gettings sails repaired over the winter

[rmeador]

I took my genoa off the roller furler last weekend since the season is winding down. I noticed it has a tear in an inner layer where it rubs against the spreaders. I'd like to send it off for repair over the winter. I should probably do the same with the main, just to have a pro check it over. Do you have idea where I might find a reputable place around Boston that does this sort of work? Any ideas how much it might cost? Does one usually mail the sails or drive them to the business (it must cost a fortune to mail such a large package)? Will these companies store my sails for the winter or send them back as soon as they're done? Thanks.

[tommays]

On Long Island i deal with the local North Sails Service loft as the repiar women is a great sailor and goddess of sail repair

I bring it in they look it over and sometimes it comes out to more BUt its always well done

[DwayneSpeer]

Before you spend much money on your sails make sure they are worth repairing. Old, weak sails will just tear out on the new seams if repaired.

[rmeador]

I'm pretty sure my sails are mostly in good shape. AFAIK, they're only a 3-4 years old. I assume the same facility that can repair them can tell me if they're worth repairing? I see there's a North Sails location in Salem, which isn't too far from me. I guess I'll probably go there unless someone chimes in with another suggestion. Will they care if my sails aren't North Sails brand? Also I have a Doyle stackpack for my main, is that actually sewn into the sail? I've never taken it apart. There's a Doyle location in Marblehead, so I could easily take it (or all the sails) to that place if that would be better. I don't know the brand(s) of the genoa or main.

[PorFin]

Check out SailCare. They do great work at a very competitive price -- and they usually run seasonal discount (winter) rates. (Just checked their site -- 15% discount 1 OCT - 1 DEC). They'll inspect your sail upon receipt and tell you if they think that it's not worth repairing.

Not affiliated, just a satisfied customer.

[Tanley]

rmeador,

If you want to stay local, try Doyle Sails in Salem MA (it's not Salem proper, but on the South side of town), about 25 minutes from Boston/Charlestown in off rush hours. Great people to work with (I've worked with Chris Howes). Not sure about the cost for your repairs, but they washed and stored our 'new to us' sails last season and I think it was around $200-$250 for wash, small repairs and storage (28' sailboat w/ 140 Genoa). They can look them over and give you an opinion on lifespan. I bought one design sails from them a few years ago and we just put an order for new sails with them this week.

[sailortjk1]

Originally Posted by PorFin

Check out SailCare. They do great work at a very competitive price -- and they usually run seasonal discount (winter) rates. (Just checked their site -- 15% discount 1 OCT - 1 DEC). They'll inspect your sail upon receipt and tell you if they think that it's not worth repairing.

Not affiliated, just a satisfied customer.

Ditto, and their cleaning process is second to none.

[rmeador]

I called North Sails, Doyle, and SailCare today. North Sails quoted me $3.40/lb for wash and inspection, repairs cost extra at $40/hr. Doyle was $2.65/lb for wash, inspection, and minor repair. SailCare just gave me a raw estimate for the job that seems to come out to around $4/lb. They said they dry-clean and most other companies essentially just hose the sails down with water. They were the last I called, so I didn't ask the other companies if they dry clean. Do you think dry cleaning is worth it? Also I need to factor in the shipping charges if I go with SailCare.

[tommays]

IMHP anything beyond a hose on the deck behind my house with enough time to dry before storage is a compleat waste of money as the sails get a saltwater bath many times week all season

IMHP having and expert do tiny repiars is well worth IT