Old, Dirty or Stained sails????

T34C · #1 (**permalink**) 05-06-2008

If your sails are dirty or stained in any way and you want them to be cleaner, whiter, stiffer, newer, etc.... Send them to SailCare. I know it may seem easier or cheaper to attempt to clean them yourself, but it won't work as well. If you are worried about the cost, it really isn't much, and if you are concerned about the price of cleaning a sail, do you really want to take the chance on ruining it and needing to buy a NEW one?????

I don't have any affiliation with the company other than being a loyal customer with nothing but good things to say. They are great people, do very good work, and make your sails come out great.

Before you ask the next sail cleaning question, give them a call.

SailCare

Freesail99 · #2 (**permalink**) 05-06-2008

It cost me over $1000 to clean two sails and do minor repairs, at sailcare.

RickQuann · #3 (**permalink**) 05-06-2008

I'll second that!
I sent 'em a 150% a few years ago and SailCare worked their magic. They inject resin back into the sailcloth, so it crinkles again. It's not new sail condition, but for the money, it's a bargain and the treatment extends the working life of a sail.
Friendly, courteous, folks in the heartland of Pennsylvania.

sailingdog · #4 (**permalink**) 05-06-2008

The one thing I'd say about sailcare is that they do excellent work, but they're really best for older sails that are not quite at the point of needing replacement, but need some tender loving care. If your sails are in good shape and fairly new, then the washing and cleaning they need you should be able to take care of yourself.

T34C · #5 (**permalink**) 05-06-2008

Quote:

Originally Posted by Freesail99

It cost me over $1000 to clean two sails and do minor repairs, at sailcare.

Free- I surprised your bill was that high. I just got my main and mizzen back from them. Cleaned, repaired main batten pockets, new leather on cringles. $380 total.

Dog- If a sail is dirty and or stained it generally IS older, or not well cared for. In either case it would be a good idea to send it. Then make sure it is well cared for when you get it back.

ebs001 · #6 (**permalink**) 05-06-2008

They can't clean mylar sails.

T34C · #7 (**permalink**) 05-06-2008

Neither can anyone else.

CalebD · #8 (**permalink**) 05-06-2008

Quote:

Originally Posted by RickQuann

I'll second that!
I sent 'em a 150% a few years ago and SailCare worked their magic. They inject resin back into the sailcloth, so it crinkles again. It's not new sail condition, but for the money, it's a bargain and the treatment extends the working life of a sail.
Friendly, courteous, folks in the heartland of Pennsylvania.

How do they 'inject resin back into the sailcloth, so that it crinkles again." Does anyone know what product or coating is used by sailmakers to achieve this? It can't just be thinned epoxy or poly or can it?

Freesail99 · #9 (**permalink**) 05-06-2008

Quote:

Originally Posted by T34C

Free- I surprised your bill was that high. I just got my main and mizzen back from them. Cleaned, repaired main batten pockets, new leather on cringles. $380 total.

Dog- If a sail is dirty and or stained it generally IS older, or not well cared for. In either case it would be a good idea to send it. Then make sure it is well cared for when you get it back.

My genoa is a 165 hood woven sail 485 sq. ft. maybe that's why ?

KeelHaulin · #10 (**permalink**) 05-07-2008

My main and yankee jib were quoted over $1000 also; that was before gas/diesel prices went through the roof. The sails are heavy Dacron and likely weigh 200# together. My rated sail area is 750 sq ft; but with the high-cut jib it's probably closer to 700.

I agree that if your sail is getting to the point where it has lost it's shape and/or crispness it might be a good way to go. However I'd first try hand washing it first; you would be amazed what a DIY washing can do to bring some life back into dacron.

I also want to mention that even though they do good work (at least I have heard); the method they use is to wash your sail in a special tumble wash machine. I don't want my relatively un-creased sails getting tumble washed and folded excessively. The folding, creasing and forcing water through the sailcloth is what really breaks down the fibers. It may come back looking like new; but it definitely has gotten some wear/tear from the process. A light hand wash with mild soap and oxy-clean is much less damaging to the sailcloth IMHO.