View previous topic :: View next topic |
Author |
Message |
colosurf
Joined: 15 Aug 2012 Posts: 2
|
Posted: Wed Aug 15, 2012 9:27 am Post subject: Help with understanding new sail purchase |
|
|
Hi,
I'm getting back into the sport after a 15 year hiatus. I can comfortably water start and stick most, but not all, jibes, so I supposed I'm in the intermediate/advanced category.
I just picked up a bunch of Gaastra Power Speed and Aerotech Ultimate Slalom sails, with a full size range for each brand. I am clueless as to the difference between these two types of sails and would appreciate a little guidance on which type is better for low to medium wind lake sailing.
Thanks in advance for your help!
Andy |
|
Back to top |
|
|
dllee
Joined: 03 Jul 2009 Posts: 5329 Location: East Bay
|
Posted: Wed Aug 15, 2012 1:24 pm Post subject: |
|
|
What year are your sails. PowerSpeed might be something as old as 1990.
The size of the sail makes more difference than exactly WHAT the sail is. Most sails work just fine at your level. |
|
Back to top |
|
|
outcast
Joined: 04 May 2004 Posts: 2724
|
Posted: Wed Aug 15, 2012 3:00 pm Post subject: |
|
|
I think that the Aerotechs are going to be a better bet.
If the Gaastras are flourescent (80's) you can dumpster them, or keep the smaller ones for higher wind days....they will be heavy and inefficient.
BUT>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>
1.) I think the Aerotechs are twin cams, and that could make rigging longer and waterstarting a bit harder (have to pop the cams over)...
Biggest bang for your buck is if you aren't frustrated before you hit the water. Almost assuredly you will need more downhaul than you think!
2.) Make sure the monofilm is not too cracked or cloudy (end-of-life)
3.) Check that your mast(s) are compatible..... if in nothing else at least in size, and preferrably in softness and bend curve
Welcome back....just make it easy...3 or 4 sails max Beach or lawn rig everything you want to keep at least once, ....mark stuff with Sharpies, so you can just go when you wanna go _________________ https://www.youtube.com/watch?time_continue=2&v=zw0MgkO7VXw |
|
Back to top |
|
|
colosurf
Joined: 15 Aug 2012 Posts: 2
|
Posted: Wed Aug 15, 2012 5:34 pm Post subject: |
|
|
Thank you for all of the information and the welcome back. It is all very helpful.
The Power Speeds are indeed 1990, and the most of Aerotechs are around 1995. Most of the sails are in great shape, but two are showing some minor delamination between the layers around the window. Othberwise, no cracks, creases or clouding.
Here is the list:
Aerotech
Ultimate Slalom 3.9 (no camber)
Ultimate Slalom 5.0 (double camber)
Ultimate Slalom 6.2 (double camber)
Universal Slalom 6.5 (single camber)
Ultimate Slalom 6.8 (triple camber)
Gaastra
Power Speed 4.4 (double camber)
Power Speed 5.0 (double camber)
Power Speed 5.7 (double camber)
Power Light 6.4 (no camber)
Camber Light 7.2 (single camber)
I am very familiar with sail size/wind decisions, but just do not know much about the particular shape and styles and what to expect out of them. I recognize that I probably will not even be able to tell a difference, but I am still curious.
I would like to pair these down to around four (like the recommendation above) in the 5.0-7.2 range and then unload the rest. Assuming good condition for each, do any particular models stand out as more user friendly, more fun, etc.?
Thank you again for all of your time and advice! |
|
Back to top |
|
|
outcast
Joined: 04 May 2004 Posts: 2724
|
|
Back to top |
|
|
SeaDawg
Joined: 12 Sep 2002 Posts: 384
|
Posted: Thu Aug 16, 2012 7:39 am Post subject: |
|
|
Is it just you, or do you have friends that want to get back into or learn to WS the smaller older sails or good to have around for learning.
I agree with outcast 7.2 6.5 and 5.0 are the core of most sail quivers unless you live in a high wind destination.
Welcome back to the sport. |
|
Back to top |
|
|
isobras
Joined: 17 Jul 2012 Posts: 439
|
Posted: Thu Aug 16, 2012 8:55 am Post subject: |
|
|
SeaDawg wrote: | unless you live in a high wind destination ... |
Colo(rado)surf? Probably not, unless it's in southern CO within commuting distance of NM. |
|
Back to top |
|
|
spennie
Joined: 13 Oct 1995 Posts: 975 Location: Thousand Oaks, CA
|
Posted: Thu Aug 16, 2012 10:38 am Post subject: |
|
|
You guys only specified 3 sails. Keep the 4.4 for the occasional cranker, or for teaching, good for both. _________________ Spennie the Wind Junkie
www.WindJunkie.net |
|
Back to top |
|
|
|
|
You cannot post new topics in this forum You cannot reply to topics in this forum You cannot edit your posts in this forum You cannot delete your posts in this forum You cannot vote in polls in this forum You can attach files in this forum You can download files in this forum
|
|
|