Mariner’s Web

Sail Allowance (Used Boat Buyers Beware)

Recently a customer has been boat shopping for a 28′to 32′ cruising boat to sail out of San Carlos, Mexico.  This is a popular port for Colorado sailors to reach the  Sea of Cortez and beyond – and he wanted an estimate on a new main with 3 reef points.  These waters are know for some robust winds, similar to SF or the Windwards.

The next step in his boat shopping was a sea trial on a prospective boat. BUYER BEWARE!  If the sails are over 10 years old and are “typical” crosscut Dacron sails, it is inevitable they have stretched out over that time, no matter how careful the owner is. That is the nature of the beast of Dacron sailcloth. A thorough visual inspection is always required of the sails but during a sea trial it should be noted how deep the draft is and where the point of maximum draft is. You should be able to move the draft forward by tightening the controls; cunningham, vang, and backstay. If the sail has an excessive belly and it is difficult to move the draft position forward, you will not be happy taking these sails out in a fresh breeze!  You do not want to buy sails (without a Sail Allowance) that you will have to furl or reef whenever the wind is up.  If you have any doubts take photos of the sails looking up from the deck, to capture the shape and the draft from luff to leech all the way up the sail. Take the resulting photos to your local sailmaker for a consultation and measurements if possible.

New sails should always be considered when buying a used sailboat. What better time to absorb the price of new sails as the sails are a critical part of the costs involved in such an investment. Be sure to discuss a “SAIL ALLOWANCE” with the seller if the sails are over 5 years old and/or have had heavy use. Enjoy your sea trial and allow a couple of hours for sail inspection (all of them) and photos.

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