HOW TO MEASURE

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Measuring your sails is easier than it sounds. Our team is here to make the sail measurement simple and stress-free. So let’s get started. Please, choose a fine, not too windy day to take your measurements. Take a halyard, a tape measure and follow our measurement form guidance (download your form from this page and add all comments you may have). A reel type tape measure has a loop of some kind at the end which is easy to attach to the halyard. Always pull the tape measure tight. If you can, send us pictures, your boat's sail plan or designer's specifications. It is better to physically measure the boat and not rely totally on manufacturers specifications. Rig sizes can vary even between the same make and size sailboat. Measurements can also be altered as a result of re rigging. Good tip: Remember to tie a line to the halyard along with the tape measure in case your tape breaks, you can retrieve the halyard.

HEADSAIL MAINSAIL FURLING MAINSAIL DOWNWIND SAILS FOUR-SIDED SAIL LATEEN SAIL

STACK PACK MAINSAIL COVER HEADSAIL COVER COCKPIT AWNINGS SPRAY DODGERS BIMINI TOP CANVAS

We recommend measuring your rig before ordering a custom sail to be sure it will fit properly. Production boats rigs will vary for number of reasons, sailors modify their rig, manufacturer made multiple rigs for the same make and model. Therefore, it is always better to measure your rig. We provide detailed instructions how to measure your sails. The important things to know are what your maximum luff, foot and leech dimensions can be. Please, do not measure using a rope. When asked for max hoist, we will deduct a suitable amount for stretch. A little short is fine, too long can be an issue. Instead of measuring the rig, another option is to measure your old sails. But it’s better to measure the rig as your old sails may be blown out and will not fit perfectly any more. The sail also might not have been made to the best design for your boat. For further information or if you have questions about which type or cut of sail is best for you, please kindly email us at info@h-sails.com We'll do our best to give you a quick answer.

MEASURING THE HEADSAIL

Hook a tape measure up to your headsail halyard or to the upper furling swivel on a furler, just like the head of the sail. Hoist it until it stops at the top. Measure down to the tack fitting for Lp. Make sure the tack shackle is pointing up, as it will do when the sail is set. Measure the horizontal distance between the tack fitting and the mast for J. You need to check the diameter of the lufftape, colour of UV cover, to be placed on either port- or starboard side. Measure the position of both ends of the sheeting track on deck, for perfect angle to the clew of the new sail. Please, note the height of the clew in case you need high-cut clew sail for a less obstructed view to ahead and to leeward.

MEASURING THE MAINSAIL

Attach a tape measure to the main halyard and hoist to the maximum or to the black band around the mast if available. Measure to the main tack fitting for Lp/P. Ld/E is the length measured from the main tack fitting to the clew connection or the black band around the boom if available. Note the shape and size of the slides, slugs, or bolt rope and how they attach to the mast. Note foot details (loose-footed or rope footed), goose-neck and tack details. You also need to check the distance from the aft end of the mast to the backstay in order to determine the possible amount of roach.