guide
WELCOME

Welcome to the database of New Zealand’s specialist broker of new and used sails.
Looking through our database is quick and easy. First choose what type of sail you are looking for (ie: Mainsail, Headsail, Spinnaker, etc.). Next choose the size range appropriate for the luff length of the sail you are looking for. This will bring up a brief description of the sails we have in that size range. If you see a sail that interests you, please call, text or e-mail us.

We measure and evaluate each and every sail as it comes in. If the sail has a rust spot, we will note it. Patches and restitching are also noted. We want you to know what the sails look like, so you are not surprised when you get them. If requested we will photograph the sail so as to expose any area of interest. Just ask!

If you do not find a sail for your boat in our database, please visit our website again in a few days. We get sails in regularly and our inventory is constantly changing.

As you look through our database, you will see that our sails have various ratings of their condition. These ratings are of the sailcloth itself. Patches, dirt and the like do not make the sail any weaker so they do not affect the rating we put on the sail. These cosmetic imperfections are noted and the price of the sail is adjusted accordingly.

The chart below describes what our ratings mean:


Sailbrokers Sail Rating Chart
New Unused sail
As New Looks new but may have been used a few times
Excellent Over 80% life left
Very Good 40-70% life left
Good 10-25%+ life left
Average 5-10%+ life left
Fair Not suitable for sailing anymore – see decorative!
Decorative Suitable for sunshades, covers, drop clothes, etc

Abbreviations we use:

RF = roller furler.
RFUV = roller furler U.V. strip ( sunshade)
LT = luff tape
CYT = conditioned yarn tempered cloth i.e. heavily resined / heat treated.
B/R = bolt rope
Gemini LT = a twin luff system.
Blooper/Shooter = Sail used behind the mainsail whilst a spinnaker is flown to balance the boat.

What if I don't like the sail?

We realize it is difficult to buy sails over the internet or phone and we do not want you to be stuck with a sail that you do not like or does not fit your boat. So, see our Return Policy below.

Return Policy

If, for any reason, you are not satisfied with the sail PLEASE RETURN IT within 7 days of receipt. We will refund 100% of the price of the sail. Guarantee void if you use the sail, but you may hoist it to see if it fits. Please check our Terms and Conditions for full details.

Close, but not quite right

If you see a sail on our database that you really like, but it's not quite perfect, we can refer you to experienced sailmakers who can alter a sail to better suit your needs. Please keep in mind that a sail can only be shortened about 10% of its length.

For used sails focus on the basics like; dimensions, cloth weight, and luff types on headsails. If you have some flexibility you will have a better chance at finding a used sail. Print this page then measure according to the instructions below and fill in the blanks.

 
Used Sails

For used sails focus on the basics like; dimensions, cloth weight, and luff types on headsails. If you have some flexibility you will have a better chance at finding a used sail. Print this page then measure according to the instructions below and fill in the blanks.

Measuring for Mainsails

1. LUFF

Hook your tape measure up to the main halyard (along with the head of the old mainsail if available). Hoist it under normal luff tension. If your old sail is not available then hoist to the maximum height you want your mainsail to stretch up to. If there are bands on the mast, measure to the band. Then measure down to the top surface of the boom itself. (Not the tack pin on the boom). This will be the " LUFF " (or "P").

2. LEECH

While the tape measure is still hoisted, swing it back to the aft end of the boom and measure to the point where you want your clew ring to be located. This is the " LEECH ".

3. FOOT

Lower the tape and attach it to the outhaul line along with the clew of your old mainsail if available. Pull the outhaul to the maximum point of draw. Take the measurement from there to the aft face of the mast. (Not to the tack fitting on the boom). This will be the " FOOT " (or "E" dimension). If no old mainsail is available pull it out to where you want your clew to stop. (If there is a band on the boom, measure to it).
4. LUFF & FOOT HARDWARE

Internal Slide Slugs and Slug boltrope External Slide

Note the shape and size of the slides, slugs, or bolt rope and how they attach to the mast. These are easily changed on mainsails but it is helpful to know anyway. Flat internal and external slides are measured in width while cylindrical slugs and bolt rope are measured in diameter.

5. TACK PIN SETBACK
Determine the location of the Tack Pin on your boom "gooseneck". This is measured in inches behind the mast and above the boom and is used to locate the tack ring on your mainsail in the right place so it doesn't pucker. This is not necessary for used sails since they are already fixed. You can add shackles if needed to smooth it out. This is called " TACK PIN SET BACK ".

Measuring for Headsails

1.MAX. LUFF

Hook a long tape measure up to your jib halyard (or top furling swivel on a furler) just as if it were the head ring of the sail. Hoist it all the way until it stops at the top. Measure down to whatever point you intend to attach the sails tack to. This will be your MAX. LUFF dimension or " MAX. HOIST ".

2. "J" DIMENSION

Measure the horizontal distance between the tack fitting and the mast. This is known as "J" dimension and will be the number the "L/P" is compared to for percent overlap.

To Figure % Overlap
Multiply the boat's "J" dimension times the headsail percent you want. That should be equal to the sail's "L/P." Luff Perpendicular is the length of a line drawn from the clew to the luff, intersecting the luff at 90 degrees.) If your "J" is 10 feet and you want a 150% the L/P must equal 15 ft.


3. FURLING SAILS

If you have a furling unit, hook the tape measure up to the upper furling swivel (as if it were the head of the sail). Hoist the tape all the way up and measure down to the tack fitting on the furling drum. For both furlers and foil type headstays you will need to determine the diameter of the luff tape needed. (Luff tape is the small bead that feeds into the headfoil). This can be measured on an old sail with calipers or a fine scale ruler. The size is usually is provided with furling unit documentation too.


Measuring for Spinnakers

Two dimensions are needed. First the "J" dimension; the distance from the tack to the mast as pictured under measuring headsails. Second, the "I" dimension as measured from the upper intersection of the headstay vertically down to the deck at the chain plates (not the cabin top) also pictured on the diagram above under "Measuring For Headsails". The spinnaker luff should roughly equal "I" and foot should be roughly equal to "J" X 180%.

 


Terms and Conditions