Puget sailor
Member II
I’m thinking of ordering a new main for my ‘85 32-3. I’m still rocking the original one, which has been shredded and repaired by previous owners. I’d also like to go to a tides sail track system while I’m at it. Currently I’m thinking of using Precision Sails out of BC, their stuff is made in China I believe. I’m planning to avoid the low budget options and go with upgraded real world sail cloth, which moves the price needle a decent amount, but seems prudent.
It’s a Puget Sound boat, but I would not rule out some offshore adventures in the next few years, so thinking I’ll favor cruising details over lightweight and perhaps racing performance.
First question: any reason to deviate from the factory design? I have a boom kicker, and don’t use a topping lift, so I suppose additional roach is possible, but not sure why it would be desirable?
Second question: I believe I currently have 3 full length battens, possibly 4, I’ll have to check. I’m not sure if those are original or retrofits. I like them and plan to keep that design. Any reason to deviate from what’s there?
Third question: reef points. I think I have 2 now, and no ties in the sail, but there are grommets for them. I’m planning to set it up for reefing from the cockpit since I single hand a lot. Be nice to be able to do that, and not that hard to do I guess. Is there any reason to go to three reef points? I guess for serious offshore it could make sense. Inshore, I’d never use the third one. Thoughts?
Final question: Anybody know if the tides slides are on hand at sail lofts, or does one order them from tides, and send them in to the sailmakers?
Oh, I almost forgot a big one. What’s the consensus on loose foot vs how it came from Ericson? I have the original Kenyon spars. They seem to be in good shape and functional, so no plans to mess with any of that. Part of me likes the slugs on the boom so it’s easy to furl up, but I’ve never sailed a loose foot rig.
I currently have lazy jacks which are ok, but I’d like to change them so they can live on the mast when not needed, and much simplify the sail cover logistics. Plus they create a lot of places for endless Seattle rain to get past the sail cover and things can get moldy. I’m not a big fan of the look of stack packs or lines going through the sail. In a pinch, the current system is ok too.
Any other suggestions appreciated. I’ve never ordered a sail before, always just sailed with whatever old rags came with the boat, but this Ericson really likes going to windward, and I’m looking forward to being able to get a better foil shape when doing so.
It’s a Puget Sound boat, but I would not rule out some offshore adventures in the next few years, so thinking I’ll favor cruising details over lightweight and perhaps racing performance.
First question: any reason to deviate from the factory design? I have a boom kicker, and don’t use a topping lift, so I suppose additional roach is possible, but not sure why it would be desirable?
Second question: I believe I currently have 3 full length battens, possibly 4, I’ll have to check. I’m not sure if those are original or retrofits. I like them and plan to keep that design. Any reason to deviate from what’s there?
Third question: reef points. I think I have 2 now, and no ties in the sail, but there are grommets for them. I’m planning to set it up for reefing from the cockpit since I single hand a lot. Be nice to be able to do that, and not that hard to do I guess. Is there any reason to go to three reef points? I guess for serious offshore it could make sense. Inshore, I’d never use the third one. Thoughts?
Final question: Anybody know if the tides slides are on hand at sail lofts, or does one order them from tides, and send them in to the sailmakers?
Oh, I almost forgot a big one. What’s the consensus on loose foot vs how it came from Ericson? I have the original Kenyon spars. They seem to be in good shape and functional, so no plans to mess with any of that. Part of me likes the slugs on the boom so it’s easy to furl up, but I’ve never sailed a loose foot rig.
I currently have lazy jacks which are ok, but I’d like to change them so they can live on the mast when not needed, and much simplify the sail cover logistics. Plus they create a lot of places for endless Seattle rain to get past the sail cover and things can get moldy. I’m not a big fan of the look of stack packs or lines going through the sail. In a pinch, the current system is ok too.
Any other suggestions appreciated. I’ve never ordered a sail before, always just sailed with whatever old rags came with the boat, but this Ericson really likes going to windward, and I’m looking forward to being able to get a better foil shape when doing so.