Looking to buy

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  • March 22, 2015 6:25 AM
    Message # 3261216
    Deleted user

    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.? %

  • March 22, 2015 10:27 AM
    Reply # 3261412 on 3261216
    Anonymous member (Administrator)

    As I recall back in 2009 and for the SF bay, Kern recommended/made/delivered a 300SF yankee with a furlex furler ..  cost was $1800 for each item.. I installed the furlex and that included new forestay... I'll check my paper work and update.

    What is your quote amount?

    Jay 

  • March 22, 2015 7:16 PM
    Reply # 3261769 on 3261216
    Deleted user

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

  • March 23, 2015 2:25 PM
    Reply # 3263238 on 3261216
    I would recommend talking to Kern no matter what. He can tell you what sail is best for you according to your sailing conditions. I bought a complete set of sails from him.  The boat is better balanced and he was great to talk to. Kern is like the mad scientist of sails.  
  • March 23, 2015 5:43 PM
    Reply # 3263430 on 3261216
    Deleted user

    Where do I find Kern? 

  • March 23, 2015 6:54 PM
    Reply # 3263471 on 3261216
    http://newport-beach.cylex-usa.com/company/kerns-sails-7796680.html

    Just don't give him a bloddymary , it makes him crazy .

  • March 24, 2015 5:34 PM
    Reply # 3265491 on 3261216

    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.

    Last modified: March 24, 2015 5:37 PM | Anonymous member
  • March 24, 2015 6:57 PM
    Reply # 3265559 on 3261216
    Anonymous member (Administrator)

    James:  Kern is best phoned... try  (949) 903-5376 

    Jay

  • March 29, 2015 6:06 AM
    Reply # 3273250 on 3261216
    Deleted user

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

  • March 29, 2015 12:44 PM
    Reply # 3273541 on 3261216
    Anonymous member (Administrator)

    James: Another thought - besides the sail size and shape - is the quality of the materials used, sewing, the reforcement used etc etc.  

    I understand that many sail makers have their sail production in Asia  for better or worse.. you can do the same via Lee Sails - but again the quality issue comes up as there are many ways to cut corners. .. 

    I purchased the main (shortened foot 2 reef points) and furler and furling jib from Kern and the staysail from Lee along with sail covers for the main and staysail... While the sail cover material has done OK the stiching has needed rework and I replaced the SS clasps on the staysail cover .. as they were corroded. 

    Jay

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