sail 'mileage'

[xort]

Are there any resources around that give average length of life of a set of sails based on number of miles sailed?
There certainly will be differences for heavy weather offshore vs coastal cruising vs racing and there will be some differences with tropics vs higher lattitudes.

Have any of the sailmakers or any independant sailors published numbers?

[billangiep]

My buddy hadn't got far before the spreader tip went through his brand new Jib....maybe 3 or 4 miles? But then I've got who knows how many on my 25 yr. old sails? (g)

[Giulietta]

Xort, I really doubt...that is like making tables predicting weather...too many variables

[sailingdog]

Xort-

I doubt it. There are so many variables that can reduce the life of a sail.

Did the users let them flog excessively, were they triple stitched at the seams, are they laminate or dacron, did the owners cover them when not in use, were they properly cleaned and maintained, how heavily were they built, etc. UV exposure, sailing in heavier conditions with stronger winds, beating versus running, how much one tacked will also probably affect their lifespan.

[Giulietta]

Xort...in case you missed....

I doubt...the variables are too many...like how much wind goes thru...how the owner looked after them, Errol Flyin used them as props etc..

[sailingdog]

Then there's the "son cut them up to make a dodger" factor...

[sailhog]

Xort, I really doubt it. There are too many variables. Did the owner let the flog excessively? How the owner looked after them. Did ERrol Flynn use them as props?

[xort]

plagerism?

[sailhog]

Don't look at me... One last thought: There's always "did the son cut them up to make a dodger" factor.

[Giulietta]

Yes...but in any case, you need to know there is the variable factor...

Like were they used in wind...