WTB 6.5/7m Sail for 460 imcs 27.5 mast

[hoonsong]

I just got a fresh hole in my sail and I got sick repairing it so I am thinking of buying a new one. I wanna make sure I buy a right one that is suitable for my mast which indicates 460 mcs imcs 27.5. I am guessing 460 is the length of my mass in cm, and mcs and imcs measure the stiffness. I thought mcs and imcs values are different for a mass if its length is not 465 but I am thinking 460 is close to 465 so even if its different its very little and not gonna make a difference in which sail I pick (am I right?)

So I should be looking for a 6.5m or 7m sail (I used a Gaastra 6.5m previously) which is suitable for a mast with imcs 27.5 (the sail should have some specs to indicate what kind of mast is suitable). Anyone got one I can buy cheap? Oh I would like to rig it up too on a sunday before I make the purchase. Thanks!

You can drop me an sms at 98447650 or just post ur offer here.

Hoon Song

[FKPhil]

I thought mcs and imcs values are different for a mast if its length is not 465 but I am thinking 460 is close to 465 so even if its different its very little and not gonna make a difference in which sail I pick (am I right?)

Yes I think you're right. I'm no expert, but I understand that for many years now only IMCS is quoted which here looks to be 27.5. Even if it is MCS then IMCS will be 27. (imcs for 460 mast = 0.98 x mcs value).
Your mast looks pretty stiff for a 460; most 460 masts I've seen are imcs 25 and my experience has been that most sails in the size range you mention ask for around 25 so you might struggle to find a fit. Unless you're a heavy weight...
"A lower IMCS number means a softer feeling of your rig, which can be good for lighter windsurfers. The same goes for higher IMCS numbers which brings benefits for heavier windsurfers."
http://www.windsurfing-guide.com/windsurfing-masts.html

... a 6.5m or 7m sail ... is suitable for a mast with imcs 27.5 ... cheap..

I have a sail that fits the cheap criteria, but it's too big (7.8m) and wants IMCS 25.

[PlaneSailin]

Pardon my asking, but is it an especially good or expensive mast? Do you you really want to choose your sail based solely on the specs of this mast? The prices of used sails and masts can vary a lot; perhaps you should be trying to figure out what is the ideal type and size sail for you (and if necessary looking for a new mast). It might still fit your budget.  Some sails are less mast-specific than others (for instance Ezzys, which are the best anyway, right guys?), so if you got one of those you wouldn't need to worry as much about the mast.   

Btw, all windsurfers end up with a huge amount of gear at some stage; it's perfectly normal! Hoard that gear! Hoard, I say!

[hoonsong]

Thanks for the quick replies! I am aware that my mast is a tad stiffer than the norm... its a hand-me-down from a friend who doesnt sail anymore and I am not heavy... at 55kg I don't think I need stiff mast so I am game for getting a 25imcs mast if it is cheap. But even if I continue with my current mast and use a sail that is suited for 25icms... whats the catch? I do find windsurfing a difficult sport but I am wondering if its me getting the wrong combination of sail and mast contributing to it (my previous sail that broke states it prefers a 25icms mast =P).

As for a sail that is suitable for me. I'm not sure... I am used to sailing my 6.5. So I guess I should be getting a sail btw 6.5 to 7. Speaking of Ezzy there is a post of someone selling an ezzy 6m for $150... not sure if I should get it because wouldnt a 6m sail be insufficient for the usual light winds in singapore? My board is a JP 130.

Any advise? But not to worry I wun blame u for it if I buy the wrong thing. I just need some input. Ultimately the decision is still mine to make =) 

[FKPhil]

I used to sail my current 8.5m on very old stiff mast I got cheap. Worked OK and I was happy 'cos I didn't know better. Then I bought a new lighter (softer/correct imcs) mast and all of a sudden the 8.5 felt as light and as easy to use as a 7m. Dunno if it was the mast weight or stiffness that gave the majority improvement but since then I've been convinced that a good mast is a priority. To my mind better a cheap sail on a good mast that the other way around.

As for sail size it's tempting to say go big; and your 130l board could certainly handle bigger than the sizes you're thinking about. The downside is that if you're learning to waterstart a bigger sail will seriously hinder learning, especially rig recovery. I don't know what is a big sail for a 55kg guy; last time I was that weight I was still watching Power Rangers.