Sail Cleaning

MR HENRY R DANIELSON (ANWJ93A@prodigy.com)
Fri, 23 Oct 1998 23:18:37, -0500


- - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - -
West Wight Potter Website at URL
http://www.lesbois.com/wwpotter/
- - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - -
Hi:
Regarding sail cleaning, most sail makers will wash sails. They say
that keeping them clean makes them last longer. I don't know whether
that is true or not. We used to have ours cleaned every few years
and they lasted as long as we owned the boat. (12 years) We haven't
had the sails on our Tartan cleaned at all and they are doing ok
after 11 seasons of pretty heavy use. I don't think cleaning has
much to do with it. Sometimes sail makers will "recondition" sails,
add resin to make them stiffer. They will also repair seams and worn
threads. Generally large lofts won't want to bother with you for
fussy maintenance, but a local loft will be happy to work on your
sails. Don't be afraid to take sails to a loft other than the one
who made them. Any sail maker can work on your sails and most will
be happy to. Remember, too, when it comes to buying sails, you don't
have to buy them from International Marine or anyone they recommend.
Virtually any loft can make you sails for your boat. They have the
dimensions and specifications in their computer. Unless you plan to
race, getting competitive quotes can save you money. Just remember,
the cheapest sail is seldom the fastest. Also, by talking to sail
makers you can learn a great deal about your sails. At the same time,
he may be able to make you sails that fit your own specific needs.
I guess I would say that the best reason to get your sails
washed is for you to get to know a sail maker who, if he is anything
like sail makers I have known, will prove to be an interesting and
helpful person in your chosen avocation.
Hank and
Julie "Tinker" P-15, # 1981