Used mainsail vs New

[mikehoyt]

I like most sailors have been considering upgrading my sails. My current main is the same age as my boat (20 years!) but still seems to have some life left in it.

I have been getting quotes and information from sailmakers over the last year for a new dacron main. The quotes seem to really go up in price when I ask for 2 reefing points, sail insignia, numbers and full battens, etc ... .

Recently I was speaking with another boat owner with the same boat as mine. His main is a 5 year old cross-weave dacron full battened loose footed main. He is considering a new main since he uses his boat primarily for club racing. Currently his existing main is I believe the newest in the fleet.

My questions:
1. I have an option to buy this sail. What percentage of the price of a similar new sail is normal for a 5 year old sail?
2. Is it worthwhile to save money on a used sail in good condition or would I be better off to spend 2 - 3 times as much and get a new one?
3. Is this an opportunity or a trap?

Any other comments?

Thanks,

Mike

[paulk]

Even if your friend''s sail is pretty blown out, it''s likely in better shape than the 20-year old one you have. What your friend''s sail is worth to YOU is the question. If it is in reasonably good shape, it could last you 15 more years. If you plan any racing, it is again likely better than what you have, but perhaps not worth spending too much on, since you would need to replace it with a new sail sooner (1-2 seasons), rather than later (the 15 years mentioned earlier).
Bacon''s Used Sails website should give you an idea of what used sails cost.