How to properly de-rig a sailboat?

[rsementi]

If one were to decide to de-rig a sailboat of everything, sails, lines, etc., is there a proper way to store all of the sails and hardware so that they do not deteriorate in long term, several years, storage?

[BillKny]

Assuming we are talking about non-laminated sails, fold them neatly, store them out of the sun, in a dry, ventilated place, not too hot, and AWAY FROM RODENTS!

They survive long term storage just fine, aging hardly at all.

Lines and metal hardware are even more robust, just use common sense.

[rsementi]

I don not know if the sails are non laminated but I will find out. If they were laminated, should I assume that they will be less prone to deteriorate?
Also, I do have a cool dry storage space, but I was wondering what kind of bags or bins to store the sails in to keep the insects and rodents out (if any) and still keep them ventilated?

[Jammer]

Use sailbags. Store them indoors in an area that does not attract rodents because nothing will keep rodents out, reliably, short of storing them in a metal box.



If you don't know whether they're laminated chances are they're not. Laminated sails are race sails. I believe they're not supposed to be folded, but have never had them and really don't know.

[rsementi]

Ok all noted, thank you!

[boatman61]

If your removing the running rigging make sure you run some tails as you pull each line through else its gonna be a pig when you want to re-install them.. wash, dry and store.
Sails are best washed and properly dried before folding and put in sail bags.
Stainless wires make into a large coils and lash in three places.. maybe wipe well with an oily rag and wrap in sack cloth.
Mast needs laying down with proper support (wood blocks) every 8ft or so to prevent warping.

[rsementi]

Thank you boatman61

[adjo]

"Stainless wires make into a large coils and lash in three places.. maybe wipe well with an oily rag and wrap in sack cloth".

Why "wrap in sack cloth"?

Seems to me pointless and is a potential moisture absorbent.

[Bill Seal]

How best to remove and handle a Profurl system without kinking the foil ?

[boatman61]

Originally Posted by adjo

"Stainless wires make into a large coils and lash in three places.. maybe wipe well with an oily rag and wrap in sack cloth".

Why "wrap in sack cloth"?

Seems to me pointless and is a potential moisture absorbent.

S/S is oiled, sackcloth dust is harmless but the cloth protects the wire from other possible pollutants.. large coils to limit stretching/stressing the wire.
Just what I would do for long term storage.. Not obligatory

[Benz]

Originally Posted by Bill Seal

How best to remove and handle a Profurl system without kinking the foil ?

You have to carry it all stretched out--there's no way to coil it. Sometimes the foil is is sections that come apart if the rigger used tef-gel on the screws, but sometimes the screws have to be torched and impact-wrenched out.
If you have a place to lay a mast out, you'll probably have room for the headsail foil as well.