I have a fairly decent quiver of boards n sails and my 2006 MS Pursuit 8.5 is my most used sail. (the one in my profile pic :-)
Barry Spanier of Maui Sails has called my sail "old" and yet it performs just fine.
Okay, the monofilm is slightly foggy, has creases, etc.
My bigger concern is the threading - especially around the 2nd batten from bottom.
One panel repair costs about $100 and a new sail like this around $600.
Also, since i do like cambers, perhaps an MS-2 or Titan 8.5 to replace ??
So, how long does one keep a monofilm sail that is used a lot ?
Does one replace the panels and seam re-enforcement each year on a most used sail or simply replace the sail after 4 years ? (sail was purchased in 2008)
thx for listening
joe windsurfer
joewindsurfer.com
Mate that sail is long gone, I'll give you my address you can send it to meand I'll get ride of it for you, won't cost ya a cent!
Joe, use it til it falls apart (& then tape any tears in the panel), or replace the panel if is real bad and the others are ok.
Might as well replace it (the sail) if there are more than 2 panels that need replacing after you wear it out.
If you got 4 years for a $600 sail that is a good run (depending how many times you used it).
I replaced my monofilm sails (with Ezzy's-more durable and no monofilm) after 1 year (I didn't treat them kindly) but used them a fair few times (all year round). I have taped a few tears in them and will use them till they are really worn out.
Cheers 
Funny that our best sails are well used , repaired, taped and still most loved.
Some others almost brand new, glossy and shiny but pain in a** to rig or use.
So I am quite suspicious when buying second hand one which advertised used a couple times only over few years.
I have some crap like that and every time I decide to give it a try again -I hope my skills were not enough and now I am better or conditions, the same result again- something doesn't feels good.
its funny actually cause i try to keep up every year, all my sails are 2011, nd thinking of ordering new stuff for 2012, and then its like come on mate its not even a year old.....
and when you look for second hand gear anything 2009 and older is considered 'old' but in a sport where materials and construction is changing its hard not to want to keep up
you are probably right, but how many of us could replace whole stock every year if not sponsored?
for those of you that have no money to replace older sails and are are jealous, someone was kind enough to let me try the the latest 6.2m Neil Pryde Racing mk111,with latest mast,boom etc,not to mention lastest F2 board.
anyway while very nice it's not a mm faster than my 2009 sail/2004 Kinetic Centurion.
replace gear if worn out,otherwise invest it in silver coins.
no i do not race and donut need the latest n greatest - although some seem to feel even that us NOT required for racing
as i said, this is my most used sail - in 2010 it was used 40 % of my outings in the summer ie 22 outings !!
also, i have built a snow sled now - already had an ice sled - and found the sail works well for snow windsurfing as well - so, gets used in the cold as well - at least another 10 outings
about 30 outings last year on that sail
that was a good year
assume 30 per year * 3 years already + this year
30*4=120 outings for $600
$600/120 = $5 per outing
guess that is NOT too much to ask ??
If you replace all your sails every year would you say there is a bit of "fashion" race involved? I used to snow ski a fair bit in Europe and me and my ski bodies replaced the full kit every season...... was "fashion" driven really, you had to have the latest gear to be "in"!
Maybe I am wrong! Can't afford to do it so use my gear till it dies!
Mono is sus.
After a couple of years I tape over the worst creases with clear mylar tape as those creases are where the next panel failure will start
Prevention better than cure..
Its time to buy a new sail when either - you really really need/want it due to yours getting old, seams starting to go etc. OR when the money burns a hole in your pocket. OR when you see a deal that is too good to miss out on, but this one only get a sail you need or it will stay in the bag most of the time.
I keep certain kit up to date, ie my most used stuff, but then have backup sails that are now quite old and used/taped up. Where I say up to date I only buy last years stuff in ex demo or new, with race kit ex demo is usually in really good condition as well, especially the smaller sizes as they rarely get used here in the UK
aahhhhh i got sucked in, getting some new gear, JUST SOME,
if i were to buy all NEW gear the total price at RRP would be about, oh F*CK, its a lot of freakin money about $19 000 bucks worth, that would be, 4.2, 4.5, 4.7, 5.0, 5.4, 5.9, 400 and 430 mast, two carbon booms, and 110L, 107L, 95L plus fins, and extensions, etc, mmm IM NOT RICH, in fact i work my arse off to pay for stuff, and am shop sponsored as well, so all my race gear is free....
how ever i buy north gear which is really expensive, but with a 5 year warranty on sails and 2 years on booms thats not bad, because some of the mono film in the top of the luff came out from loose stiching and it was replaced on the spot right there with a brand spanker
THANKS NORTH
i go to see my counsoler this arvo, something to do with the fact im a windsurfer
Feed the dog before you go to bed!!
Feed the dog before you go to bed!!
ive actually had this happen to a couple of my sails - its what happens when you hit 60 knots
