sailboat restoration videos

Practical Boat Owner

• Digital edition

10 of the best Youtube boat restorations

• Kass Schmitt
• August 1, 2020

Video blog reviewer Kass Schmitt shares 10 of her favourite Youtube boat restorations - as reviewed in the pages of Practical Boat Owner magazine

Boat restoration projects on Youtube never get old – for a start: the boats are often older than the people restoring them! But for anyone considering taking on a project, immersion in a few of the channels listed below may provide inspiration, techniques and help you avoid common pitfalls.

The video bloggers themselves will usually answer sensible questions, but do take the time to read through some of the comments below the line, as quite often even wiser heads prevail. Just be aware that your quick 15-minute video could easily turn into a three-hour read late into the night!

In no particular order of preference, here is a wide range of Youtube boat restorations that I have reviewed in my regular column in Practical Boat Owner magazine. Enjoy!

1. Tally Ho – Sampson Boat Co

In the lead up to lockdown, Leo Goolden and his small team at the Sampson Boat Company were making huge strides on the rebuild of the 1925 Fastnet Race winning yacht, Tally Ho , even if one of those strides was… in the wrong direction.

After fitting all the new deck beams and carlins they discover a good number are not actually white oak but a timber with the wicking characteristics of red oak.

Leo takes the sensible decision to redo them.

History of Tally Ho (RORC presentation / Ep.48(Pt1)

In Summer 2019, Leo gave a talk at the Royal Ocean Racing Club In London, which he kindly recorded and published on YouTube for the benefit of those of us who were not able to attend.

2. Sailing Yacht Kora

The number of channels inspired by Leo is also growing. There’s a buzz about 17-year-old Ashmole Faire-Ring’s channel Sailing Barge Growler , documenting his ambitious rebuild of a wooden sailing barge, but more to my taste is the channel Sailing Yacht Zora . Kinsale-based Rhys Walters is rebuilding a Koopmans (senior) designed steel blue water cruiser. The aim is to sail her to the Canaries, the Caribbean and beyond. She’s already sailing again and the focus is now on the interior fit out. With over 10,000 subscribers, I reckon this channel is going places.

3. Motor launch Gesida – Back Down On The Boat

Another Leo-inspired series that’s charmed me is Back Down on the Boat . Durham-based baker Paul Spooner is renovating Gesida , his ex-Admiralty wooden motor launch. We see him single-handedly reinstalling the reconditioned 750lb engine, a challenge for anyone, but even more impressive considering that Paul has ME and needs a wheelchair half the time. In addition, he muses on the benefits of boat work on his mental health. I’m sure many can relate when he says that it’s more than a hobby, it provides an escape from the trials of life and motivation to persevere when things get hard.

4. Westerly Centaur Lagertha – Sailing LAGERTHA

A refrain I frequently hear is that (insert name of) popular channel has become boring now that the boat’s in good shape or they’ve upgraded to a newer, shinier model, or they’ve learned how to sail, and are now spending all their time spear-fishing and sharing ceviche recipes. If you relate to that sentiment and need an antidote…

Yorkshireman Layton Barr of Sailing LAGERTHA has recently bought a Westerly Centaur, renamed her after his favourite viking shieldmaiden, and plans to fix her up and then go explore the Norwegian fjords… once he learns to sail. Expect to learn a thing or two about marine electronics from Layton, as that’s his profession. He’s pretty sure we’re not going to like the new livery he’s got planned.

5.  Lightship South Goodwin – Harry Dwyer

Professional video director Harry Dwyer has created a surprisingly engaging video on his channel Harry Dwyer about removing a huge quantity of expanding foam from inside a decommissioned lightship. The project takes nearly two years and the team displays an impressive amount of persistence and ingenuity.

As a reward for his filmmaking services, Harry is given the lightship’s tender, an Avon Sea Rider SR4 RIB. So he also made a series of videos about renovating the RIB.

Project Speedboat Part 7

6. Hurley Silhouette MkII Misumi – Alex Goes Sailing

The COVID-19 lockdown has led to the birth of a number of new channels, as frustrated sailors get busy in the editing suite instead of on the water. One that caught my eye is Alex Goes Sailing , in which a resourceful young lad from south-west London acquires a 1960 Hurley Silhouette MkII for £60 and slowly rebuilds it before embarking on a number of trailer-sailing coastal adventures in the Solent and Devon. Alex has since traded up to a £300 1970 Vivacity 650 bilge-keeler. One to watch.

