Sails

[Seven Spades]

I have kept my boat in the water this winter (I bought my boat last March) as I have been using it on the odd nice weekend we have had this winter. However, last time out it looks as though some mildew may have formed on my main. Is this a hazard of using the boat throughout the winter. I am not convinced that it is the case, if it does turnout to be mildew is there something I can use to remove it?

 

[matt1]

What mainsail cover do you have? Does the fabric allow it to breathe? Did you put the mainsail away damp.

Given adequate ventilation, it should be ok I would have thought. Lots of people leave sails on all winter.

 

[Seven Spades]

It is in a Lazy Bag and I can't remember what it was like when I last used it. I only go down at weekends once or twice a month.

 

[bobgoode]

Oxalic acid will do a fair job of removing mildew but rinse well and protect hands and eyes.

 

[steveallan]

My sails get mildew if left on over winter so I always remove them now.

Use a diluted bleach solution to remove (be sure to wear old clothes)

 

[Seven Spades]

Where can I get Oxalic acid and how does one apply it, do I need to remove the sail or should I hoist it in stages and apply it?

 

[BrendanS]

Have a look at this link, which explains why different materials need potentially different treatments. (scroll down to bottom of page)

Once cleaned you can use dettol as an antifungal, as also explained

http://www.northsails.dk/UK/sailcare.asp

 

[Hardley]

Do not use it on the boat, take sail off, lay on flat surface, scrub and wash off well.
I would not use it on sails myself, it is powerful stuff, could damage sail.
I use it for cleaning water line and any stuborn marks.
Last year I forgot to cover my trailer with plastic sheet and where the wash off hit the trailer it turned the blue paint white, had to repaint the trailer.