How long do laminate sails last unused?

[kanaka]

synthetics degrade no matter how you store them. a few years ago a climbing rope builder tested a UIAA three fall rope stored for 8-10 years in a controlled temp and humidity vault. failed on the first fall.

a lot of guys tossed out "retied ropes" and didn't even use them for raps after that.

 

[Kevlar Edge]

What is the best temp/conditions for storage? Like winter storage. Mine are rolled and kept in a dry area that's about 50-60 degrees

What matters more is the humidity in where you are storing it. it can by physically dry and still fairly humid.

Right on. It's very dry, when I put the sails down there for the winter I hung two Damp Rid bags over the sails and the bags don't have a drop in them after a month or so. Cool thanks everyone

So in the summer, keeping them in the boat all the time is a no-no

we take all the sails off after each race. they get stored in the boat house in the bag flaked but unrolled, there is also a dehumidifier and an exhaust fan installed.

 

[chaosmaster]

My understanding is that laminate sails degrade even if they are unused. I've been told this is a function of glue degrading. Can anyone give me the down low?

4 years, 3 months, 17 days, 6 hours and 22 minutes.

Glad I could help.

Chaos