7. Pearson 36 Uma – Sailing Uma

Meanwhile, at the Mayflower Marina in Plymouth, Sailing Uma ’s Dan and Kika managed to finish a number of ambitious projects on their Pearson 36 and relaunch before the UK lockdown began. Recent episodes see them replacing their electric motor and shaft drive with a snazzy second-hand Oceanvolt saildrive propulsion system and working with their friends at Multimarine to design, construct and fit a carbon fibre bowsprit in anticipation of adding a Code 0 to their sail wardrobe. If you don’t have friends willing to knock up a carbon fibre sprit for you don’t worry, I’m reliably informed that the lower portion of a windsurfer mast can also work.

(The Uma’s are always busy with new DIY – here’s their ‘Creative Tiny Wood Stove Installation’)

8. Carter 33 Chak Matay – Bums on a boat

Bums on a Boat is another channel chronicling the rescue of a classic that many would consider a lost cause. In this case it’s a modern classic, a Carter 33 built in Greece in 1974. The rescuers are an entertaining young American couple who, after sailing some time in the Caribbean, hauled out in Luperon, Dominican Republic to discover serious structural issues. I recommend starting from the haul-out at episode 62.

9. Gamelin Madeira 37 Chuffed – Vet Tails Sailing Chuffed

Meanwhile, in Mexico, sailing vet Dr Sheddy on Vet Tails’ Sailing Chuffed rises to the challenge of being the suddenly single owner of her 1990 Gamelin Madeira 37, while continuing to do her admirable voluntary work of providing lifesaving treatments to pets and wildlife.

10. Leopard 50 Happy Together – Sailing SV Happy Together

YouTube’s recommendation algorithm suggested I check out Sailing SV Happy Together , which is the closest thing I’ve seen to an episode of MTV Cribs for yachties. Randy and Lenny are an American couple in their 50s who last year traded up their Leopard 48 to a new Leopard 50, and, after taking delivery of the boat, proceeded to spend an eye-watering amount of money on extensive upgrades to, well, everything they could think of, in preparation for their eventual participation in the World ARC Rally.

Sail Far Live Free

Tips for sailboat restoration.

Good Advice

I just bought a 1973 Pearson 30. The Atomic 4 is shot and needs to be removed, I know very little about engines. Any ideas on what I should do would be helpful. I understand that the A4 developed about 30hp and I'm thinking a 16hp diesel would probably suit my needs(I sail on a 43,000 acre lake). Any thoughts?

16 HP sounds about right. The atomic 4 usually has a small propeller and higher RPM than diesels, so check the max diameter prop you can fit with 10-15% of clearance top and bottom. You may want less of a reduction gear. Also consider engine and fuel weight. "The propeller handbook" by Dave Gerr is a good resource. Most older boats have small props that can't make use of higher HP.

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Experience being on the deck of a winning yacht or step inside a sail loft. Stories on yacht design, books, racing and marine art – all on the pages below.

Boat building videos

Videos of craftsmen, their tools and techniques. Browse through the yards – peak through the heavy doors of many workshops where traditional boat building skills are being kept alive. 

Racing videos

Windward marks, hoists of spinnakers and protests galore make this selection of films on racing classic yachts a must watch.

Cruising on a classic boat provides a kind of medicine for the soul when all the elements are in favour. These films explore secret shores, good food on board, stories about unforgettable passages.

From modern-day pirates who collect extraordinary maritime artefacts off the sea bed to a boat builder who remembers the Champagne cracking "first time!" at the launch of beautiful cutter in 1937. 

Marine artists at work, sea-shore foraging techniques and cookery afloat are just some of the stories we release here. Characters, their houses and personal objects offer inspiration to the individual who's soul is closely bound to the sea.

BOAT BUILDING

Explore the world of boat building through videos on craftsmen, their tools and techniques. Browse through the yards – peak through the heavy doors of many workshops where traditional boat building skills are being kept alive. Learn boat building skills online, find out about traditional rigging and sail making through these videos.

As part of CYTV's ongoing boat building video session series, the latest walks you through how to hang a hinge – ideal for joinery jobs on your classic boat.

Collars , the spar maker, has just completed a significant repair on the rig of the Laurent Giles designed Bermudan cutter ‘CETEWAYO’, in time for this season’s racing. Here, Jeremy Freeland describes the feeling when it finally returns to the boat and the care of the owner.

Do you know a rebate plane from a wood jack plane?  Find out the difference between the various planes used in classic boat restoration in this video...

Learn how to strip a wooden hull and achieve the perfect smooth finish with this step by step boat building guide.

Cowes boatyard fire causes classics to be lost.

The first in a series of features showcasing emerging figures in the classic boat world, people who share a passion for classics and lend their professional skills to our community. Watch this film 'Timber to Tide' on Ben Harris, a boat builder based in Gweek, Cornwall.

