New Sails?

I picked up an 88 H16 this spring to race. The sails with the boat are in fantastic condition. The luff rope had never been up the mast track due to the previous owner installing these weird looking nylon slugs that went in the track. The sails are very crisp. Unfortunately the battens were still in and tensioned and the sail was stored that way for who knows how long. I am assuming the sails stretched from the batten tension but am not sure. I recently had the oppurtunity to compare my sail to one that was only a year old and sure enough mine looked much fuller than the new one. Questions: I know the Jib is cut alot different on new sails but has the cut of the main changed any or is mine fuller just because of the year it was made? Would I gain much buying a new main even if mine is stretched some? I am definately going to buy a new Jib.

I don't think you would notice the difference. Even racing you don't need a new sail until you are in A fleet.

cheers
Bill
2004 H16 109892
1985 H14 63089
1985 H14 52279
1988 H17 6386

Unfortunately I dont have a fleet to sail in around my area. The closest one is over an hour drive in Michigan on Austin lake. When I do get a chance to race I am up against some good competition but they are mostly sailing F17s and F18s and their is one really good Hobie 16 that comes out to our local Regattas. It is hard to judge performance between an H16 and F17s and 18s but the one H16 that comes out always seems to edge me out especially when the winds are really blowing. In light and moderate winds I seem to do pretty good. Okay so maybe I am looking for an excuse to buy a new set of sails. They sure look Cool.

Thanks for the Help
Paul
88 H16 90925

If you want new sails buy them, there are probably things you could do to increase you speed around the bouys more, like take the money you will spend on new sails and then take some time off work to train.

But I am sure new sails would be nice. I am contemplating getting new sails soon, but I have to see how I like sailing my boat under spin first.

_________________
Nacra 5.2 "Elsies"
Hobie 14T, "Blazin" I guess I am keeping her!

The new jibs are not as long on the foot, but are a little longer on the luff. The cut difference, primarily the shorter foot length, allows you to rake the mast back further and still sheet the jib in tight...better for upwind performance.

One option to consider is to have your old jib cut down. It still won't be as long on the luff, but it would match the length of the foot and allow you to sheet in tight with a raked mast upwind.

My guess, the performance it for the added length wouldn't be that large. Not sure the difference in cost over a new jib, but would certainly be worth asking. I race with new sails but am looking to have my original 84 jib cut down this winter so I don't have to rig the boat differently when I am just messing around.

drej - I'm in the same position as you regarding my '84 sails. When you find someone to do the jib - please post. I may send mine to the same person.

Devon,

I have the sailmaker. He has done repairs on Hobie sails for me in the past. The work is pretty straightforward. Cut down on the leach, thus shortening the foot. Restitch, including batten pockets. Add new grommets and a jib clew plate.

I don't know the cost, but I can ask him for an estimate. Originally, I wasn't going to do mine until it turned a bit colder. When were you looking to get yours done?