To cut or not to cut...my headsail that is

[hinmo]

After year 1 of our Cat34, I have found that more times than not, the 135 head sail on the boat is a little overpowering (yes - I reef the main when I can). I really desire less of a head sail, and with the hood 915 furler I do not feel confident in reefing the jib (pls try and convince me its a workable alternative!)

So, a local sail maker where my son works, said he can cut the existing sail down to somewhere like a 120%. There would need to be pennants on the tack and the head. He explained these as wire leaders connecting  to the eyelets of the sail to attach to the drum and halyard. He also explained how we would need to position the sail correctly to avoid halyard wrap.

The $$ to do this is significantly less than a new "imported" sail.of similar dimensions, , but am I ruining this sail and and lowering resale value down the line?

Pros, Cons?

thanks

[Ken Juul]

If the sail is in good shape I would leave it alone.  If it is starting to get blown out, consider the recut.  Also lots of old sails available.  Check the parts for sale section of this forum, Bacon's in Annapolis or ask your sail maker to keep his eye open for you.   

[Gary]

The Hood 915 and the problems that you feel in furling have me wondering what these problems are? I have probably missed this discussion on the board but would think the easiest solution to less power is to furl the headsail, not reduce its size permanently.

We have a Schaeffer single line, open drum, furler and have never had a problem using less sail in all kinds of wind conditions. We have a 130% genoa that is quite good, from light air to storm sail size. My suggestion is (assuming you want to keep this boat) is to make sure you have a good useable furling system. It is a great investment that allows constant adjustment to wind conditions from the safety of the cockpit.

Gary

[Stephen Butler]

We have a 150, on a Hood 915, on our 1990 C34.  We have considered recutting to a smaller sail, but will eventually get a used one instead.  For now and after 7 years and multiple "weather events" we have found that completely furling the genny, reefing the main, and easing the traveler works for us when the winds and seas get a bit much.  We can partially furl the genny with the Hood 915, but the furling line needs to be fairly new to avoid slippage and the sheets need to be at the correct angle.  Hope this is of help.

[Ron Hill]

hin : Your problem is the 915 furler !!  You wouldn't believe how nice a single line Hood 808 furler is and does reef nicely!! Hood will give you a Hood owners discount and after 23 years of stress - it's also time to change your rigging (usually changed out after 15 years of age).  
At least change out the head stay when you change the furling system.

I wrote a Mainsheet article when I changed out mine a few years back.  I compared Hood, Schaeffer and Harkin systems for price.

A few thoughts

[hinmo]

Ron - you are probably right. Can you send me a link to the article? The only hesitation is $$$. Trying to absorb the recurring costs of the Cat34....I can't store it in my yard like my Cat25....so thats $2K a year just to start with.

Bottom line - whats the cheapest single line furler replacement I can get? Do you get a new extrusion?

Thanks

[Ron Hill]

hin : As I said my article is a couple of years old and prices do change. 
I'd recommend that you look in the marine catalogs and on line to compare the current prices youself. 
Still contact Hood and let them know you're a 915 owner and want to upgrade.

Do some research and just don't go with the cheapest furler.  Go with the best name brand furler with cost factored in.  A thought

[Stu Jackson]

Ron's right.  You need to do your homework.  Sorry.

I had the same issues years ago with my old CDI system.  I looked at all of them and chose a ProFurl LCI32, primarily because of no maintenance and the headsail built-in halyard wrap stop at the top of the furler.  I didn't need a halyard restrainer like almost all other units require.  I like it and it was the least expensive at a boat show price.  Probably 2003 or earlier, around $1,600 IIRC.

In your case, you have the Hood re-do offer, which sounds pretty darn good.  Then you have ProFurl, Shaffer, Harken and maybe a few others.

Good luck.

[Indian Falls]

If your sail is in pretty fair condition, I'll trade you mine if you decide to cut.
My sail needs the UV cover replaced and has some wear and tear where it hits the rigging all near the Leach which I would assume would be cut off.  My sail is a 150 and does have the hull numbers glued/ironed on.  I'd almost feel better trading if your going to cut a perfectly good sail than repairing mine.