How long do sails last?

[Dave]

I'm the original owner of my 1983 Catalina 30 TRBS. I'm still using the original sails. Is this unusual? My sails seems almost as good as new to me. They are still "crisp" and crackle when folded. But they have been well cared for. The main is alwys covered during the summer and removed for the winder (stored inside the basement). The jibs are hank on (no furling) and stay in the quarter birth during sailing season and in the basement during the off season. So, is it unusual for my sails to be crisp after 18+ years?

 

[David Foster]

Easy to Check

Hoist the main at the dock in a gentle breeze. Lie of the cabin top, and look up at the boom, and the main. Where is the point of maximum depth in the belly of the sail past the boom? It should be ahead of halfway (fore and aft) somewhere between 30 and 40 percent.If its behind midway, you can go on sailing with it, but a new main would add speed, and reduce heel. (Around 1 knot, and 5 degrees respectively when I replaced my old main last summer.)The best way is to find a reliable nearby sailmaker, and ask him to come out and have a look. That's what I did. He gave me excellent advice on what my issues were, and different solutions available. (ranging from $150 maintenance to a new sail) By the way, we thought the problem was my genny before he saw the boat, but it was clearly the main after his examination. Don't worry about feeling obliged to buy - this is how a good sailmaker should work, even if the answer is, "not now, thank you."

 

[LaDonna Bubak - Catalina Owners]

Does it have holes in it?

Just kidding! I just posted the other day that I was using the original sails on my '73. On windy days, I'd go sailing. On windless days, I'd use the main as a hammock, there was that much of a belly in it!Undoubtedly you'd get better performance out of a new sail (unless the sails are just never used) but it probably isn't necessary. David's suggestion about contacting a sailmaker is a good one. They'll probably teach you a few things about your sails that you would never have otherwise known.LaDonna