunbrella, but the sail material beneath it. The range of wind for the sailcloth between a 110 and an 85 is not much. If you want to cut the 150 down, after discussing with the sail maker, you have to factor in the sailcloth weight, which you didn't mention. If all you're doing is "shaving off" the Sunbrella width, shouldn't be an issue.

If it's too big for you, then you have a few options. If the sail weight is very light, you can't make it too much smaller, because then you can't use it in heavier winds. If it's a "heavier" material, you should be able to cut quite a bit off. Your goal of a 130 to 110 seems reasonable depending on the weight.

You should consider taking a bunch of the foot off and raise the clew for better visibility.

I wouldn't go to all that trouble and then not put Sunbrella back on. Why spend the $$ knowing your sail will disintegrate in two years? Fix it and fix it right so it lasts as long as it can.

Is this your only jib?

Edited by - Stu Jackson C34 on 10/25/2009 12:14:28

Jmurfy
Navigator

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USA
176 Posts

Response Posted - 10/27/2009 : 06:26:23

Thanks for the insight Steve.
Stu, it is my only jib. Since I dont have a sewing machine or the skill necessary to do the work myself other then to remove the sunbrella, I think I will bring it into a sail loft for an estimate and discuss the options you both raised. Thanks for the advice!

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