| General Guidelines
Decimal
Feet....
Sailmakers, like many
engineers, commonly use decimal feet as a unit of measure. All
PC sails information is specified in decimal feet. This
facilitates the calculations necessary when designing sails.
The table below is a conversion chart.
|
1"
|
2"
|
3" |
4" |
5: |
6" |
7" |
8"
|
9" |
10" |
11" |
| .08' |
.17' |
.25' |
.33' |
.42' |
.5' |
.58' |
.66' |
.75' |
.83' |
.91' |
Measure
twice, order once....
While there are different methods to
obtain the correct dimensions for your new sails, there is no
substitute for accuracy in obtaining your measurements.
In order to avoid making mistakes,
you should always take your measurements, record the dimensions, and
then repeat the process and compare the results.
Err on the
short side....
Remember that PC sails are intended
to fit closely, not exactly. If you are concerned that a
particular PC sail's dimensions are a little too big for your boat,
they probably are. By choosing a smaller sail, you sacrifice
little in the way of performance, and save the freight expense and
inconvenience of returning the sail to be exchanged.
The right
tools for the job....
If you do not have a good measuring
tape of the appropriate length, you should try to borrow one.
If you can't find one, most hardware stores carry inexpensive
measuring tapes which are suitable for measuring your boat.
A pair of binoculars is helpful for
determining where the measuring tape is located at the top of your
mast.
A clip board with paper and a proper
writing instrument will help you record legible dimensions.
Dimensions scribbled on slips of scrap paper are all too easily
misinterpreted.
Be calm....
Both the measurer and the weather
should be calm when a boat is being measured.
Measuring your boat is simple.
Relax, take your time, and have fun. Remember, you're
enhancing your skills as a sailor, and saving money at the same
time!
You should also measure your boat in
calm weather. It is not possible to obtain accurate
measurements in strong winds as the measuring tape can not be pulled
taught.
Don't
hesitate to contact us....
If you have a question, or there is
something unique about your boat which we have not addressed, give
us a shout. We'd rather spend the time to help you get the
correct sail the first time than sort out the exchange. |
