10/26/2009 08:20 AM

a recent request for suppliers got me to thinking.
if you have a local sailmaking shop, check with them. hard core racing boats wear out their sails and replace them regularly. "wearing out" in their case means they have stretched and worn slightly, making them available as used sails. i suspect that eventually they are really worn out and discarded or sold cheaply for recycling by someone who isn't as critical of the condition. nowadays dacron is the lowest of the high tech materials. spectra, kevlar and whatever other new materials should be available this way. i would think at least the bottom of the hull could use some nice bulletproof(literally!) fabric at the expense of a few ounces, especially if you will be in waters that have sharp stones, oyster bars, etc.
bill keiser
florida USA