Determining Foil Size

[unbusted67]

We are thinking of replacing our genny but don't know what size the slot is that the sail goes into. We think we have a profurl n52 roller furler but can't tell for sure. It is not exactly written on the drum or anything. The outside diameter of the foil is 1 5/8" but that is about all we can determine. We are digging through all of our manuals but are coming up short in a major way. is there a way to just measure the slot and determine if it is a #4 or a #6 or whatever?

[s/v Beth]

I would talk to a sailmaker. That or talk to your Profurl dealer. The foil size for a certain size boat (mine is 40 ft) is pretty standard. The Yankee that was taken from my old Profurl fit in my new Shaffer without any modification.

[FSMike]

Just have the sail loft make a sail with the same size luff.

[barnakiel]

Take some stiff poly line and thread it into the foil. Your sailmaker will have samples. This will tell you the O.D. of the FINISHED bolt rope.

Anyway, if you tell the sailmaker the type of furler you have they will know what size bolt rope goes with it.

b.

[unbusted67]

I like the idea of talking to the sail maker about the size of furler we have but we are looking at used sails. So that is kind of out of the question. I guess we will put a piece of line up there. Newt what size foil do you have?

[s/v Beth]

unbusted - the smaller schaefer uses #6 foils, mine can use either a #8 or #6 (twin foils) I think you would be pretty safe with a #6.

[Gosling]

Measure the old luff tape. The numbers represent the diameter in 32nds of an inch. Thus a #5 luff tape will measure 5/32". Allow for some stretching and wear though.

Cheers,

MikeR

[barnakiel]

If you know the furler, the sailmaker will know the size. If yo do not - drag the old sail with you and they will take measure.

b.

[Pendragon35]

This was so helpful, I had no idea what the numbers meant and am about to start looking for a used sail for an Alberg 35.