Hello everyone,
We are looking for a new sail wardrobe for our Pearson 365.
Does anybody have measurement and/or specifications handy for all 3 sails (or at least main and mizzen as genoa depends on the furler)?
Also, does a full batten mainsail add to performance/handling of the 365, useful for cruising ?
Thanks,
Phil & Sara
ZAYA
Our sailmaker inherited all the records from a another sail loft that had gone out of business years ago. When we went to him for new sails, he checked his records and told us that he saw a lot of redo work from sails that didn't fit a 365 ketch, so he had us measure for the new sails. The stock sails are 7 oz. Since we plan to go to the caribbean, we decided to go up one weight to 8 oz. cloth. He asked me about full battens, I declined at first, but that question stayed in my head for a while. I was back in there before the batten pockets went on and we discussed it again. We ended up going with full battens. He told me that when you go to full battens, the sailmaker usually wants to go down one weight on the sail cloth because the full battens make the sail much tougher. We went up one weight on the main and mizzen and added full battens. They are all triple stitched- they should be bulletproof. We are keeping those sails in reserve- they have not been out of their bags. But we do need to get them out and make sure they fit...
Hi
I had a set of sails made to order and thay did no fit ,It took longer to remake them than ordering a new set so be carefull, I also went for 8oz all round, ok but next time i will go for only 7oz on the mizen to hard ro reef in 8oz
all the best oceanpilgrim.
As far as size goes, I find it best to hand the sailmaker my old sail, (providing it fits) and let them work off of that. So far so good. Even when I purchased new sail covers I wrote right on the old ones, plus 2" here, minus 3" there with arrows. They fit like a glove.
Full battens... I grew up on Hobies and full battens in my mind are a pain. That being said, the boat came with a full batten mizzen and the battens keep the luffing down to a minimum. It is also easier to flake because of them.
Dale
Sailcare.com
Jim is a great guy to deal with I got all three sails brandy new for $3600.00 I did let him have my old jib that he was able to re-cut for another boat that saved me some money but I would highly recommend them my sails are full battened double reef on main and single on mizzen.
Give Jim a call.
Ed
S/V Moonlight Mile #110
I forgot to add that we have stackpacks. The full battens make a big difference with them.
We have an older full batten main and really like it. The battens seem to really stiffen the sail when we need it. We just bought a new 7oz 135 genny from JSI and are happy with it. We have a sloop. Let me know if you want any details on our sails.
Scott
As a sailmaker who specializes in working with cruisers around the world I have a few insights to share.
Tip #1 - Never rely on any sort of database dimensions for your boat or measurements from a sistership. We use the rig database for quoting purposes but we would never chance building a sail without physical measurements from the rig. The only exception is tightly controlled one design sails. For example we can supply a sail for a J-24 without detailed rig dimensions.
Tip #2 - Old sails are not a reliable guide for making new sails. They have usually stretched and may not have even been built for the boat in the first place. Some information like luff tape size and luff hardware is derived from the old sail but all other information comes from measuring the rig.
Tip #3 - In five years of running my business I have had only two customers that have had issues with the fit of their sails. Ironically one was a gentleman with a P-365 who was thousands of miles away from his boat when he ordered sails. Sadly he entrusted the all important task of measuring to someone at the marina. One of his sails did not fit properly.
Tip #4 - Caveat Emptor! Prices way lower than average are too good to be true. Many internet based sail vendors buy their sails from lofts that use seconds, which is sailcloth that has failed quality control tests performed by the cloth manufacturer. The best production lofts do not deal with individual boat owners, instead preferring to deal with sailmakers. The reason is simple. When we submit an order we supply the design files and all the info the loft needs to build the sail without them having to spend time interacting with us. It's a streamline process for everyone and requires less administrative staff for the loft.
Tip# 5 - Whoever you buy sails from should be asking about your sailing plans and how you sail. There are many different levels of cloth quality and finish. What will work fine for a coastal cruiser / weekend sailor is not appropriate for someone with bluewater inspirations.
Tip #6 - Full batten mainsails have advantages and disadvantages. Your sailmaker should take the time to explain these. We send out a PDF to anyone inquiring about fully battened sails to help educate them on this topic. Sailmakers make more money selling full battened sails but I don't feel it's right to gloss over that decision lightly.
Tip #7 - Full service lofts generally make more money on service work than by selling new sails. Older Dacron sails may look okay but they have often stretched leading to excessive heeling and limited pointing ability. Get quotes on a new sail before spending much money on repairs if your sail is older. Hint: If your sails are original they probably aren't worth fixing. We look at things on a life cycle cost basis. How many seasons can we expect a repair to provide and what is that cost per season compared with the cost per season of a new sail. Additionally with a new sail there is far less chance of a failure occurring at an inopportune moment.