8.5m sail VS a 7.5 for earlie planing

SeaDawg · Joined: 12 Sep 2002 Posts: 384

I've chased the wind threshold big time. Several years ago I bought a starboard free formula 198, a 500cm mast and a retro 10m. I worked hard to enjoy it. Bottom line it was all a huge wrestling match I din't need.

Sold it all on consignment in Hatteras 3yrs ago. Don't miss it at all.

For the past few weeks I've been enjoying a 7.5 infinity and a Equipe II.

I had an earlier Equipe In the 80's'

The winds have been in the 5-15knt range for the past 3wks or so.

I'm really stoked on Long Boarding again.

cgoudie1 · Posted: Sun Jul 22, 2012 8:30 pm Post subject:

I have an 8.5, and it planed earlier than my former 7.5, by probably
1 or 2 MPH wind speed. I bought a 9.5 and that also planed earlier
than my 8.5, by about a mile per hour.

If you've got 11 MPH winds, and a wide board with a big skeg,
I recommend a bigger sail than 7.5.

-Craig

p.s it was good to meet you in person

swchandler · Joined: 08 Nov 1993 Posts: 10588

U2U2U2, when you go 8.0 and over, the work associated with waterstarting and carrying everything to and from the beach is a chore, especially once the sail is wet. Instead of a larger sail, maybe the leverage point can be better achieved with a bigger fin. Certainly a lot cheaper overall, so I'd rather go that way myself. A bigger sail would likely require a bigger fin anyway, so that route may be the best choice on your path to an improved outcome.

U2U2U2 · Posted: Sun Jul 22, 2012 11:31 pm Post subject:

good points, the 7.5 is not a pleasure to waterstart, carry its fine.

A larger fin than what I have been using may improve , I have larger ones,
so no lack in that department.

will try out prior to a purchase .

I do think a 8.5ish size would benefit the Formula board, since its wide and long long fin

coachg · Joined: 10 Sep 2000 Posts: 3550

I was in your situation for over a year after my 8.5 died. I sold the mast as it was an older sail that rigged on a 520 mast. I didn’t have a 490 mast so I was stuck at 7.3 with my 133 liter board at 165 lbs. My 7.3 is a 2010 Naish Sprint. My solution came in the form of the 2012 Naish Indy 8.2.

The Indy is only 2 cm taller than the Sprint, it has exactly the same boom length and the weight feels the same even with the 2 cams. I think the sail is so light because of all the x-ply. The Indy rigs on the same 460 mast as the Sprint so I didn’t have to buy another mast. The 8.2 planes much earlier than the 7.3 and is just as easy to jibe. The 7.3 obviously can be taken into higher winds and because it is an RAF sail Heli-tacks, Push-tacks & upwind 360’s are far easier.

Coachg

U2U2U2 · Posted: Mon Jul 23, 2012 12:03 am Post subject:

the Indy is one of the sails I found while looking that rigs on a 460, I would hope that the cams have been developed some since 6--8years ago .

I had a Sprint 7.4 and it was pretty nice.

Do you think the Indy 8.2m would be ok on a Powerex SDM 100% ?

coachg · Joined: 10 Sep 2000 Posts: 3550

The Indy rigs perfectly with a CC mast of 11%, Gulftech mast. I checked with Naish before buying to make sure it was a sail made for CC mast so it depends on the bend of your Powerex. Yes, the cams have come a longgggggg way from 8 years ago, especially the Naish cams with the rollers on the outside. Cams rotate easily, no poping required.

Good luck finding one though. I got the very last one from their North America distributer.

Coachg

adywind · Joined: 08 Jan 2012 Posts: 665

For your size board,an 8.5 sail is a good addition. Don't rush to get one though, it will not make a huge difference . Research freeride sails with low end bias and wait for a bargain. You'll need to look for the lightest models / read- monofilm and hollow battens / , becouse the lighter and bigger/ wider your kit, the earlier you'll plane.
I replaced my 7.5 Infinity with an 8.5 with 3 cambers from different maker and didn't gain much in the low end. The gain was tremendous ind the upper end though, just unbelievable how stable those multy cambered are, all about controll.

d0uglass · Posted: Mon Jul 23, 2012 11:04 am Post subject:

According to my calculator, switching from 7.5 to 8.5 will move your planing threshold from 12.6 knots to 11.1 knots- a 1.5 knot difference.

The calculator doesn't factor in board size, but I would say a board that is at its max range with an 8.5 (i.e., your rocket 135) won't get quite the full 1.5 knot benefit. It might only get a 1.0 knot benefit.

On the other hand, a board that has lots of big sail carrying ability (i.e., your formula board) might get even more than the 1.5 knot benefit. It might get a 2.0 knot benefit, letting you plane in 10.6 knots if you pump.

The 8.5 would also feel smaller and more manageable on your formula board, and you'll be able to stay planing and go upwind and downwind better, so I would be inclined to get your formula board back from Maine.

U2U2U2 · Posted: Mon Jul 23, 2012 11:18 am Post subject: