Keep Old Sails Aboard?

[bacinmass]

Ahoy all -

Last year I bit the bullet and bought a new mainsail and a new jib for my 1984 O'Day 26, retiring the old (original sails).

I've been keeping the old sails aboard, "just in case", but with storage space being scarce, I could use the space if I don't really need to be carrying these old sails around.

(In case it is helpful to forming your opinion, I sail in/around Boston harbor, sometimes 50 miles to Cod -- all this to say I'm rarely far from home.)

What do you think?

Thanks in advance!

[Gene T]

Dead weight and lost space. Take them home or get rid of them.

Gene

[DrB]

If you are planning to cruise as in extended periods away from home, then keep a spare main, working headsail, and a storm sail on the boat. By working headsail I mean something in the 100 to 135% range. Leave the 150+ at home.

If you mainly daysail, leave a storm and big headsail on board and lose the extra main. That way you can adjust for light winds or the unexpected storm. If your main tears, you canalways sail home on your headsail in a pinch.

DrB

FWIW - I sail the same waters as you and rarely use a 150. On my boat I have a Main and 135% headsail. I have storm 95% and 150 stored on board. My extra main, 130, and 135 are at home.

[Yorksailor]

Buy a sail repair kit and get rid of the sails.

[wind_magic]

Use one to practice sealing the hull from the outside in case the hull is damaged and you are taking on water, then keep it around for just such an occasion.

[Insails]

Take them home...
then build a custom bimini for the boat.
Then build a deck or patio shade and maybe recover the the patio table umbrella
Bring the true nautical look to your deck or patio...

[bluwateronly]

Being that this boat probley won't see blu water, I would keep the jib on board and the main in the dock box. Use the extra space for the good stuff

[Gary M]

If they are the original sails from 84 then do what I did with most of the sails that came with my boat. Put them in the dumpster at the club. Try tearing one you will soon see they have no strength left.

[oceanscapt]

I'd get them off the boat. You're being penalized in both weight and space.

If the sails are still good you might consider selling or donating them. If the sails aren't good enough to sail with, then I'd consider using pieces for projects (maybe a sail bag or storage bag, winch covers, laundry bag, etc..) or keeping the best pieces for your sail repair kit and get rid of the rest.