when is it time for new sails?

[jeremy]

 Hi, I just got a 1978 cp 16  and I think it has the origanal sails. How can I tell if they are still good or if it is time for new ones??

[skip1930]

Are the sails soft and pliable to the touch? without any 'crispness? when you shake the sails can you hear rustle? or a dead thud silence?

They should not be fagged out. They can be sent out and cleaned and the crispness, to an extent, put back in them but if the sails no longer conform to shape as evacuated by a trained eye, then order new sails.

However since this is a new-used boat for you I'd learn on the set of rags that came with the boat. At least for the first season. The sails can be taken to a sail loft for evaluation in the winter.

Here I'm guessing. Actually to render an opinion beyond basic guide lines is useless 'unless you hold the sails a little closer to the phone so I can see them'.

I can be of little help. Sorry skip.

[jeremy]

thanks for the info and help. yeah they seem like they are very thin no crisp at all there soft like silk. I'm going to take your advice
and learn with them and try and save up some cash for new ones next year. thanks again!

[Bob23]

Jeremy:
   Skip is correct but you can try having your old sails cleaned and restored at http://www.sailcare.com/
   I sent my original 1985 soft sails for my 23 to them...they were quite soft and came back crispy. This is a short term fix as they will return to thier present softness in about 2 years. But it's a good way to extend the sails life a bit.
   They are very honest folks to deal with. I'd put a note in the box telling them to advise you if the old sails are even worth reconditioning.
Bob23

[HideAway]

We kinda figured our main was toast when we reaized the tell tales were streaming a couple of feet behind the main sail - but we are a little slow on the uptake - M