Silly "modifying a sail" question...

Well, the ground hog says spring will be coming soon.

That leads me to a silly question about modifying an existing sail:

I've got an old (1960's vintage) Pacific Catamaran (P-19) that I wish to get back on the water. One like this is probably what Hobie's surfing son kept taking into the surf and tearing out the transoms.

• Length: 18.75 feet
• Beam: 711 inches
• Draft: 2 feet 11 inches
• Sail area: 267 square feet
• Displacement: 540 pounds

Anyway my original sails are "way bad".

The main was 24'10" x 10' 11"

This is seriously a "beater catamaran" that's been lots of fun in the past.

Of course it isn't the same as any of my other newer beach cats, and there are no 10' 11" footed beach cat main sails out there...but...

The question is, is it reasonably feasible for me to find main from a Prindle, Nacra or what ever, and cut the head off and sew in a new head plate and diagonal batten to fashion a square-top?

I'm half thinking about using an 8 foot boom off one of my other beach cats or cutting the P-cats boom down to 8 feet or so...or seeing how going boomless might work out.

This cat is a tank and lot of fun for more people than can grab a ride on any of my other cats and it is great to fish from, sail etc.

Any suggestions on any of this?

Is it spring yet...and if so why is there still ice on the lake???

The head of the sail is the most reinforced, you you have to mount the new head board very 'strongly' to avoid ripping it out again.

I imagine that it would be easier to cut the bottom off and put new tack and clew on, still a tricky job to get strong enough tho.

25' x 11' - there must be something that would fit..........

How about getting an older Formula 18 main and cutting the bottom off of it. there is not too much foot difference if you needed to cut a couple of feet off as the sail is pretty square that low. Buying the sail would not be too much money but the battens would run some bucks. I have sold used mains for anywhere from 300 up, but the 7 battens cost almost that much. Maybe you have some battens that will work from the old sail? Then you are good to go.

If you do not care too much about looks just keep the boom at 11 feet so the sheeting can stay the same and slip a loop around it for the new sail to attach about 8 feet from mast.

Later,
Dan

Even a garbage bag will provide some propulsion.. But a garbage bag will never make a good catamaran sail. Re-cutting an existing sail from another boat will never make it a good sail on the P19. Sailing with a good sail is so much more fun than using a bad sail. Dont you agree?

This sounds like an excellent opportunity to order a kit from Sailrite.com and build your own wood/glass battens.

Have you priced out a new main from a sail maker? Chip at whirlwind or Jeremy at Surf City could hook you up. Depending on material $800 to $2000 for a new main.

have a look at;
http://www.farriermarine.com/sails.html

An F27 sail seems to be about the right proportions. If you cut it off at the 1st reef points, i think it will still be a bit big, so will need cutting higher and tack and clew eyes fitted. but you might get lucky and find one with a reef point in the right place.

Sail will be a bit heavy for even a P-cat, but there must be lots of old ones about that will be cheap.

If you like, give me some of your details and I will post on the Farrier owners site and see if there is one for sale in your area