When to buy new sails?

[nbarnes333]

So what are the clues for when your sails need replacing? I have no idea how old mine are. I've had the same sails since I got it 10 years ago and there's no telling how old they were then. They look great and don't seem badly worn. (I had them "reconditioned" when I got the boat and they restiched a couple of seams and did some fancy process that they claim "renews" the fabric...they do look great.) Im pretty sure the main was replaced before I bought her (1978 C22) but I suspect the jib might be original. They don't get nearly enough use!!!!!

The main has a slight bit of a pot belly but otherwise is in good condition. Am I missiing out on some huge performance boost that a fitter main might give me?

Just curious on others opinions. Im not a racer and not interested in plunking down a couple of grand to gain a kt or less of boatspeed, but then again....maybe Im just clueless.

Would love to hear some of your opinions.

 

[LooseDiamond]

I'm no expert, but I have a 78 c22 also for about 3 yrs now. Replaced my original main before last season. I had it repaired a couple of times, and the material was so degraded, it kept ripping somewhere else. Obvious in this case. My jib sails are old. Fair amt of belly in them. Just finished repairing rips down the luff on each. Borrowed my moms sewing machine. Spent about $30 bucks on V69 thread, sail tape, and basking tape. Sewed those suckers up. Cut some pieces off the old main to practice. Sail tape both sides, and two runs of zig zag. Turned out pretty well. See how it goes under stress, but I am sailing this season. $30 vs $700 or so each for jib/genoa? Milk them a little longer!

 

[nbarnes333]

Thanks! I'm with you on on getting a little more life out of them. Did you see any performance improvement with the new main? Structurally, I think mine are fine. Jibs a little threadbare, but no tears or holes yet.

 

[paphman]

New sails will make a huge differance in the way the boat handles. Your jib or genny is the driver on a masthead rig. Your old sails will have a soft and worn feel to them, and the new ones will have a crisp and solid feel to them. When you have your sails reconditioned it puts some of the crisp feel back in them but it can not take out the stretch that the material has suffered over the years of use. The old shape is still there. New sails are well worth the price. Replace them as you can.

Dale

 

[Too Late Now]

I replaced my main last year on my 87 and the difference was just jaw dropping. That pot belly on the old one was causing me to have to reef wayyyyyy too often. With the new main I haven't had to reef in quite awhile and can actually get good sail shape out of it. It really was worth the money.