myiW Current Conditions and Forecasts Community Forums Buy and Sell Services
 
Hi guest · myAccount · Log in
 SearchSearch   ProfileProfile   Log in to check your private messagesLog in to check your private messages   RegisterRegister 
What to be gained with a new sail?
Goto page 1, 2, 3  Next
 
Post new topic   Reply to topic    iWindsurf Community Forum Index -> Windsurfing Discussion
View previous topic :: View next topic  
Author Message
rangerider



Joined: 19 Jul 2009
Posts: 206

PostPosted: Sun May 25, 2014 9:56 am    Post subject: What to be gained with a new sail? Reply with quote

The last 2 years I have been sailing the Ultrasonic with my Ezzy Lion 9.5 in lightwind gusty lake conditions and I am still sometimes on and off the plane depending on conditions. I pump and my lightwind planing technique is decent so let's set that aside for the moment. Let's also assume I have my sail rigged properly (I have an AO). I have a 56cm Select S1 race fin.

I am tempted to get an 11.0 or 11.5 full race sail / carbon boom etc to try to lower my planing threshold some and to go faster and stay on plane a little longer through lulls. Do you think I would really notice the difference over my 9.5 Ezzy? Would you do it? Should I just enjoy what I have?
Back to top
View user's profile Send private message
coachg



Joined: 10 Sep 2000
Posts: 3549

PostPosted: Sun May 25, 2014 10:26 am    Post subject: Reply with quote

Your weight will play a large factor in how much you gain going from a 9.5 to 11.5 sail. Would I do it? Not at my 170 lbs. If I weighed 200+ lbs it would depend on where & how I am sailing. Smaller, closed area where I am doing lots of BAF with not a lot of upwind needed than no, I would not invest in the larger sail. Large open area with super long reaches & upwind exploring ability than yes I would strongly consider it.

Coachg
Back to top
View user's profile Send private message
rangerider



Joined: 19 Jul 2009
Posts: 206

PostPosted: Sun May 25, 2014 10:29 am    Post subject: Reply with quote

Small lake, I weigh 175lbs. Thanks coach. I do sometimes drive to bigger lakes though so something to consider. That is helpful to understand when it might make a difference.
Back to top
View user's profile Send private message
isobars



Joined: 12 Dec 1999
Posts: 20935

PostPosted: Sun May 25, 2014 11:00 am    Post subject: Reply with quote

You might also consider the flip side: waterstarting.

At some point it's time to bite the bullet and buy a jetski or move to a windier area. I've done both. Smile

Mike \m/
Back to top
View user's profile Send private message
rangerider



Joined: 19 Jul 2009
Posts: 206

PostPosted: Sun May 25, 2014 11:09 am    Post subject: Reply with quote

I have a wakeboard boat for when it's calm. I don't water start the 9.5 anyway so the difference there doesn't matter much.
Back to top
View user's profile Send private message
isobars



Joined: 12 Dec 1999
Posts: 20935

PostPosted: Sun May 25, 2014 11:36 am    Post subject: Reply with quote

rangerider wrote:
I have a wakeboard boat for when it's calm.

There ya go! Most WSers/kiters at least pretend they're too green to appreciate the advantages of motors ... until they need one to haul their kit to the fun.
Back to top
View user's profile Send private message
NOVAAN



Joined: 28 Sep 1994
Posts: 1544

PostPosted: Sun May 25, 2014 11:45 am    Post subject: Reply with quote

The gains you would get from a bigger sail vs. the weight gain and cost would very little. At some point there is just not enough wind. I'm lucky enough to live where my big sail is a 6.5 Even that seems big to me. Some people get great pleasure with a wind SUP or a Kona doing light wind freestyle. That will also greatly increase you high wind skills and your time on the water. A 5.8 on a Kona and you dancing...
Back to top
View user's profile Send private message
rangerider



Joined: 19 Jul 2009
Posts: 206

PostPosted: Sun May 25, 2014 12:58 pm    Post subject: Reply with quote

Well, going out now with a 6.4 and the windSup. Still interested to hear if anyone thinks a bigger sail would be worth it. I guess I'm wondering if a fixed foil with the extra cambers and wide luff tube is a significant gain in efficiency - so far it sounds like it isn't.
Back to top
View user's profile Send private message
swchandler



Joined: 08 Nov 1993
Posts: 10588

PostPosted: Sun May 25, 2014 1:18 pm    Post subject: Reply with quote

If you're going to consider a bigger sail than you've got, it's important to remember that a bigger sail will require a bigger fin, particularly in the lightest of winds. The two go hand in hand. Without the added lift generated by a bigger fin, a bigger sail will feel doggie and lifeless, especially when considering upwind performance.

Last edited by swchandler on Sun May 25, 2014 1:24 pm; edited 1 time in total
Back to top
View user's profile Send private message
dllee



Joined: 03 Jul 2009
Posts: 5328
Location: East Bay

PostPosted: Sun May 25, 2014 1:24 pm    Post subject: Reply with quote

Not to mention the possible combinations of longer booms, masts, different masts.
Back to top
View user's profile Send private message
Display posts from previous:   
Post new topic   Reply to topic    iWindsurf Community Forum Index -> Windsurfing Discussion All times are GMT - 5 Hours
Goto page 1, 2, 3  Next
Page 1 of 3

 
Jump to:  
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

myiW | Weather | Community | Membership | Support | Log in
like us on facebook
© Copyright 1999-2007 WeatherFlow, Inc Contact Us Ad Marketplace

Powered by phpBB © 2001, 2005 phpBB Group