Winter Sail Maintenance

[offline2004]

I purchased a 1996 Hunter 336 on the fall of 2004. The boat inspection noted that the sails were in good shape but needed a slight cleaning and some minor stitching repair.

As my boat is on the hard for the winter I am looking to take down the sail and have this work done. This is my first winterization dealing with sail care and I have a few question...

I will be taking in my fully batten main and a 100% roller furling jib.

- As I have no knowledge as to how to do the minor stitching required for the repair I was going to hire this done. Does it make sense to pay for the cleaning as well or is that something that can be easily accomplished with product from WEST Marine?

- Are there specific things I should ask the pro''s to do or look for?

- Are there certain things that the PRO''s will try to sell that are I do not need to consider for the sails that will just inflate the price?

- How are costs generally determined on sail repair and cleaning? Any idea what I should expect to pay in the Mid Atlantic for this type of service?

- Finally - any recommendations for companies to do this work in the DC/Annapolis area?

Thanks!

[Irwin32]

Any reputable sail loft can answer your questions. Ask a few boaters around your marina and a few boat yard workers who they have found good. Word gets around quickly in the local sailing community.

I have never had my sails cleaned and have heard mixed opinions on doing this. I am not aware of a product for it, but I do know my sailmaker once gave me a formula for a cleaner, but I no longer have it.

Definately pay for a sail maker to repair your sail as he will have the proper threads etc.

My experience is that lofts do not try to sell you a bunch of extras and are usually pretty straight forward.