The WOD's or 'Wivenhoe One Designs' were originally launched in 1935 as a local boat to race on the river Colne, near Colchester. Nineteen were launched and now sixteen survive…..

Classic Yacht TV visited TS Rigging in Maldon, to find out and watch the process Ken goes through to steam and bend the wood used to make mast hoops  

Toby Slater left the city of London in 2006 to refit his father’s love affair - formerly known as ‘Regard’ - a Brixham Trawler Yacht. The refit turned into rebuild. He learnt boat building on the job with the help of Rick Cardy's watchful eye, a local shipwright whose skills stem from Thames Barges and alike.

'Tarifa' as a project was instigated by Alex Laird’s labour of love 'Partridge', a J. Beavor-Webb designed Victorian gaff cutter built in 1885 by Camper & Nicholson and mostly influenced by Greg Powlesland's restoration of 'Collinette'… Tarifa's interior sets a standard…

Following on from CYTV’s previous film, again showing progress made to date, it is evident that Kelpie of Falmouth is being careful fitted out. It shows the techniques and quality of craftsmanship going into the work to ensure a very high quality, sympathetic rebuild.

Ever wondered what living on a dutch barge would look like?

Take a look at this amazingly modern and sleek dutch barge conversion is this video...

Captain of the Herreshoff schooner Mariette, Charlie Wroe recently embarked on a mission to find “a suitable racing tender” for his owner's big boat. This film shows you what they acquired and charts the first in an ongoing series on how they restored the yacht.

This film is an insight into the traditional techniques used by James Lawrence Sails, a sail makers that started business at the end of the 'working sail' era. They're seen here repairing a mainsail of 2,906.2 sq foot for a 130 foot classic yacht.

The story of a humble boatyard's most intense job to date – re-rigging the Cutty Sark. Jim Dines of Heritage Marine and TS Rigging reconditioned and made up 2.5 km of wire standing rigging, 14km rope for running rigging, 400 wooden blocks, 700 shackles, 41 spars, 9 mast sections, 17 yards, including one as spare for the Cutty Sark.  

BOAT BUILDING (VIDEO) SESSIONS

Boat building sessions brings you skills, techniques and advice from experts that specialise in classic restoration – Suffolk Yacht Harbour . These short how-to videos can be seen on CYTV's youtube channel or below.

Prevent standing water in between the timber frames of your hull by learning to correctly apply pitch (marine glue) with this simple 'how to' film.

Watch classic boat joinery experts fit new wooden cockpit seats to this stunning 1960s Kim Holman day racer at Suffolk Yacht Harbour .

Do you know a rebate plane from a wood jack plane? Find out the difference between the various planes used in classic boat restoration in this new film. Suffolk Yacht Harbour specialises in classic boat restoration.

A good boat builder never blames their tools, discover the correct way to sharpen your chisel in Suffolk Yacht Harbour's new step by step film.

Learn how to strip a wooden hull and achieve the perfect smooth finish with this step by step boat building guide. Suffolk Yacht Harbour specialises in classic boat restoration.

Do you struggle with varnishing? Watch Suffolk Yacht Harbour's latest boat building film for top tips and a step by step guide to achieving the perfect finish. Suffolk Yacht Harbour specialises in classic boat restoration.

Suffolk Yacht Harbour (UK) shows how to repair a plank on a wooden boat by fitting graving pieces to the planking. Robert, one of Suffolk Yacht Harbour's boat builders, carefully fits a graving piece to the damaged area of the planking to rout out an exact template of a piece of wood to fit the planking.

YACHT DESIGN

From gaff cutters, schooners to fin and skeg classic off-shore racing yachts of the 1950's or, modern classics: Explore the minds of yacht designers from Nathanael G. Herreshoff, German Frers, Uffa Fox, G.U. Laws among many more on Classic Yacht TV.

Get to know the hottest competition on the med circuit in this film. Classic Yacht TV gives you a race on board the highly competitive 'Chinook'. This is rare opportunity to see how the boat is raced, what the crew's jobs are on the boat and how the perfect their manouvres in racing. In addition we bring you interviews from the team that headed up the restoration in Tunisia...

She's a radical looking boat, designed in the 1950's by Uffa Fox who was developing yachts in relation to Flying Fifteen's (One Design Class). Seen here through archive footage of her build and in the most recent of her restorations....

James Dodds’ paintings strike the eye with lines true to his focus on particular boats and the seas they once knew. His pitch dark backgrounds, surfaces, and colours are alike to layers of tar and tallow, marine paint and rust. Part II explores how he achieves his particular colours and, his relationship with local boatbuilders.  

