Best sail?

qwertyjjj · Joined: 09 Jul 2015 Posts: 98

I've only done a few lessons but I used to sail boats when younger so wind direction understanding is good.
I went out on a 7.0 sail last year but the winds were a bit strong, I was fone with it when the wind died down.

My existing sail is a 6.5 recreational Maui sails. Not great but I guess it catches some wind.
I'm wondering if it would be worth investing in a 7.3 North etype or a 7 Sailworks retro to replace the 6.5?
Is there going to be much performance improvement and lighter sail to help?
Any recommendations on the etype vs the retro?

techno900 · Joined: 28 Mar 2001 Posts: 4161

No reason to replace your sail, but good reason to add another sail. A 6.5 is a good size for an adult male to learn on (maybe even a little large), but going up in size to a 7.5 is a good decision for more power in lighter winds.

On the other hand, as you progress and become more comfortable with stronger winds, the 6.5 will be an important sail in your quiver. Eventually, if you stick with it, you may add a 5.5 and an 8.5, but that depends on your typical, local conditions. I have sails from 4.0 to 11.0, so I can go out in almost any condition.

As you add sails, additional masts and booms will be a factor. Chances are, your 6.5 and a new 7.5 may work on your current mast and boom, but be sure to check this out before you get a surprise and find that your mast and boom are too short for the 7.5 your are looking at.

With the correct mast and rigged properly, there is nothing wrong with a recreational Maui Sails, sail, you just need more wind to power it up.

Your weight and what board you are on would help with recommendations.

U2U2U2 · Posted: Tue Mar 01, 2016 10:27 am Post subject:

Quite a lot of info is needed to really make a recommendation, weight , board, sea state , size usually used, which is apparently 7.0 since it sounds like the only one, but sounds too big

If you replace the 7.0 , a 6.5 , but probably smaller would work, either at times it will work, so one size fits all doesn't work for sails.

If the Maui sails is ok then keep it, and build a quiver around the size you think will receive the most use.. Rx a 6.0.

This recent thread has useful info in the Retro as well a Ezzy, both being excellent.

http://www.iwindsurf.com/forums/viewtopic.php?t=30858

qwertyjjj · Joined: 09 Jul 2015 Posts: 98

I'm more concerned about whether a recreational sail is ok?
I got it used for a cheap price but the shop guy looked at me like, why do you want a recreational sail? Smile

Is there much difference in performance?

I'm 85kg, more with wetsuit.
Board would be a Kona One if I can find it or something around 200litres.
Sea state - usually lakes, can be occasionally choppy.
Have used a 7.x in a lesson - when I got the hang of it it was good but a lot of uphauling so was very tired by end. Sometimes, it was too much but it was a windy day.
Average winds 10-20kts. Can be lighter can get more on good days.

U2U2U2 · Posted: Tue Mar 01, 2016 11:58 am Post subject:

Is it a Aloha ?

Reading Maui sails description, it is a Entry to mid level sail, was probably low in cost compared to other sails. This due to materials used, and they were used to keep the cost down. It will be heavier than say a Retro of similar size.

It will give up some performance and life expectancy will be less, how much on those depends on many factors , like sun and how good the condition is now, and how well you take care of things.

It could very well be a really good sail at this time in you experience level.

I'm reading some between the lines on your post, it's not the sails fault you had problems with higher wind, it's your level of experience.

So the 7.0 seemed ok till it got winder... 6.0 size would help in higher winds.

You will have a decision to make on sail brands, some sails are more critical on the mast being used, depending on how old the Maui sails is, it may want a hard top mast, and a 6.0 will probably call for a shorter mast.
Put another way, the sails you chose should be compatible with the mast you have.

So yes the rec sail is fine.

cgoudie1 · Posted: Tue Mar 01, 2016 12:03 pm Post subject:

Rec sails can be good sails. I'm presuming that this is the Aloha model
(which Maui Sails dropped this year), and not the beginner model Inspire.

I ride with a guy who runs an Aloha in 5.5 wind, and he rips, but I've never
ridden it.

At your stage I'm guessing that a 6.5 Aloha would be just dandy, and
you should just get another bigger sail (like a 7.5 or even an 8.0) and keep
the 6.5.

But, let me also say that sticking with the same brand is always a good
option if you can, and for bigger sails, I just don't know anything about the Maui brand.

-Craig

qwertyjjj · Joined: 09 Jul 2015 Posts: 98

cgoudie1 · Posted: Tue Mar 01, 2016 1:15 pm Post subject:

Correct, there is no point in getting an expensive 7 for weight/performance at this stage, even on a long board.

-Craig

U2U2U2 · Posted: Tue Mar 01, 2016 2:17 pm Post subject:

Sorry I made a mistake on the existing sail, it's a 6.5 NOT 7.0

It should be good.

No reason to get a 7.0, for right now I don't see a need for any other sail size, smaller at some time.

Aloha ?.?

qwertyjjj · Joined: 09 Jul 2015 Posts: 98