Buying used sails

[noworries]

I've been thinking about going to Minney's and looking for a cheap sail to use as a #2 or #3 jib when the wind is up.  As long as the foil will fit could you use a headsail from a smaller boat that way?  We raced yesterday and it was blowing 20 knots... I was way overpowered.  Had a new record for weather helm and heeling on the boat ;)

[Lance Jones]

Small question, did you reef the head sail by furling it in? I do that and it works very well.

[Ted Pounds]

Did yo put a reef in the main?  That's the first thing you should do when the wind pipes up.  That will reduce your weather helm.  Reducing the jib without reefing the main wil only increase weather helm.  In 20 kts of wind you should be OK with a reefed main and #1 genoa.  That's the way I used to race in those conditions.  and on the downwind legs I would shake the reef out of the main.  Also make sure you don't overtrim the main; that can increase weather helm and really slow you down.  You'll go faster with the main luffing a little if it reduces the rudder drag from the weather helm. 

[Gary Brockman]

There is no problem with using a heavier sail from a smaller boat on your boat as long as the cloth is heavy enough for the wind range you are going to use it in. You should be aware what size luff tape your fuller takes, probably size 6, when looking at sails. You should also be prepared to have the sail recut to fit the tracks on your boat if it doesn't lead right or maybe add a pennant for it to fit properly.

Minney's has a good collection of used sails at fair prices. Last year I sold them two mains that I no longer had use for, with one of them in excellent condition.

Gary

[noworries]

Any tips on what to look for in a used sail?  When looking at the measurements... how much shorter can the luff/leech be and still be functional?

I saw they had a J105 headsail--I went to check it out and of course it was already sold.

Also if looking for a used spin--what do I look for?

[Ted Pounds]

It can be as short as you want.  Important point:  if it is shorter you need to add a line to the head so that the swivel hoists all the way to the top; otherwise you'll get a nasty halyard wrap.