James explores the design of vessels and celebrates the work of the boat builder and craftsman who make them. From a Shetland Fourern boat, a Viking shaped long and thin form to a square, bold, Hastings beach boat. Dodds' paintings are an assembly of observations on the variations in shape and why boats have been crafted in such a way to serve the nation in the maritime industry.

The Mylne Yacht Design archive, which is one of the most complete in the world, comes alive in this film. Here, yacht designer Alfred Mylne is remembered through archive footage of yachts sailing and racing off the west coast of Scotland, around the Isle of Bute and on the River Clyde.

Windward marks, hoists of spinnakers and protests galore make this selection of films on racing classic yachts a must watch. From videos taking you on board  the most successful boat on the Panerai Classic Yacht Challenge circuit in 2015 to the humble – sometimes wet – rides on one designs, CYTV brings you full throttle action in racing!

The 8mR Worlds event in Hankø looks great! Dinner with the King of Norway was on Saturday evening, the location and conditions look stimulating and so do the analytics provided by the race organisers – the Royal Norwegian Yacht Club and the Hankø Yacht Club. Get the daily de-brief here.

CYTV talks to professional rigger Chuck Demangeat about rig failures on board classic yachts and the things you can do to prevent breaking your rig. 

The Baltic Classic Master Cup 2017 will be a circuit again with four international regattas in Sweden and Finland, two in each country. Watch this video to see what it's like.

Lateens, Aegean schooners and work boats are seen here racing alongside classic yachts in Greece's newest regatta - Spetses Classic Yacht Race

The schooner 'Mariette' debuts her newly restored racing tender, “Kelpie of Falmouth” in Cornish waters at the 2014 Pendennis Cup. Watch her sailing in this film - an exclusive look at what's she's like before she starts her season racing the med this week.

Jim Thom reflects on nine years of nurturing and forming a highly acclaimed crew on board the 19 Metre Class designed yacht 'Mariquita' as he stands down as captain and passes the honour on to George Newman.

Classic Yacht brings you exclusive footage and interviews in a two-part series on two classic yachts deemed to be at the very top of their pedigree world-wide. Part 1 features racing between 'Altair' and 'Mariquita' as they compete privately for the 'Club 55 Challenge Cup'.

Being the 'Mate' on a topsail schooner is a busy job – we find out exactly what it's like in this video of Herreshoff schooner 'Mariette of 1915' with their Mate, Roy Kum.

Off the coast of Tenerife Bessie Ellen sails alongside pilot whales, to the surprise of a guest who awoke to hear the commotion.

What happens offshore on board a tall ship like Bessie Ellen? Here's what one guest had to say while sailing from Lisbon to Madeira. Check out what CYTV caught on camera while at sea...

It's only when you sail a tall ship that you really understand their history in context of how people 'worked' them as we hear from on board Bessie Ellen.

Being at sea can be cleansing. It's not just sights and sounds, but the movement of the boat that has a rhythm – it's 'therapy at sea' as we hear from a guest on board Bessie Ellen.

Night watches have a magical feel to them – the experience of isolation, an escape from the digital and fast-paced world we exist in, as we hear from on board Bessie Ellen.

This binnacle was designed to be used on a submarine bridge at the surface. It was small enough to pass down through the hatch when submerging. It's for sale – read more about it here.

In 1968 Sir Robin Knox-Johnston became the first yachtsman to solo non-stop circumnavigate in the Sunday Times Golden Globe Race. It was also in that same race, one competitor Donald Crowhurst lost his mind and was lost at sea. THE MERCY (2018) is a film telling the story of Crowhurst's fate. Here's the trailer...

Everyone's talking about it; the newly released Christopher Nolan film that attempts to chronicle the evacuation of 330,000 men off the beaches and the harbour of DUNKIRK . Featuring MTB102, the white foam on the beaches and the 1958 version of the film to be screened this September...

Archive footage of family cruising on board ZEPHYR during the early 1970's, she's for sale with Sandeman Yacht Company.

Imagine a very cold and extrememly dark environment, underwater and deep below the favourable heights of our atmosphere and then imagine having a camera to capture that unfamiliar world. That's Alexander Semenov's life as head of the....

Cruising on a classic boat provides a kind of medicine for the soul and, when all the elements are in favour cruising can make for irreplaceable holiday experiences - forever etched in one's memory. In these videos, from Prince Rainier III & Grace Kelly's honeymoon on board the MOONBEAM IV to handy recipes for your summer cruise to Brittany, you’ll be inspired to get underway.

