[C320-list] Replacement sails and other upgrades

[Scott Thompson]

I switched from a 2 line to a 3 line system when I bought a new main a 
few years ago.  The switch was at recommendation of my sailmaker, who 
showed me that it was consistent with Dutchman's own guidelines. I have 
not noticed a significant difference in ease of sail handling between 2 
and 3 lines, at least not with full batten main. If I were to do it 
again I would go with just 2. In my view the most forward line is so 
close to the mast as to be not very helpful in controlling the sail. But 
putting it any further aft would risk having it hang up on the 
spreaders, according to my sailmaker.

I also switched to a loose-footed main when I bought the new sail. I 
have had no regrets about that change. My boom has a sliding car in the 
track for the outhaul already, so I did not need a slug installed on the 
sail itself.

On 12/16/2012 4:42 PM, Alan Goodman wrote:
>
> Irv - now that you mention it (it never crossed my mind) on would think a three line Dutchman would handle the sail better when flaking.  I have seen three lines on C42s but does anyone actually have three lines on a C320?  Would that raise the price to $750 for installing the plastic disks ...  ouch.    Alan Hull 67 Holland MI
>
>
>> Message: 4
>> Date: Sat, 15 Dec 2012 18:02:09 -0500
>> From: Irving Grunes<igrunes at gmail.com>
>> To: C320-List at catalina320.com
>> Subject: Re: [C320-list] Replacement sails and other upgrades
>> Message-ID:
>> 	<CAE+H+CJ5spsUf5uQMvdy1CPva=CXAOQgO_6pk8O0aO1WorjzmQ at mail.gmail.com>
>> Content-Type: text/plain; charset=ISO-8859-1
>>
>> Alan
>> If going new, I suggest 3 line Dutchman and loose footed main.
>> Irv Grunes
>> #851
>>
>> On Sat, Dec 15, 2012 at 5:35 PM, Alan Goodman<goodmanalanlee at hotmail.com>wrote:
>>
>>>
>>> I have the original sails (hull 67 1994) and while I considered moving to
>>> a bigger boat (C400), I decided to keep the C320.  So now I am going to
>>> have to make the expense (is anything spent on a boat ever an investment?)
>>> for several upgrades.  I would appreciate your feedback as to how to go and
>>> what you may have paid for a similar upgrade.
>>>
>>> I almost pulled the trigger earlier this month while Catalina Direct had a
>>> 15% off discount on sails, but with only a day left before the sale expired
>>> I felt rushed and did not order them.  CD sells Ullman sails from a Ventura
>>> CA loft.  I am a Great Lakes cruiser (similar to coastal ocean conditions),
>>> so I am interested in Dacron, about 7.0 oz.  I currently have full battens
>>> and a bolt rope foot.  I also have the Dutchman flaking system, and CD
>>> wanted $500 extra to install the plastic disks/grommets in the sail.  That
>>> seemed a bit excessive to me.  Most likely I will be moving to a bigger
>>> boat in about 4 years (full retirement afloat), if that affects your
>>> recommendations.  Do any of the racers on the forum have gently used Dacron
>>> sails they might wish to part with?  Does anyone single hand a slab flaked
>>> main without a Dutchman or Lazy jacks?   The head sail seems to me to be an
>>> easier choice (less decisions).  Same fabric weight as the main, foam luff,
>>> leach and foot cords, etc.  I am looking for thoughts based upon value ...
>>> i.e. price to performance.
>>>
>>> I also am going to have new interior cushions made for the salon.  Any
>>> recommendations as to foam density, foam thickness, other issues I may not
>>> be thinking about?  My OEM settee and dinette cushions extend beyond the
>>> leading edge (i.e. overhang) of the fiberglass bench structure but do not
>>> provide any support.  The edge of these cushions simply roll down behind my
>>> calves and are uncomfortable.  Anyone have new cushions made that are flush
>>> with the leading edge of the fiberglass bench structure?  Any thoughts
>>> about why it might be a good or bad idea?  Also, anyone have any price
>>> information as to what I should expect to pay (I'll be taking the existing
>>> cushions around for quotes right after the new year).
>>>
>>> Lastly, I bought a tufted topper for the aft berth cushions but still
>>> don't find the sleeping conditions comfortable.  So I will definitely be
>>> purchasing a mattress.  Options are foam or coil spring (I also tried a
>>> Coleman air mattress, but it felt way too cold in the early spring and late
>>> fall).  Again, any advice thoughts appreciated.
>>>
>>> That probably exhausts my boat budget for the upcoming year  ...  air
>>> conditioning and a below deck autopilot are in my dreams.
>>>
>