Multiple Upgrades

[steve stoneback]

Hi all,
I feel like I just got a new boat.  I recently did 3 long overdue upgrades, a new traveler, new sails and single line furler.  I bought Kappa sails, 2 + 2 main and 150 reefable Genoa.  Wow! what a difference.  I encourage anyone looking for new sails to consider Kappa.  Clarke Bassett is great to work with. 

I led the traveler lines aft on the cabin top, through the dodger and installed swivel jam cleats........ my wife loves this setup.

I didn't put on a complete new furler, just the 900SL upgrade.  It to works like a dream.

Next will be a rigid vang.

Thanks to everyone who contributes to this site.  It made my decisions and upgrades much easier.

Steve

[foursailing]

Steve- I am also in the market for a new set of sails (at least a new Genoa).  How did you wind up selecting Kappa?  How long did they take to make the sails?  How much did they set you back?

Thanks,

Bill

[steve stoneback]

Bill,

This site was a great resource for information on which sailmakers deliver quality products and give good service.  Many folks like to work with a local loft.  That is not an option in South Dakota. Try a search on Kappa and you will get quite a few hits...... or just a search on sails. 

I also got quotes from 3 other sailmakers.  I could have bought less expensive sails and I could have paid a grand more for comperable sails from North.  I went with Kappa because of the roach he puts into the main.  I would rather not publish the actual cost here, but would let you know if you e-mail me directly.  Clarke did give me a discount being I was buying both a Genoa and Main.

The delivery time was 6 to 7 weeks, but of course I ordered them at the worst time of the year.

I have only sailed with them 4 or 5 times and so far I am very pleased.

happy sailing

Steve

[Jim Price]

Bill, I only bought the 2 +2 main sail  from Kappa last fall and still fly the original 145 genoa.  The "fat" main has made a world of difference in how the boat handles and the overall speed.  I actually had a tear in the new sail (due to a reefing block failure, not the sail) after only two uses and sent back to Kappa where Clark repaired.  Original order and the repair turnaround was very short.  The repaired sail is great, I would probably have to show you where it was repaired as it looks like the seam is supposed to be where it is.

I give Kappa top marks for great product and pricing and ongoing support.

[Joe and Carol]

     We also give Clarke at Kappa Sails high recommendations!     We like the extended roach design.  Clarke met our every need as we replaced both main and 150 Genoa.  He repaired our old sails so we could use them until our new sails arrived.  Kappa Sails was ahead of their delivery date.  Price was very competitive!  Clarke took the time to discuss our sailing needs and produced sails perfect for our cruising.
     We have added a Garhauer rigid boom Vang. 
     Now, the great part . . friends say our tall rig knot meter shows to high a speed!  Could it be the extra sail area, design and lift advantage of Kappa Sails?  Living in Missouri and ordering sails from CT, I asked Clarke if he could guarentee the fit?  As several dock buddies watched the new sails hauled up perfectly.
     If you have not the pleasure of sailing with new sails. . .you owe yourself and boat the added value of experiencing new sails.

[foursailing]

Thanks to all for the feedback!  I just purchased my boat last september.  The sails are about 8 years old.  The leech on the genoa looks like it needs to be repaired (impossible to trim).  Based on the age of the sails and other posts I've come across I'm thinking of just replacing rather than trying to repair.

Other than the lugs on the leech breaking off, the main doesn't appear too bad, but I'm sure a new one would be a nice improvement (just need budgetary approval from the boss).  Any comments on how the stock Catalina sails compare to a loft like Kappa?

I'm not too far from Kappa, so that might work out.  I also saw a favorable post on Doyle which have a loft relatively close by so I'll check them out also.  I guess this is the worst time to order sails from a pricing and timing perspective.

Thanks again,

Bill

[Ken Juul]

On our Mast Head rigs the genoa is the power sail.  Keep it in good shape/replace when necessary.  As far as I can tell I still use the original 1990 main.  Due to stretch it was hitting the top of the bimini so it was recut by a local loft (Quantum) a few years ago. They removed a skinny a pie shaped piece along the foot.  Starting to get a little baggy again, a cunningham in a cringle near the tack easily pulls it tight.  The $250-300 as opposed to a new sail has served me well.