A crew member on board Bessie Ellen talks to CYTV about learning how to navigate. How she feels a sense of belonging at sea, in a small community while offshore – blue water cruising.

A first time in the Atlantic Ocean – offshore and in blue waters, sailing. One guest on board Bessie Ellen gives her impressions of 'space', sea sickness and what reaching landfall is like.

An enchanting clip of the great Fife designed yacht, Moonbeam IV cruising off the coast of the French Riviera. Classic Yacht TV caught up with the Captain of Moonbeam IV, here you'll find our Q+A on his life with one of the most stunning classics in existence.

Cooking Orange and Almond cake under sail, on board Bessie Ellen.

Bessie Ellen's owner Nikki Alford gives Classic Yacht TV a lesson in baking while at sea - as you will be able to tell! Using a recipe from the Polpo restaurants in London, this Orange and Almond cake is now a firm favourite for those who sail the Bessie Ellen, a west country trading ketch that charters around Britain, Ireland, Scotland, and Europe.

A short documentary exploring the lost way of life of British lighthouse keepers.

As our world is increasingly automated, this isolated occupation has quietly disappeared from our coastlines, and this film records the stories of remarkable human nature before they too, disappear.

FUTURE CLASSICS

Boats of today, classics of the future.

The defining era of a classic boat is much debated. As creations of ‘neo-classics’ and spirit of tradition yachts are regularly launched this section of Classic Yacht TV will celebrate boats of today and declare some as classics of the future.

From a 70 year old modern-day pirate to a boat builder who remembers the Champagne on the hull of a cutter launched in 1937, Classic Yacht TV covers an array of characters which we think you might enjoy.

The story of a life-long diver and his treasures.

Like a modern-day pirate, 75-year-old Ray Ives has been scouring the seabed for treasure his whole life. The former commercial diver has plundered the deep for over fifty years, bringing to the surface anything that glittered -- even gold.

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Structural Fiberglass Repair Part 1

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This is part 1 of a 3 video series outlining how to repair structural damage to your fiberglass boat. Make sure to watch all 3 in order! Otherwise you will be totally lost 🙂 These video’s are leading into the gelcoat series which is coming!

Please ‘Like’ or ‘Share’ above and join the discussion below in our comments section!! Also, please remember that there are extended ad-free versions of these video’s available for Patreon supporters! Please click below to find out more.

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• 1.5oz CSM Fiberglass
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Join the discussion 12 Comments

Your the best.

On the grinder, what kind of grinder wheel do you use? Thanks for the videos and keep ’em coming. I need to learn more!!!

It’s a 36 grit ‘flap disk’.. I’d have to look up the invoice for the brand, but I’m thinking that a quick google search should pull something up for ya ;-)… If not, let me know. Only thing I can think of to note would be to make sure that the arbor size of the wheel fits your grinder..

Hello I have a 18 foot fiberglass boat (hydrostream v-king) that has six holes in a 1.5 foot square area, the holes are the same size as the one in the video. my problem is if i repair the holes the way you show in the video most of the repairs will be over lapping each other is this ok or should I remove the section of the bottom and replace it ?

You should be fine to overlap the repairs. Since it’s such a small area I would probably do the final couple glass layers over the entire area, then fair the repair for gelcoat..

I can’t do a two-sided repair as you suggest. I’m repairing a sailing dinghy, and the inside is inaccessible – a very narrow space between the hull and cockpit.

I was all set to buy the laminating resin when I realized I won’t be able to coat the inside with the mold release. In this situation, it seems I must use the pre-waxed resin. Is that correct, or is there an alternative?

Hey Greg, I think I understand your situation but if you could please email (or post on Facebook) a couple pics of the repair area I’ll be able to give better advice 🙂 Thanks!

Aloha Andy I have to say I have been in the composit industry for 20+ years and your videos are awesome. I know for me the understanding is super clear, but the way you go about explaining things is great for someone to tackle there own repairs and fiberglass project. Thank you for sharing your knowledge it is rare in our industry for people to be open and informative. Great job aloha Mike Storm maui, Hawaii

In repairs where there is no access to the interior surface of the hull would a repair completely from the outside not work fine… where you copy the thickness of the hull over say an circle area of say 8 inches in diameter with a taper around the hole so that succeeding larger pieces of biax and mat are used to match the thickness of the hull ?

I ask this as it seems to be published in West’s fiberglass pamphlet and other places using epoxy. I’m wondering if using only polyester to repair would require a stronger engineering approach…

Also, I wonder if you only applied a “form” piece of plastic glued to the inside surface of the hull covering the hole as a stop gap for your repair… then ground out the entire area the thickness of the hull in a gradual bevel and did the entire repair from the outside … would this not be just as strong as your illustrated method considering the pressures from use would be from the outside inward? … with water etc.

