I am in need of a new headsail for my Westsail 32. Does anyone know what is a fair price to pay for a new headsail 105% furling sail. I have a quote from a local sailmaker and it seems like a lot of money.

What is your favorite size for a headsail/Genoa.? %

$2,300 for a 105% head sail or working jib. I thought it was a little high, but I have never bought one before. 

Where do I find Kern? 

Ahoy James,

A 105% headsail on a furler is way too big on a W-32.  That calculates to about 392 sq ft.  and is a genoa.  Kern Ferguson popularized the term "Super Yankee" for a 350 sq ft sail.  This is about 93%.    This was a good sail in Southern California with their relatively light winds. A Yankee of about 306 sq ft is about a 82%.  This is my choice for a Yankee and a better choice for SF bay and many other places. The original Yankee for the W-32 was 254 sq ft. About a 68% sail. The term "Working Jib" on a W-32 refers to a 177 sq ft jib that is 8 ft short of full hoist.  It is about a 47% jib and is the head sail that I use on my furler almost all of the time.

Head sail costs are based on square footage and cloth weight.  A 105% sail is too big and therefore $2300 is too much.

I will never advocate having only one headsail, but if I did, it would be a Yankee of about 305 sq ft.  The 2nd sail would be about a 525 sq ft nylon drifter.  The 3rd sail would be a Working Jib of about 177 sq ft.

One example to clarify sail choices:  A Super Yankee would be a good sail for sailing to Hawaii most of the distance.  But the small working jib is what you would want up coming home.

Please note:  The above is only one persons opinion and there are Many persons.

Good Luck,  Let us know what you do.  Most of us won't laugh.

Thanks for all the great advice. Now to figure out what to do.