I wanted to share my experiences in purchasing a new set of custom sails for my 1980 H-16. I chose FX Sails to do the custom work. Before I say anything else about FX, I want to say that their product is very well constructed and they added additional items to the sail that were not expected but very much appreciated.
I wanted to duplicate the colors for my year in the pattern called Hot Flash. I asked FX to add 2 telltail windows and a view window to the main, 1 telltail window and a view window to the jib. Finally, I asked that reefing points be added to the main. The sales rep I spoke to was telling me he was a Hobie rep at one time in his life so I assumed that the sail specifics (size, placement) were known. The total price for the sails worked out to about $1300.
When the sails were delivered, they came with battens (which I didn't expect but appreciated) and some additional graphics on the sail (again, not expected but appreciated). The sails looked great but there were some fit issues immediately apparent when I raised them.
The first problem was in the length of the luff. The gooseneck did not clear the mast opening when the sail is hanging on its own weight. My old Hobie sail was about 5 inches lower before putting any weight on the downhaul. The next picture shows where the gooseneck is after putting considerable weight on the downhaul to get the gooseneck to sit in the track. It barely clears the boom opening. Will the sail length stretch over time?
The next problem was the length of the foot of the main. It is about 1-1/2" shorter than the old sail. Again will the sail strech in the foot?
The next issue was that the jib and main view windows are way too high. Since the main is about 5 inches short, you pretty much have to stand on the tramp to view through the window.
The final problem was that the reefing points I had FX add were also way too high. If I were to use the reefing points that were added, the boom will be about 5' over the tramp. They are hard to see, but they are towards the top of the red panel on the main.
I am hoping that the sail will stretch over time. If you look at the picture of the sail, there are alot of wrinkles due to the downhaul being stretched tight. I have sent 2 emails to FX asking how these issues can get corrected and they are not replying to my requests. My sense is that they are not going to do anything to rectify the size and placement issues. Again, I do not have any problems with the quality of FX's sails, just sizing.
If anyone has a third party make a custom sail, make certain the size match your boat's specs before you trade any money. Also, make certain you specify the position of windows and reefing points.
I hope that this helps anyone else who is having custom sails made.