I really enjoy your website and youtube videos… thanks for such a good source for information. I’m wondering what bedding compound you use to re-bed older aluminum or stainless ports …. life caulk (polysulphide) over silicone I’m presuming…. comments welcomed.

Hey Andy – Your vidoes have encouraged me to get into fiberglass and gelcoat repair on my old sail boat that I wouldn’t have tried otherwise. I have also been sharing them with members of our yacht club and on sailing blogs. Really appreciate your great work!

Thank you very much Mark! I really appreciate it 😉

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The $tingy Sailor

Diy trailerable sailboat restoration and improvement without throwing your budget overboard.

How to Clean Sails at Home

Just like a white shirt is a magnet for spaghetti stains, your sails are magnets for stains, dirt, and mildew. Unlike a white shirt, you shouldn’t bleach or machine wash your sails, it will ruin them. That means don’t clean them in a chlorinated pool, either.

For hundreds of dollars, you can send your sails to a professional cleaning service like SailCare.com . They’ll come back looking great but if they also need ANY repairs (loose stitches, etc.), you’ll be put on the spot to have them repaired and your cost can quickly mount. And if your sails are old, they’ll still be old when they come back. Their cleaning process includes re-impregnating the fabric with resins but that just stabilizes the current shape of the sails for a while, it doesn’t restore them to a like-new shape. But if you’re going to have your sails repaired anyway, this can be a good option to clean them at the same time.

Another options is for you to clean your sails at home. You can restore some of their brightness without causing permanent damage and without it costing you a lot. You only need a large, flat, clean workspace, some basic cleaning supplies that you probably already have, a little elbow grease, and some time.

Tastes great on salads too

The process that I’ll describe below will clean your sail fabric but it won’t do much to remove the corrosion from hardware. If you also want to clean the hardware, do it first and then clean the sailcloth. The second, main cleaning will remove any temporary stains caused by the hardware cleaning process.

You can spend hours hand cleaning each grommet, eyelet, and hank snap but there’s a much easier way using regular household white vinegar.

To clean corroded brass and bronze sail hardware:

• Pour some undiluted, household white vinegar into a shallow bowl and submerge a group of one to three pieces of hardware (and the surrounding sail cloth) for an hour or so at a time for each group. The corrosion will completely dissolve away and the hank snaps will work smoother and easier. Look ma, no brushing!
• While each group of pieces is soaking in vinegar, place the previously soaked pieces in a bucket of clean water to dilute and rinse out the vinegar and remove the blue-green high water mark that can be left on the sailcloth.
• Every hour or so, rotate dirty hardware into the vinegar, clean hardware into the rinse water, and do something else in between rotations.
• When you’re finished cleaning the hardware, then clean the sailcloth like described below.

Sail cleaning 101

Here’s what I do for general sailcloth cleaning:

• Place a clean, plastic, black or dark-colored 40 gallon garbage can where it will receive full sunlight to keep the water warm.
• Fill the garbage can with water (soft water and warm but not hot, if possible).
• Add 2 cups of Oxyclean liquid stain remover and mix well. Do not add bleach or other harsh cleaners, which can damage some sail fabrics, bolt ropes, and thread.
• Completely submerge one sail at a time in the water and let it soak for 24 hours. You don’t need to agitate it. If some of the sail floats up out of the water, just turn the sail in the water from time to time to be sure everything gets plenty of time to soak.
• After 24 hours, remove the sail and spread it out flat on a clean, smooth surface. A deck made with composite planks works great if you have access to one. If your sail is bigger than your work surface, work on a small section at a time.
• While it’s still wet with the soapy water, lightly scrub the sail all over with a soft brush, paying extra attention to the seams, batten pockets, and stains.
• Thoroughly rinse with clean water (soft water if possible).
• Hang the sail to dry. If you don’t have a huge barn like in the first picture, you can drape it over outdoor furniture, hang it from a flagpole, or whatever you may have so long as it keeps the sail off the ground and lets air circulate around the fabric until it dries. If you don’t have someplace at home to do this, take the sail to your sailboat on a light wind or windless day and hoist it to dry while you do other things. Just be sure you don’t store the sail while it’s still damp or mildew can set in. Store it loosely in a well ventilated space for at least several days to be sure all the moisture trapped between the layers of material in the corner patches has evaporated.

It’s common for old sails to have small rust stains on them from coming into contact with a rusty anchor or chain laying on the deck. They will be there forever, unfortunately. There is no sure way to remove them after they get set into the cloth.

