cleaning & storing sails

[vaccfam]

Here in PA the weather is getting cold and I am required to pull my boat from it's slip the end of this month. I thought I would clean the sails before I stored them for the winter. <br />Any suggestions for cleaning and storage?<br /><br />Thanks,<br /><br />Mike

 

[ED21]

Re: cleaning & storing sails

I would stretch them out not touching the ground &<br />give them a good hosing. I don't think washing is usually required, but special soaps are sold. If your sails are new ask your sailmaker. Let them air dry & fold them & put them in the sail bag & store. Put them somewhere mice aren't likely to find them & chew them up.

 

[vaccfam]

Re: cleaning & storing sails

Ed <br /><br />My sails are '83 vintage. I think they were original to the boat.<br /><br />Thanks for the reply.<br /><br />Mike

 

[Columbia]

Re: cleaning & storing sails

If they're really filthy or stained, send them to Sailcare in PA. Call them for a quote. I've had two mains done there.

 

[ED21]

Re: cleaning & storing sails

That sail certainly looks nice. You reminded my that a number of years ago Practical Sailor sent some dirty/tired sails to a number of different companies to see if their cleaning & reconditioning service was worth the money. As I recall they concluded that some did a pretty good job. I haven't read the magazine for a while, so they might done some tests more recently.<br />P.S. 3 reef points? You must be really serious.<br />If one reef wasn't enough, I would usually just motor home.

 

[BillP]

Re: cleaning & storing sails

When I was in Ft.Lauderdale selling a boat an experieced sailboat broker told me to use a commercial dry cleaner to clean sails. This was the place all the "sail cleaners" took customer sails. I took 6 sails from a 25'Cheoy Lee Frisco Flyer there and they came out like brand new. The sails were 10+ yrs old with all type of stains and looked like they were ready for the trash can. The boat had cruised the carribean extensively and showed it. The commercial dry cleaning guys know what fluids to use to keep from damaging the cloth and finish. They also have the equipment to do large items like sails. It's the only way to get really dirty sails clean. Doing a wash job on your front lawn won't work on heavy stains...that's the same way most of your local sailmakers will clean them too.