Gear : How old is old

[CharlesM]

Hello all

I am looking at purchasing a boat, and would like to know the expected life of some gear.

The sails are over 10 years old, and have done at least 1 circumnavigation. Should I be budgeting to replace them yet, or could they still have a decent life in them?

Anchor chain is pushing 14 years (and has been galvanised once in that period). Should I expect to have to replace this?

I am assuming I will be replacing the standing rigging as it is pushing 16 years. Any rough estimates on the cost of new standing rigging for a 40' ketch?

Thanks for any help

Charles

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[Chris_Robb]

What boat are you buying?
Sails - 10 years with a circumnavigation will mean new sails - they will be sun shot, the genoa will set like a bag etc.

Rigging - replace all. probably running rigging as well. Cost - raising and lowering both masts, be prepared to have the spreaders stuck to the rigging, so may have a problem here, other wise wire - budget about £2000. Rigger will be able to give you a proper quote so use this in bargaining.

I take it you are having a survey? - having just sold my boat and being at the wrong end of a really good surveyors report - let me know if you need any names.




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[jeanette]

Based on my own experience.

Sails: Yes, you will probably have to replace them. Check the condition before you buy and then renegotiate the price. I replaced the Main a couple of years ago for about £1100 from Jeckells.

Anchor chain: could be re-galvanised again if it is still sound and not worn. I suspect the cost of replacement will bear no comparison with that of replacing sails or rig. Cost of replacing boat if you don't check it carefully will be considerably more ;-)

Rigging. I re-rigged my 35' cutter last year with 8mm and it cost somewhere around £1700. (I can't remember the exact figure). If the rig is that old, then the chances are that all the running rigging will need replacing at the same time.


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[Nich39Nige]

Hello Charles,

I've just obtained a quote for the standing rigging on my ketch....1400 quid.
New main and mizzen cost 1800 quid (fully battoned main).

Nige

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[maxi]

Think also about engine mounts and stuffing-gland gaiter etc. as these will also be tired or time-expired, as may be the gas supply. It all adds up.

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[AndrewB]

Based on my experience:

Sails - there may still be a bit of life in them, if they are heavy duty and were well protected from UV when not in use. I used to have a set that had done a circumnavigation and they lasted a few years, if a bit baggy. Ignore dirt. Bad signs are much patching, heavy rust staining around eyelets, a creased, papery feel specially near edges and corners. Try tearing them with your bare hands on suspect spots - if you feel them start to give, they are finished.

Anchor Chain - With care lasts indefinitely. But must be regalvanised if it looks somewhat rusty. Scrap only if there is heavy rust or wasting of links. Regalvanising cost is approx 1/3rd of new chain.

Rigging - should be replaced on a precautionary basis but actually is probably OK. If you and your insurers are willing to chance it, a resistance test of the terminals may be good enough - cost about £20 per terminal. Otherwise re-rigging will be circa £1,800 done professionally, half that for DIY, but twice as much if you also need new forestay roller reefing. An insulated backstay is also expensive.

 

[ChrisE]

I'd go along with Andrew's advice based on my own experience and add a rough and ready way to assess the state of your sails, assuming that they are Dacron. You can tell if a sail's on the way out by putting it to your lips and trying to blow through it. If you can get air through the chances are it is near the end of its life.

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