Sail Repair

[DAVA390]

Good evening all. My wife and I are new to sailing,lessons in June and are now learning on a Precision 18 we purchased this summer. 1986 model, I suspect the sails are original. We live in Baltimore County, Md. and are familiar with Annapolis as well.
When winter hits, I plan to take the sails to a sailshop for inspection but I am unfamiliar with what happens next. Do I ask for an Inspection, tune-up, cleaning and inspection or what? Any recomendations on Baltimore or Annapolis shops? How much money am I looking at for basic inspection prior to authorizing any repars/ work.
Any info will greatly appreciated, Thanks

David

 

[Ed Schenck]

Start by calling SailCare. Over the years I had read several good reviews here on SBO. So I recommended them to an old Highlander sailing buddy, 85 and still kicking butt with old sails. The mainsail came back from SailCare like brand new. Talk to them and they will tell you what questions to ask. http://www.sailcare.com/

 

[sinnettc]

I would second what Ed says. IIRC they'll actually re-resin your sails, which will help them retain shape & etc.

Verboten came with a brand new main but I'm thinking about sending them my factory main to refurbish in case I need to switch back.

 

[Warren Milberg]

If you have sails that are nearly 25 yrs old, my advice would be to find any of the national sail lofts (North, UK, Ullmer, etc) in your local area (google or ask local sailors) and ask them for their advice in regard to the condition and needs of your sails. This should be free or nearly so. While I like and use Sailcare, I would not go to the expense of sending them your sails until you are fairly sure they are worth it. My guess is that you will need new (or used) sails. If new sails do not fit your budget, try looking online at Bacons in Annapolis. I've had good luck over the years buying used sails from them that were in great condition at half -- or better -- than the price of new sails. If you decide to buy used sails, make sure you can return them if they don't fit your boat.

 

[DAVA390]

Thanks for the suggestions, I think I will be contacting Sailcare and Bacons both.I am also planning to be at the Annapolis boat show, there will surely be a lot of info and choices there!

 

[Johan S.]

Re-Resin the sails????? That would probably cost just as much as a new set of sails... Wow, did some of you folks just fall off the pumpkin truck or what....

I'll tell you what you do - you go in your back yard and lay the sail out and inspect it with your own 2 eyes.. If you don't know what a rip looks like on a sail??? Go grab a white T-Shirt and tear it.. That's what it looks like..

If the sails play through your hands like an old flannel shirt - its time for new sails if you insist on NEW.. I have owned boats with old sails and they worked just fine for me. No problem..
Sails that are crisp and crunchy are best. Crisp and crunchy indicate NEW

 

[OldCat]

All these responses, and not a tip of the hat...

Good evening all. My wife and I are new to sailing,lessons in June and are now learning on a Precision 18 we purchased this summer. 1986 model, I suspect the sails are original. We live in Baltimore County, Md. and are familiar with Annapolis as well.
When winter hits, I plan to take the sails to a sailshop for inspection but I am unfamiliar with what happens next. Do I ask for an Inspection, tune-up, cleaning and inspection or what? Any recomendations on Baltimore or Annapolis shops? How much money am I looking at for basic inspection prior to authorizing any repars/ work.
Any info will greatly appreciated, Thanks

David

All these responses, and not a tip of the hat to this site right here and it's chandlery :cussing:.

Precision sails, new: http://shop.sailboatowners.com/detail-sails.htm?cart=1287584175889253&bid=2727&next=2

If nothing else, this will tell you what new sails will cost, so that you can make a cost/benefit analysis. For a boat your age, I'd rather have new sails...

OC

 

[dscribner]

Inspect your sails yourself. If they're dirty, clean them. It it doesn't come out, have them cleaned by a professional. I think you can get them cleaned and inspected for about $100 per sail. Some places will store them for you too. If you have deep pockets, have them re-resined or buy new ones. But since you purchased a Precision 18, your pockets are probably like mine so I'd try the sweat equity stuff first. But most of all . . . enjoy the boat! Sail like the ramps are coming out of the water tomorrow.

 

[Joe]

Call around to various lofts and ask them what services they perform? then compare.

 

[DAVA390]

Well.... It was a surprise to see this old thread light up again the other night.Thank you all for all your suggestions and discussion. Although new to sailing, I have been watching this site for a year, I knew you all would be friendly and helpful. To dscribner, yes we are enjoying it a lot. Last Sat. On Middle River was great at winds 10-15, gusts to 20Knts. Sure beats August 92 degrees at 2MPH. To Joe Catalina 27, my wife and I vacationed in Mission Bay about 5 yrs. ago, one of our Top 5 vacations! Again, thanks all.