Buying a used sail online could be a great way to save money and get your boat back on the water in no time. But you also need to be careful so you don’t buy and rig up a dud. Today, let’s take a look at a few key tips for buying used sails online.
Measure Your Boat First
For starters, remember to measure your boat carefully from bow to stern. Once you have your sailboat’s full dimensions, you’ll know the size of used sail to purchase and won’t pick up a sail that is too large or too small for proper performance.
If you’re not able to measure your boat by hand, look for the owner’s manual or paperwork. The original dimensions should be present somewhere on those documents.
Buy a Sail that Matches Your Tools/Boat
In addition to measuring your boat, you should only buy a used sail online that will match your existing boat accessories, tools, and attachment points. For example, your boat probably still has piston hanks and jib hanks, which attach sails to the boat. If your boat uses one type of hank, ensure that a used sail you purchase will work with that hank (i.e., forged metal hanks, job hank shackles, etc.).
Similarly, make sure that any used sail has a good bolt rope. Bolt ropes are sewn into the edges of sails to reinforce them or to fix them if they need to fit into a groove in the mast or boom. The best way to avoid a bad purchase of a used sail is to find one as close to your boat’s current sail as possible.
Research Different Sailmakers
Naturally, you should do plenty of research into different sail brands. On SailTrader, you can find brands such as North Sails, Quantum Sails, UK Sailmakers, Evolution Sails, and more.
But each of these brands has distinct offerings, advantages, and reputations. Google the manufacturing brand of a used sail before buying it so you know what to expect and so you know the used sail will fit your needs.
Check Listings at SailTrader
Once you’ve identified (at least roughly) the kind of used sail you want to purchase, check listings sites like SailTrader. SailTrader is the perfect sail marketplace since it’s designed for sailors, by sailors. With our marketplace, you’ll be able to find the perfect used sail for your needs in no time.
We offer a variety of new and used sails of all types, like jib sails, headsails, cruising sails, and much more. Plus, you can find sails at a variety of pricing points; that way, even if you are limited by your budget, you may be able to find a used sail that will work for your boat.
Examine Photos and Measurements Carefully
But finding the perfect used sail is just the start. You’ll then need to dive deep and examine the photos and measurements of the used sail carefully.
SailTrader’s marketplace allows you to inquire about used sails to sellers. If a sail looks okay, but you want more photos, ask them for more information. If they give it to you, confirm that the sail looks like it’ll fit your boat before making an offer (and consider checking online reviews for the sail to determine its real value). This back-and-forth is just one reason why SailTrader is the best way to buy a used sail no matter what you need.
In the end, buying a used sail online doesn’t have to be risky. Do your research, know what you’re looking for, and buy only once you’re confident the used sail will work to avoid wasting your cash.