Not quite clewless

After you are done cleaning your sails and their hardware is a good time to do any necessary repairs. If you’re not comfortable making the repairs yourself, look for a reputable sail loft in your area. Most will give you a quick evaluation and cost estimate.

If you discover that your sails are so old or damaged that they aren’t worth investing in repairs, consider buying new replacements from a quality online sail loft. For more information, read Product Review: Rolly Tasker Sails .

After a thorough cleaning, your sails should look fairly clean. An annual light cleaning can keep them that way for the rest of their useful life and delay or avoid costly replacement.

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14 thoughts on “ how to clean sails at home ”.

Another great idea, $tingy! It’s going to be my second task this winter after fitting that in-mast radio aerial cable after three years!

Fantastic post, love the pragmatic and easy to understand steps.

Stingy, Have you ever dyed colors into a sail or can it be done? I purchased new sail this year and my old ones are decent enough to keep a hold of, but i was wondering if I could dye some colors in my old head sail. Thanks for your time.

I haven’t done it myself, but I’ve read about others doing it like here: Dyeing Sails .

Good luck and if you decide to try it, let us know how it turns out. $tingy

Very careful use of Oxalic acid will remove rust stains.

Any thoughts on how much Oxyclean you would use if you were using the powder to clean the sail instead of the liquid?

I’d probably try 1 cup first and see how well it works, then increase the amount if necessary.

Wondering if anyone on this blog has an AMF Windflite or how I can find an owners manual. Thanks!

Frustrated by no sail loft or cleaning service answering the phone the day after Memorial Day, i think I’ll try your system. Thank you for the advice!

As we are always away from home in a marina or anchorage, I have used my inflatable dinghy filled with water in place of the plastic garbage can —just used a mild detergent and obviously no bleach -let sit overnight and then next morning drained, filled, rinsed, repeated and then ran the sail up the mast to dry and put away dry late that afternoon …advantage of the dinghy is that i can stomp around like mashing grapes and thus can get more of an agitation action–also if i see a particularly soiled area then I can scrub it on the side of the dinghy and put it back in the water….seemed to work OK …any thoughts?

Sounds like a great routine to me!

Thankyou great advice loved your mast raising video am going to look at spinnaker post next

Great tips about Oxyclean & vinegar. Thanks! Please sign me up to receive your posts. (No link at bottom of web page.)

Grace, I just fixed the link so you should be able to subscribe now. Thanks for pointing it out.

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Classic Yacht Register of Heritage

ClassicSailboats.Org

ClassicSailboats.Org (CSO) is a not-for-profit maritime publication and the world’s largest alliance of guardians, and preservationist. We are dedicated to preserving the spirit and historical record of vintage & classic sailing vessels. While remaining committed to protecting historical maritime properties, our precious oceans, waterways & wildlife.

As educators it is important to extend our reach to the communities, organizations and schools that would otherwise be unable to access our message because of geographical, and sociological limitations. The application of STEM through our initiatives 10 Class, Bluestar, Greenstar, and Sailing for Water is our educational mission. Whether following the progress of expeditions to the Pacific to study plastic pollution, or to the Arctic to study the effects of the loss of salinity from our oceans. It is our pledge “To empower people of all ages to make smart decisions today that will affect the quality of life for future generations to come.”

As preservationist and historians each classic vessel has a unique story to tell. The Classic Yacht Register of Heritage, on the CSO website, has become a go-to reference for historians, former guardians, their families, and the general public. An important part of CSO’s mission is to promote the rich history and intriguing human interest stories associated with these classics, preserving and adding to their cultural significance for future generations to come.

The topics and stories that are focused on our publication are made possible through the hard work and achievements of our alliance, and through the associated supporting cast of the collective initiatives. We look forward to expanding the reach of our cultures and remain dedicated to our collective efforts. The stories, and racing histories of these magnificent craft are important to the overall valuation of each yachts role in history. We encourage our readers to contribute with historical contributions (comments) when possible.

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Sustainability and the Capacity to Endure – To continue to exist in the same state or condition has been a real challenge for all custodians and stewards of Vintage, Classic and Spirit of Tradition yachts and that of our Team boats. Preserving the ecosystems and environments that we sail in are equally as important, in our quest for sustainability. In our organizational capacity we will provide a means in achieving low environmental impact by exemplifying the importance of using renewable and biodegradable resources when possible.

