Typical Sail Life

MSN2Travelers · #1 (**permalink**) 02-26-2010

I am starting to shop for that next boat. One of the boats I am looking at is a 1995 Beneteau Oceanis 351. Fresh water, two owner boat, the current owner has had the boat for six years and "thinks" the sails are original and "could probably use a good cleaning after next season".

I haven't gone to see the boat yet. I don't know if the boat has been raced or just used as the family cruiser.

What is the typical life span for a set of sails?

Architeuthis · #2 (**permalink**) 02-26-2010

Whats a typical life, a typical sail? Sail everyday, around the world and they could be shot in a year or two. Store them properly and they can last decades. Store them improperly and they can be killed in a couple months.

I think you can get a pretty good idea just by looking at them but if they are a big part of the deal getting a sailmaker to give an opinion might be worth it.

sailingdog · #3 (**permalink**) 02-26-2010

It might be worth either taking them to your local sail loft or better, shipping them to SailCare. Sailcare will clean and inspect the sails, do minor repairs and can re-resin them...as long as they're not completely shot. If they are shot, they'll tell you that.

chuck53 · #4 (**permalink**) 02-26-2010

I'll pass this on for what it's worth regarding the 351. A buddy told me about a broker friend who moved one and this is what he had to say about it.
the broker told me I would not like the way a Beneteau 351 sails,,,he delivered one from Charleston , SC to New Bern and said it sailed as bad as any boat he has ever been on (he has sailed between 3 and 400 boats !) He said as soon as they got in the ocean and in 18 k winds , it would just fall over quickly (not roll over, but fall) and he said it scares the new owners wife and her friends

tager · #5 (**permalink**) 02-26-2010

The sails are probably shot. Assume all sellers are trying to scam you.

JimsCAL · #6 (**permalink**) 03-01-2010

Good chance that 15 year old sails are on their last legs.

tommays · #7 (**permalink**) 03-01-2010

My everyday J24 sails were made in 1993 and while well worn were used at least two times a week during those years and the new owner was happy with them

The 2003 race set which is only used a few times a year and always rolled is still in great condition

CaptainForce · #8 (**permalink**) 03-01-2010

....and just as good a chace that 15 year old sails are like new! It's amazing how many boats see little use. 'take care and joy, Aythya crew