How to measure for a new sail
For most boats we list, the sail's design dimensions are already on file. Measure if your boat has been changed, has a different rig, or you just want to double-check. Use a steel or fiberglass tape, pull it snug, and write each number down.
- Luff
- Foot
- Leech
- Black bands (if any)
- Slide or luff-tape size
- Headboard type
- Reef rows and heights
- Clew and foot type
- Photos of head, tack and clew
- Boat make, model and year
Not sure about a number? Send photos and what you have. We will help you work it out.
1Luff (front edge)
Mainsail: along the back of the mast, from the top of the boom at the gooseneck (tack) up to the highest point the head can be hoisted. If your mast has black bands, measure between the bands.
Headsail: along the forestay or furler foil, from the tack fitting up to the highest halyard position. Note the furler make and model.
2Foot (bottom edge)
Mainsail: along the boom, from the back of the mast to the black band near the end of the boom, or the farthest point the outhaul can pull.
Headsail: on the old sail, from the tack ring to the clew ring.
3Leech (back edge)
Easiest on the old sail laid flat and pulled snug: from the top of the head to the clew ring. Note how many battens it has and their lengths.
4Black bands
Many masts and booms have painted or taped bands that mark the largest sail allowed. If yours has them, the sail must fit between them, so give us those numbers.
5Slides or luff tape
How does the luff attach? Slides, slugs, or a bolt rope in the mast groove. Measure one slide, or take a photo of it next to a ruler. For a headsail on a furler, note the luff tape size the foil takes.
6Headboard
Note the headboard size and type, and check how the halyard attaches. A photo of the head of the old sail helps a lot.
7Reefs
Decide how many reef rows you want. On the old sail, measure up the luff from the tack to each reef ring. Note whether you have reef hooks at the gooseneck.
8Clew
Mainsail: loose foot (attached only at the corners) or bolt-rope foot (slides into the boom)? Note the outhaul type.
Headsail: how high the clew should sit above the deck, and where your sheet lead track is.
What’s included with every sail
Every product page has a “What’s included” box next to the price. It lists what comes with that sail, plus the warranty, shipping time and the cloth it is cut from.
See it on: Catalina 22 mainsail · All-American Sunfish sail
