I have owned a Hunter 30 (1977) for about 18 months now. As far as I can tell the jib is the original sail so it is very old. Of course it is possible that the boat had very light use. My question is how does one tell if a sail has lost its shape and is blown out. This jib looks pretty good and the boat sails ok. But I have little experience with anything else for comparison. Is there some objective way to gauge when it is time to replace? Thanks Henry
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Anthony Bavuso
The poke test...
I don't know if this directly applies to your question, but I do know two test to determine if your sail cloth is too old. In which case, the sail shape is definitely 'blown out' and the sail will probably blow away in a stiff blow. Assuming your sails are made out of dacron, you grip two small folds of sail cloth between your pointer finger and your thumb of both hands and then try to rip the cloth. If you can rip it with your fingers than the cloth is old. Also, according to the Bacon and Associates web page: Sails of Dacron: Pass a sail needle or similar sharp object thru one layer of cloth (on mains at the leach near the head or clew). If you feel little or no resistance and or hear several popping sounds the fabric is “dead.” If you have a tough time passing the needle thru and do not hear the popping sound the sail is good. Dacron sails deteriorate due to ultra violet exposure (the sun). Prolonged exposure weakens the fibers. When the fiber becomes so weak that you hear the popping sound it means the sail is on its’ last leg and is subject to “blowing out” any time. Dacron cloth with a hard resin finish may test well, but check for stress cracks and crazing of the resin finish. Crazing sometimes looks like long snags. Patching is difficult at best. Hope this helps.
I don't know if this directly applies to your question, but I do know two test to determine if your sail cloth is too old. In which case, the sail shape is definitely 'blown out' and the sail will probably blow away in a stiff blow. Assuming your sails are made out of dacron, you grip two small folds of sail cloth between your pointer finger and your thumb of both hands and then try to rip the cloth. If you can rip it with your fingers than the cloth is old. Also, according to the Bacon and Associates web page: Sails of Dacron: Pass a sail needle or similar sharp object thru one layer of cloth (on mains at the leach near the head or clew). If you feel little or no resistance and or hear several popping sounds the fabric is “dead.” If you have a tough time passing the needle thru and do not hear the popping sound the sail is good. Dacron sails deteriorate due to ultra violet exposure (the sun). Prolonged exposure weakens the fibers. When the fiber becomes so weak that you hear the popping sound it means the sail is on its’ last leg and is subject to “blowing out” any time. Dacron cloth with a hard resin finish may test well, but check for stress cracks and crazing of the resin finish. Crazing sometimes looks like long snags. Patching is difficult at best. Hope this helps.
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Steve O.
sail test
If they are the original sails then I gaurantee they are blown out, unless they have been in the bag for the last 24 years. If you think the boat sails good now, get new (or like new) sails, You will be amazed at the difference.
If they are the original sails then I gaurantee they are blown out, unless they have been in the bag for the last 24 years. If you think the boat sails good now, get new (or like new) sails, You will be amazed at the difference.
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Mark Ploch
Dead Dacron
Both responses are great, but sails get "blown out" long before the fabric deteriorates to the levels discussed. The best way to see if the sail is blown out take a picture from the middle of the foot up. You will be suprised to see what it really looks like. The draft should be at least in the front half of the sail, any further aft consider the sail blown out. Just because a sail is blown out but in one piece doesn't mean it has lost it's strength, just it's shape. The sail at that point is pushing sideways more than forward, and a new sail is like a turbo on your car. Mark
Both responses are great, but sails get "blown out" long before the fabric deteriorates to the levels discussed. The best way to see if the sail is blown out take a picture from the middle of the foot up. You will be suprised to see what it really looks like. The draft should be at least in the front half of the sail, any further aft consider the sail blown out. Just because a sail is blown out but in one piece doesn't mean it has lost it's strength, just it's shape. The sail at that point is pushing sideways more than forward, and a new sail is like a turbo on your car. Mark
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Barrie McDonald
Old Sail Advice
Henry, If I was you, I would remove the sail from the boat and take it to a sail maker. The worst thing that can happen is that they will be making you a new sail. Now there's no doubt about it , new sails definately will improve your boats performance, but remember why? Its because a new sail forms a near perfect foil for the wind to pass over. A good sail maker might be able to repair your old sail, thus enabling it also to form a near perfect foil, and guess what. It'll work pretty darn good and maybe save you some money. i have friends up here in Point roberts who have repaired 20 year old sails and they still move their boats along just fine.Hopes this helps you? Good Luck Barrie
Henry, If I was you, I would remove the sail from the boat and take it to a sail maker. The worst thing that can happen is that they will be making you a new sail. Now there's no doubt about it , new sails definately will improve your boats performance, but remember why? Its because a new sail forms a near perfect foil for the wind to pass over. A good sail maker might be able to repair your old sail, thus enabling it also to form a near perfect foil, and guess what. It'll work pretty darn good and maybe save you some money. i have friends up here in Point roberts who have repaired 20 year old sails and they still move their boats along just fine.Hopes this helps you? Good Luck Barrie
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Bryan C.
Sail it till it rips
Just kidding, sort of. If your sails are that old, they are probably blown out. Does the sail look like an airplane wing or like an jellyfish? When you sheet it in and down tightly does the sail look fairly flat or does it still have a big gut? Does the sail feel crisp or like an old soft hanky? I replaced my original 12 year old main recently (still have the original jib) and it does make a significant difference in sailing performance, especially pointing. But on the other hand, if you don't care about the extra knot, use your old sail till it rips out and save up the $1500 or so you'll need in the meantime. My old sail ripped twice before I replaced it, isn't much to get it sewn up in the interim.
Just kidding, sort of. If your sails are that old, they are probably blown out. Does the sail look like an airplane wing or like an jellyfish? When you sheet it in and down tightly does the sail look fairly flat or does it still have a big gut? Does the sail feel crisp or like an old soft hanky? I replaced my original 12 year old main recently (still have the original jib) and it does make a significant difference in sailing performance, especially pointing. But on the other hand, if you don't care about the extra knot, use your old sail till it rips out and save up the $1500 or so you'll need in the meantime. My old sail ripped twice before I replaced it, isn't much to get it sewn up in the interim.
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