The guy who I bought my NACRA 5.7 from had been using a NACRA 18 squared mainsail on the boat. I like the characteristics of the sail, but it's too tall for my boat so I'd like to replace it. Unfortunately, I've been having a heck of a time finding anywhere to buy a 5.7 mainsail, and none of the sailmakers I've contacted so far have a pattern for it.
He doesn't list the 5.7 on the site, but can probably do it.
Or you could try contacting a Nacra dealer like www.KeySailing.com and see if factory sails or maybe old inventory is available. I know they have a lot of stray old/new/stock sails around the wearhouse.
Yeah, Chip seems like a stud. He even offered to make a pattern for the sail if I got him some measurements, but I don't have a 5.7 main to measure... Do you guys have any ideas on where I could get the dimensions for a 5.7 mainsail? Also, does anyone know if a 570 mainsail would work on my 5.7?
I can second the Cathouse. They know their stuff and will get you a fair deal. I buy all my parts through them and call them for tech advice. They are very prompt in responding as well. They know the Nacra line, all years, like no one else. Very involved in the local racing community so they see it all.
In fact they have a good sized parts order coming from me this year.
Thanks! I tried the cathouse and Mark said he could get me a nice mylar square top for $1500 and change. That would be a sweet sail, but it's more than I want to spend. Chip from whirlwind is still trying to figure something out for me though.
Also, one of my sailing buddies had an interesting idea that I wanted to run by you guys. My 18 squared sail is only about 14 inches too long, so he suggested that I take it to one of our local sail menders and have them take off 14 inches at the top, add some reinforcement at the top, and then re-attach the clew plate. So basically I'd have a "squareish top" sail. I'm worried that the sail wouldn't shape correctly if i did that though... Any thoughts?
Seems to me that depends on where the top battens are when you do that. Perhaps the pockets could be repositioned. A skilled sailmaker could probably make that work but I think you are talking some serious cash.
Prices of new mylar sails are scary are they not? Makes me real careful of mine.
I mentioned this to Kirk Newkirk at Key Sailing and he sent me this. Better call fast before someone else sees it.
Damon,
I have a Like new 5.7 main with battens Skip Elliot.............$500, I dont think I have a Jib that I am fairly sure was already sold.
Thanks Kirk
Key Sailing, Inc.
500 Quietwater Beach Road
Suite 14
Pensacola Beach, FL 32561
850-932-5520
Toll Free 866-KEY-SAIL
Fax 850-932-8964
www.keysailing.com
You rock Damon! I'm going to call them tomorrow morning as soon as they open. Thanks man!
No kidding. That sail costs more than the truck I pull my boat with... granted half of the things on my boat cost a lot more than my truck too... I guess that means I have my priorities straight huh!
Yep, I sure did! Kirk shipped it off at the end of last week, and it should be here around the 10th, according to the UPS site. It's a pretty sail too--nice blue and white color scheme. Thanks again for the tip!
Yep, it sure is. It's in pretty good condition. There are are no tears or holes, and the seams are tight. The luff is in good shape too, with almost no wear from being run up the mast track. It's missing two of the battens at the top though. I'm not sure what it's worth, but I'm thinking somewhere around $300-$350 would be a fair price. Let me know if you are interested.
I haven't had a chance to post any pictures of the new sail on my boat yet, because there's been a fair bit of snow on the ground since I bought the new sail. I'm taking a quick break from my homework though, and I decided to roll it out and snap a couple pictures in my apartment. By the way, thanks again Damon for helping me find this sail!