My new main arrived today, my old one is going in for some repairs and will serve as a backup going forward.
If you're thinking about pulling the trigger on a new main, do it!
The quality of these new Hobie factory sails is absolutely outstanding. After sailing with 30 year old sails on my last 3 14's, it's awesome to feel a hard, crisp, factory fresh sail.
Other than the sail being fresh and new, there are a few extras that I would like to pass on as the catalog doesn't give a detailed description of the sail. I was pleasantly surprised to find: 1. A high quality Hobie sail bag in the box, sweet! 2. Pre-cut windows in the lower panel, and on the two "reaching" telltales. I will add telltales to the top two panels, I've always had them there. 3. Batten tie line, nice that it's included. 4. Outhaul line, would have spent a few bucks on a new one, nice to have one in the box.
Upon first inspection, the biggest difference compared to the old sails is the durability of the clew/attachment points, and the batten pocket ends. Very durable and the fit/finish is great, made in USA.
I've seen varying colors with these newer mains, all with sail numbers in the 63xxx range. In the catalog the pattern is listed as "Coronado 08", and this one has quite a bit of yellow in it (my boat is yellow, so it'll look great). Sometimes in pics the blue in this pattern looks almost turquoise, could be the sunlight making the blue appear lighter...this one is definitely blue.
This is one of those cases where you absolutely get what you pay for. It's not cheap, but the sail that I am replacing is from 1985. This new offering is a far superior sail, and I can't wait for the 2016 season.
