Sail replacement time and cost

[mako]

So I'm just trying to get a feel here. Let's say a large sailboat 60-65ft does a 3 year bluewater trip. Likely about 25,000 nm of cruising.



Would you expect that the sails would need replacing at that time? Roughly what would the cost be for that?


Just trying to get a rough order of magnitude idea here. Thanks.

[Paul L]

Sail material, design and markup vary a lot. When you say replace the sails, is that a a main and jib, or a main, jib, genoa, 2 lightwind sails, maybe a mizzen.

Anyway, say usd$20k. The sails will still have some useful life left in them after a 3 year 25k nm trip.

[SilentOption]

The life of your sails are impacted by the user as much as anything. If you are prone to letting your sails luff there is a penalty for that. If you don't reef when you should, a penalty. If you let them chafe, again a penalty. Accidental jibe in windy conditions..Your main pays for that. Along with other things. They need more than just haul up and take down over the course of their life to get the most out of them. If you have a loose seam or small tear you need to address those things immediately. If the sails are new at the start of the 3 year trip that would certainly enhance the chances of them making the journey but chafing is definitely a concern over time.

[JPA Cate]

Originally Posted by makobuilders

So I'm just trying to get a feel here. Let's say a large sailboat 60-65ft does a 3 year bluewater trip. Likely about 25,000 nm of cruising.



Would you expect that the sails would need replacing at that time? Roughly what would the cost be for that?


Just trying to get a rough order of magnitude idea here. Thanks.

My, that's a big boat! Would it have a split rig?

It depends both on your usage of the sails, and what type of fabrics the sails are made of. At 60-65 ft., probably expensive laminates. When they start to go, (de-laminate, and the mold gets in between the layers) they go pretty fast. Dacron would be at least 75% used up after 3 yrs., approximately. But is an unlikely choice for a boat that size.

If you're particular about sail shape, and sail performance, plan on replacing all the "working sails". Based on a monohull, with only one mast, I'll answer. The spinnaker should still be okay unless you've used it in too much wind. The storm jib, ditto; they generally get little use, and ironically, may be what you had up when you did your best days' run! It is the main and the favorite headsail that will get the most wear.

My guess, for the two sails, would be closer to $35,000 for high quality sails. But, who you should really talk to, is a sail maker. And you'll need the dimensions of the sails.

Ann