Adding hanks to this sail

[Ryban]

I'm looking at buying a used drifter and found one that might work at a good price. Unfortunately it doesn't have hanks, and I'd like to be able to hank it above our headsail rather than flying it free for better upwind performance.

I have not added hanks to a sail and want to gather how easy/hard it will be for a lightweight sail like this one before pulling the trigger.

[nuku34]

How is the luff constructed? Is there a bolt rope sewn into it? If so, I would reinforce the areas where the hanks will be put on by wrapping a piece of sail cloth around the luff and sewing it on. You will need to decide on the spacing of the hanks and what kind of hanks to use: piston or Wichard. Also weather the hanks will be "bang-on" type or sew on type. In general its a pretty easy job, just a bit boring!

[Benz]

Where each hank goes you should put a grommet--you can get cheap grommet kits easily at the hardware store, or invest in a nicer sailmaker's one, and then be amazed at how handy it is to be able to bang a grommet in wherever you like.
Sailrite probably has a good selection.

[psk125]

Even with grommets, Nuku's advice about strengthening the luff and spreading the load is important. If the sail wasn't originally built with hanks in mind, putting them in may create load points that will rip the lightweight sailcloth material.

Do be aware that some drifters were not designed to be used upwind. As downwind sails they don't need to be attached to a stay to work. Their design - very full near the luff - would make them poor performers upwind even if they were attached to a stay.

[Benz]

^^ I agree. Self-adhesive sail repair tape makes good and easy grommet reinforcement.

[Ryban]

Originally Posted by psk125

Do be aware that some drifters were not designed to be used upwind. As downwind sails they don't need to be attached to a stay to work. Their design - very full near the luff - would make them poor performers upwind even if they were attached to a stay.

Yeah, unfortunately I don't think I'm going to be able to get much info from this persona bout the inflated shape of the sail. The price is cheap though, and it's not a big loss if it doesn't work out.