Hey everyone,
Just recently purchased an old 14' Hobie and am looking to buy a used sail. Besides general apperance of the sail(i.e. tears and wear) any suggestions on inspecting it further? I have heard that if you take a general sewing needle with you and are able to easily push it through any part of the sail then it is no good. All advice is appreciated. Thanks

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-BK
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Inspect the head plate, clew plate or cringle and the tack cringle very close. Check all of the batten protectors near the luff. Any or all of these could have loose rivets or old ones that will fail soon. Check the bolt rope make sure that the fabric is in tack around the rope. Check batten pockets for wear at the points where the sail would hit the shrouds when going down wind. Check the foot of the sail that slides into the boom for wear especially the tack end. Most used sails will need a little attention. An all white sail is normally in better condition as it is made with a heavier cloth, the older colored sails were of a lighter cloth so it would accept the dye for color.