Sail Storage Querry

GaiaOrion · #1 (**permalink**) 12-21-2009

Hiya,

I did a search but could not find anything. I was wondering if it would be O.K. to store my sails in the basement near (20ft) my woodstove, which can get very hot. I was worried about dryness as well as heat. They are in sail bags.....thanks in advance.

Mike.

CalebD · #2 (**permalink**) 12-21-2009

I would not worry about dryness as this will cut down on mildew. I would worry about too much heat for prolonged periods. I would also worry about critters (rodents and insects).
We kept a backup sail for our boat in my friends garage for a few seasons. This fall we discovered that presumably squirrels had found a backup RF jib and seemed to like the taste or the fodder it made for their nests once chewed and shredded.
How hot is too hot? It may depend on the sail material. You could cover the sails with something else (a tarp) to deflect some of the direct heat.
Spiders also like basements and places to make nests although they are not as damaging as rodents they could be a bit of a surprise come spring.

GaiaOrion · #3 (**permalink**) 12-21-2009

Cheers Caleb. The area the sails are in only gets to about 75-80 F. I had thought about putting up a "curtain" as you suggested, and will. The rodents....mouse traps on floor, sail bags are hanging from rafters.....critters can be creative, but I've got lots of other stuff they can chew on down there!

Thanks again.

M.

Faster · #4 (**permalink**) 12-21-2009

I was going to mention not to put them on a concrete floor, but I see you're hanging them so that's good. Should be no problem with what you're planning!

CalebD · #5 (**permalink**) 12-21-2009

75 - 80 F does not sound like excessive heat.
Keeping off the floor sounds even better.
Wrap the sail (bags) up in plastic before hanging - even better; may keep the spiders out.
Cheers back at you!

rperret · #6 (**permalink**) 12-24-2009

Been storing my sails in the basement for years. Keep them in bags, off floor - I keep mine on a wooden table. No issues. If you have a rodent issue in basement I would think twice although hanging on rafters shouldnt be an issue. Normally I have my sails cleaned in late fall before winter storage. This year I didn't...

ekenna · #7 (**permalink**) 12-26-2009

how do you have them cleaned? put them in the washer? dry cleaned?