Hi Chris:
I can't comment on the cost of a new main but I can tell you that the last main I bought I had four full length battens installed and slides on the luff. Here on Narragansett Bay, we get some 20+ wind days and the full length battens really help the sail hold its shape when it blows. I also had it made a bit heavier so it would last. The sail doesn't invert and doesn't flog itself to death. The sail is awesome and still looks great after a number of years. We have great boat speed against other J30s so I can't see any downside. I've got a call into my sailmaker so I can tell you the fabric we used as soon as he calls me back.
By the way, I'm going to be in Hayward, WI this summer in early August. If you're looking for someone to go sailing with, I might be able to swing up to Duluth...providing the iceflows are gone!
Best wishes.
Bob Rude
#352 - "Mmmmm"
