Sunfish Sail

S

Sunfish65

Member
Hi,

Just considering a new sail for my late 60's sunfish. Is the Neil Pryde sail larger than the intensity sail? The NP sail has a measurement of 84.75 sqft. Does anyone know the size of the Intensity sail?

Sunfish65
 
I 'sort of' agree with Matias.

If you want a more powerful sail with a decent window, go with the (white) Intensity 'race' version. But if you are a casual sailor and insist on a colored sail, Neil Pryde will fit the bill. The windows on the Neil Pryde sails are too small though and difficult to see through.

PS: if you use the Search function (in the upper bar), you will find other threads on this topic.
 
I just finished making a Sunfish sail from a Sailrite kit. Yes, I know it's NOT class legal; but it works just great for me in the "Just for Fun" class. It has a nice shape (definitely not flat),quality 4 oz. Dacron sail cloth, and I got to choose the color for each of the 6 panels. It's not the cheapest path to a new sail (much cheaper if you like plain white) but it was a great learning experience working with the designer folks at Sailrite. I also got a ton of satisfaction knowing that I made it myself. I'm already working on a design for my next Sunfish sail.....taking my inspiration from the Texas flag.

You might want to skip this option of a sail kit if you are not confident with your sewing skills. For me it was no problem because I've been sewing and quilting since I was 6 years old (now 57). I finished mine in about three sessions of 2 hours.
 
First - sail kit arrives......
Then - unpack all the pieces....
Use special basting tape on seams.....
Sew it together, add luff and foot tape.....
Install grommets
Hoist the sail - YIPPEE!!!! IMG_0512.jpg

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Sunfish65 said:
Hi,

Just considering a new sail for my late 60's sunfish. Is the Neil Pryde sail larger than the intensity sail? The NP sail has a measurement of 84.75 sqft. Does anyone know the size of the Intensity sail?

Sunfish65
Click to expand...

after all these explanations...
what kind of sail are you buying?
 
Thanks to everyone. I think I will buy the intensity sail. It has a proper window, and is almost identical to the North Sail. Just hope it is as durable as the Neil Pryde.

Sunfish65
 
it is very durable
a friend of mine has the intensity sail and uses it every weekend
here where I sail we have very strong winds ussually over 18kts
and the sail is still looking like new he has it since january 2009 almost 2 years and it is still crispy
 
How much did the "sail kit" cost, and where did you get it. I got the intencsty sail 2 years ago, I was very happy with it but I left it on the water all spring and summer, and the sun has caused it to start breaking down. I know this is my fault, and not the quallity of the sail. For the money I still think the intensity sail was a good value. I won't make the same mistake next year.
 
My sail kit from Sailrite.com cost $326.21 for 4 colors. This price included thread, grommets, basting tape, foot & luff tape, design fee, and shipping. I think you can get a white one for $190.00 plus shipping. Their stock colors cost $14.95 per yard and white only costs $9.50 per yard. Check out their web site for great free streaming videos......instructions for all kinds of DIY projects (sailing/boat related). Lots of learning opportunities. I found it most interesting to watch the video of the Sailrite loft where they use a huge flat bed printer/plotter to cut out sails with a very precise laser cutter......all computer driven. They even sent me the scraps from cutting out my sail so that I can do patches/repairs in the future.
 
Gator Gal #5 - aka "Songbird" said:
My sail kit from Sailrite.com cost $326.21 for 4 colors. This price included thread, grommets, basting tape, foot & luff tape, design fee, and shipping. I think you can get a white one for $190.00 plus shipping. Their stock colors cost $14.95 per yard and white only costs $9.50 per yard. Check out their web site for great free streaming videos......instructions for all kinds of DIY projects (sailing/boat related). Lots of learning opportunities. I found it most interesting to watch the video of the Sailrite loft where they use a huge flat bed printer/plotter to cut out sails with a very precise laser cutter......all computer driven. They even sent me the scraps from cutting out my sail so that I can do patches/repairs in the future.
Click to expand...


Nice kit and work. You should be proud. A bit pricey but then you got to pick your colors, so it is worth it.
 
YES, "A bit pricey". But I talked myself into to it saying, "there's at least $100 worth of value in the education alone....." I've paid that much for some quilting classes that I didn't learn as much as I did on this first sail project. Good education and quality materials always seem to come at a cost. And for me I must add the following: `Believe me, my young friend, there is NOTHING--absolute nothing--half so much worth doing as simply messing about in (with) boats. Later from this Gator.
 
Gator Gal #5 - aka "Songbird" said:
YES, "A bit pricey". But I talked myself into to it saying, "there's at least $100 worth of value in the education alone....." I've paid that much for some quilting classes that I didn't learn as much as I did on this first sail project. Good education and quality materials always seem to come at a cost. And for me I must add the following: `Believe me, my young friend, there is NOTHING--absolute nothing--half so much worth doing as simply messing about in (with) boats. Later from this Gator.
Click to expand...

I agree completely. Even if you gave the sail away, developing the skill is worth the whole price of the sail. Frankly, I'm a bit jealous. I've often thought about becoming a sail maker, just to learn more about it.
 
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