when is it time to replace

[Norm]

What are some indicators that it is time to replace a sail. I'm not exactly a guru on identifying proper sail shape, but my main looks a little puffy in its belly. (I think the proper term might be the draft of the sail, not sure.) The material seems to be in great shape but the sail shape looks a little stretched out. Any good clues on how to know when to replace it.Norm

 

[Bill O'Donovan]

Top 5 Indicators

5. Looks baggy.4. Can't point as well.3. People say it's looking like you.2. Threadbear, dirty, ripped.1. Guy zooms past you in new sail.As a short-term alternative to buying a new sail, take it to a reputable loft and have the bags removed and tucked, not unlike facelift. Should last several more seasons.

 

[Dan McGuire]

Up to You

My sails are in such bad shape, that most sailors would probably replace them. However, I do not race and hardly ever see another sail boat. They are functional and I don't intend to replace them anytime soon.

 

[Bill Colombo]

The Telltale Signs

When your boat seems to heel over more than it used to, and you seem to have more weather helm as well, you should probably look at your sails to see how they have changed over time. All sails tend to stretch with extended use and this will result in a fuller shape than originally designed. Also the maximum draft position, or deepest part of the sail will move aft as the sail ages. Leeches on genoas will stretch as well and you will find you have to use increasing amounts of leechline tension to prevent flutter. The net result of all this is a drop in performance. Thanks, Bill ColomboDoyle Sailmakers

 

[Rick Macdonald]

Another telltail sign?

It occurs to me that another more direct indicator of a stretched-out main might be how flat one can make it with the normal controls (halyard, cunningham, boomvang, outhaul, mast bend).However, I don't know how flat a new sail or sail in new shape should go. Perfectly flat? 5%?Another way to ask this question: Am I correct in thinking that as a new sail begins to stretch in the first years, can you compensate for the stretch by using more (hardened) trim controls to flatten compared to when it was new, but eventually it gets stretched beyond what you can adjust for and _then_ performance suffers?