Sail Storage

Discussions about Cape Dory, Intrepid and Robinhood sailboats and how we use them. Got questions? Have answers? Provide them here.

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Bob Herrick

Sail Storage

Post by Bob Herrick »

For those of you in colder climes (we're in Chicago), I' wondering whether there is any danger in storing sails in an unheated, but insulated, garage--so long as the sails are bone dry. We've always stored the sails and cushions in the basement but are tired of lugging the stuff up and down the stairs. Would appreciate your opinions.

Bob Herrick
Cygnet
Ty Senior



bob@twne.com
Russ Campbell

Re: Sail Storage

Post by Russ Campbell »

Bob, The only problem with storing your sails in the garage would be mice and other such critters. Mice love to borrow into something like a bag of sails and make a nest. They tend to chew holes and also mouse piss is extremely staining to the dacron. I put mine back on the boat after they are folded up. I live in Vermont where the little critters are everywhere. Full sails
Russ

For those of you in colder climes (we're in Chicago), I' wondering whether there is any danger in storing sails in an unheated, but insulated, garage--so long as the sails are bone dry. We've always stored the sails and cushions in the basement but are tired of lugging the stuff up and down the stairs. Would appreciate your opinions.
Bob Herrick
Cygnet
Ty Senior


camroll@together.net
Ed Haley

Re: Sail Storage

Post by Ed Haley »

If I'm not having my sails cleaned and stored by a professional sail loft, I usually store them aboard in the bow berth during the winter layup as Russ indicates. Of course, Jasmine is properly prepared for the layup season and covered stem to stern. There is still a remote possibility of critters entering the cabin and getting into the sailbags (especially during heavy snowfall during the winter) but the possibility of critter damage is probably smaller in your boat during the winter than critter damage in your house.

My sails are stained more by spiders in the summer than any other source. And spider s___ is so hard to remove from the gelcoat.



eghaley@twcny.rr.com
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