i had the same question when i had an M15. my choice was the main first (never did get a new jib as i sold the boat after finding an M17). reason was the main is the 'driver' on the M15. the jib does more about creating a slot. i figured a good main would result in better performance from a 'more bang for the buck'. i've sailed a M15 with a reefing jib. IMO i'd rather just change the headsail v. put in a reef ... quick and safer. to reef the jib you, while at the bow, need to: lower sail; tie in reef, until sheets, retie sheets, raise sail. too many steps requiring more than one hand (ie, one for you and one for the ship). get a double reef main. reef the main twice before changing headsails. don't sail the M15 with only jib or main, especially going to weather. M15 doesn't sail at all well with only one sail up. some of my thoughts on sailing the M15 - http://www.freewebs.com/m15-named-scred/aboutthem15.htm -- :: Dave Scobie :: former M15 owner - www.freewebs.com/m15-named-scred :: M17 #375 SWEET PEA - www.m17-375.webs.com On Thu, Mar 24, 2016 at 4:36 PM, Josh ua <jsheintz@gmail.com> wrote:
After a little browsing on the subject it seems obvious that this is a boat model specific question so I ask those with m15 experience: If a guy could only afford one new sail at a time for his M15, should he go for a working jib or main first for best performance in the higher wind days until he could afford the other half of the canvas? And for a perhaps related question: Do you ever sail with only one or the other - main or head? Which and why? Anyone have experience with a hank-on working jib with reef points for those double reefed main days? Would that be a frugal option for a storm jib or is that inviting too much strain on the working jib?...conditions are fresh water daysailing, not racing others but striving for maximum efficiency while under way in higher wind conditions. Basically I don't care how fast I can go, I just don't want to have to stay home when the wind is forecasted to climb above 15mph...whew! that escalated quickly, sorry for the long winded questions.