[C320-list] Head'sl Question

[Jack Brennan]

I do know that buying sails is confusing as hell these days.

I’ve read posts from veteran racers claiming that many local lofts buy their sails from Asia at bargain prices these days, then “customize” them and sell them at the same lofty prices as before. I don’t have any firsthand knowledge of this.

I do know that Rolly Tasker was the first to make sails in Asia, is a large operation and has a good rep. Its National Sails dealer in Florida sells a 135 for a 320 with foam, Sunbrella, etc., for about $1,700. A new main is about $1,400. 

That probably should be the starting point for your decision. Are the other guys offering more and better? If so, is it worth the price? 

I got a little disappointed when I realized Ullman/Catalina Direct weren’t giving actual prices for sails. Fifteen percent off of what? They are also short on details about the sails themselves and what is extra. Seems like you shouldn’t have to give them your personal info just to see accurate  prices.

Thankfully, my sails are in decent shape.

Jack Brennan
Sonas, 1998 Catalina 320, no. 528
Tierra Verde, Fl.
Dolphin Cruising Club of Tampa Bay




Sent from Mail for Windows 10

From: Gus Macdonald
Sent: Wednesday, September 11, 2019 4:20 PM
To: C320-List at Catalina320.com
Subject: Re: [C320-list] Head'sl Question

I have no experience with Ulman sails.  However I do have a 150% Genoa which is likely original but little used when I bought the boat 4 years ago and is in good condition.  The winds on Georgian Bay can be strong at times with the consequent need to reef.  When reefed the sail shape was horrible.  So I had foam luff strips sown into the sail.  This upgrade together with adjustable jib cars has made a major difference when reefed and beating to windward.  I would not consider a 150 without the mods.

Gus
Hull # 999
Georgian Bay

> On Sep 11, 2019, at 1:05 PM, Joe Geiger <joe.geiger at gmail.com> wrote:
> 
> The 150% head’sl on my boat is the original factory sail and is pretty blown out.  Catalina Direct has a 15% off on Ullman sails until 9/24 and I was wondering if anybody has experience with this brand. With the discount, it’s about $1K cheaper than Doyle which has a loft near our club.  
> 
> After reading the Ullman 150% description it sounds like it uses lighter sail cloth and is not recommended to be reefed using the furler.  They say it has too much draft and can get blown out when partially furled. We typically have light to moderate winds here in Narraganset Bay, RI so the extra sail area would be nice. I would definitely want the ability to reef it in a good blow as I’ve found sailing under just the main can make tacking difficult.
> 
> Anyone have the Ullman 150% or any thoughts on the pros and cons of a 150% vs. a 135% (which reportedly can be reefed without harm)?
> 
> 
> Joe
> --
> Joe Geiger
> Vega #722
> Greenwich Cove, RI
> 
> 
>