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John Russell
Master Marine Consultant

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USA
3444 Posts

Initially Posted - 08/25/2007 :  09:20:39  Show Profile
I had to have my jib repaired a couple of months ago. The seams blew out in a storm while furled at the slip. When I took it for repair, the loft guy said that the "sail should last the season but you'll probably need a new one for next year." While I really think the guy did a great job on the repair; was very responsive; and got the sail back to me before I needed it for a reasonable price. (and he came highly recommended by our vice-commodore). He's still in the "sell sails" business.

That leads to the question: How do I know when a sail needs to be replaced? They look OK to me. The PO had the jib at SailCare last year. The main looks like it could benefit from cleaning but, doesn't have tears, holes, runs, evidence of chafe, etc.

What should I look for? I don't race. I don't need that last 1/4 knot out of the sail. Should I just wait for it to blow out on some downhill run?

John Russell
1999 C250 SR/WK #410
Bay Village, Ohio
Sailing Lake Erie
Don't Postpone Joy!

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Steve Milby
Past Commodore

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USA
5902 Posts

Response Posted - 08/25/2007 :  10:01:36  Show Profile
When I'm using older sails, I make a point to use my sails hard once or twice a year, overpowering them and sheeting them in flat in strong winds, preferably in the fall. My reasoning is that, if they're deteriorated, that ought to make them fail, and if they fail, I can order new ones during the winter, when sailmakers offer discounts on new sails. If they withstand that stress, then they should be good enough for another season.

If you put a sail under stress, and it stands up to it, then you don't have to rely on a sailmaker's opinion. You know that it still has some durability, because you've actually tested it. If it fails, there's really no harm done, because you know the sailcloth was rotten, and it needed to be replaced. You certainly don't want to be using a sail that is so weak that it might come apart in the first strong wind.

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JimB517
Past Commodore

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USA
3285 Posts

Response Posted - 08/25/2007 :  11:04:20  Show Profile  Visit JimB517's Homepage
A sail should have some crispness, somewhat like a new dollar bill. This doesn't last very long and the sail will still be OK even when it starts to lose it. A sail should be flat when sheeted in hard. If the jib's luff is all stretched and there is a big ballon around the spreaders it is starting to wear out. Same goes for the foot. All seams should be sewn and not alot of worn threads. Finally, when the sail is really starting to rot the fabric will tear easily. Too many patches and trips to the sail maker, its time. If you can grab a bit of sail and visibly stretch it in your hands it is worn out.

I think there is a lot more force on a sail sheeted in tight heading upwind in a blow then letting it all out downwind. When my jib ripped head to clew it was upwind in a 20 knot gust.

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Oscar
Master Marine Consultant

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USA
2030 Posts

Response Posted - 08/25/2007 :  11:05:39  Show Profile  Visit Oscar's Homepage
There's two issues: fabric and stitching.

The latter deteriorates fastest and can be replaced indefinitely.

The fabric itself is a different story. When fresh it's stiff, and crackly (is that a word?). As it ages it gets soft and flexible......like a bedsheet. When that happens it looses it's abilibty to maintain shape. Then, it's time to replace. Ultimately the fiber will just come apart.....

Before it gets to that you can re-resin the sails to stretch their lifespan...(cheaper than buying new ones) Try here: (I have no connection)

http://www.sailcare.com/processLG.shtml


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