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Classic Sailboats will be periodically updating it’s Privacy Policy to ensure you enjoy continued high standards of data protection and management. This is a part of Classic Sailboats compliance with the EU General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR) which comes into force on 25th May, 2018… read more

Hello, My father, Graham Newland was involved in the building of many classic yachts in Sydney, Australia. I have just published his memoirs. Is this something you can promote on your website? I can send you a precis if you wish. kind regards, Jan

I would love to know more about the P class I think a number of them have been rebuilt. Are they being found in the US or Europe?

Hello, I’m currently working on a documentary about the Don Lee Broadcasting Company and what an important and innovative part it played in early west coast television history. The empire was run by Don Lee (until his death in 1934) and then his son Tommy (from 1934 to his death in 1950) both of whom were avid yachtsmen. I’ve notice some great, detailed information here on your website about the famous boats these two men owned and raced. I’m hoping to find a boating authority of whom I could do an interview (on video if the person is local to Los Angeles…otherwise probably just audio) about this particular subject. Please let me know if you are (or know) such a person. Thank you very much!

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What sailboats are "worth" restoring

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If one was to take on a project boat, a backyard special or dock queen I suspect that some brands/models may be generally considered a better choice than others. First a couple of definitions: Worth: I'm assuming that any sailboat restoration is not going to be profitable. So by worth I'm not saying it could be sold for a profit. By worth I thinking in terms of, great sailing, reasonable resale value, historical value, amazing design not just dollars. Restore: This one is a bit vague too. Not necessarily a like new refit but sail-able. What are some brand/models you may or may not personally choose to restore but would at least understand the call and what makes that boat worthy in your view. For example normal but put on this list is the Pearson Triton. Nice shape hull, solidly build nice lines good reputation.  

Any Hinkley. Any Herreshoff design. Any Alberg boat. They are all the same, just different lengths and different builders. Any boat that makes you see the potential, and you can defend without rationalizing when you inevitably have "the talk" with your significant other.  

Hello, Good thread. I can't imagine someone letting a Hinkley or Herreshof get that bad in the first place. Personally, I would think Tartan or Sabre. I think that some Sabres had problems with leaking chainplates resulting in wet decks. One of those could be a good choice to restore. Barryh  

Worth is personal, to a point. In locating my hull, I had specific things in mind, and the fact that the interior was in poor shape had little bearing on my final choice, as it is my intent (the scope of the project) to customize it to suit myself. So very few boats out there would have met my needs off the shelf anyway. Having just spent part of this morning looking at a "project" that was sadly not salvageable, and being one of those sorts of dreamers that feels sadness at the thought of a fine old hull disintegrating through neglect, I suppose any reader can quickly peg me as "one of those"... Since most (I'm sure the yacht brokers would quibble and I wouldn't argue that their viewpoint is invalid, at least from their standpoint) would agree that resale value has little to do with worth, you have to decide somewhere along the line what you're going to commit to a project. And is it something with a big budget up front, or will it be a little along (which is the typical American backyard mechanic's way of doing things)?  

I am quite happy with my Peterson 34, which I brought back from the brink. Some other designs that I think would be worthwhile projects: J35 Cal 40 C&C 35 I would think you should be looking for a boat that has a well-known reputation for its sailing qualities, and for which the original construction was decent (the Hinckley's and Alberg's mentioned above, for example). I would steer clear of boats that have a reputation for being cheaply-built. There's nothing really wrong with production lines like Bristol, Pearson, Catalina, but they don't really stand out, either. Of course, much depends on your intended use!  

I think that the question is too vague. Any boat is worth restoration if the end product meets the owner's needs and budget. The rest is just a matter of scale. There are "good" boats and "bad"; SailNet has lots of threads extolling the virtues and deficiencies of many brands. While I agree with BarryL about the virtues of Sabres and their chainplate issues, the list could be expanded greatly.  

I would have to say that the Montgomery line of boats are well worth restoring, I would love to find a M17 to restore myself I love that boat! But any boat really is probably worth restoring as long as the restorer thinks so.  

I would say anything that can be brought back to life in one off season, but I like sailing more than restoring.  

Good Point  

A boat that sails well, was originally well built for its day. All older boats have issues, but the "project" should be restoring the boat to its original quality and modifying items you would like to change, but not to make up for bad design or build to start with. Everybody's eye for beauty is different, and I forget who said it but when rowing away you should want to turn around for another look. Hinckley, Sabre, CS, C&C, Cal, Pearson (Triton and others), Alberg, Spencer (B.C. built), Bristol, Contest, SHE (UK), Rival, Contessa (26 & 32) and many others as well as custom boats from good designers, S&S, Peterson, Rhodes, Lapworth, Crealock, Herreschoff (probably wood), Perry, Tripp and others. And the Vega 27 all except for one.....  

mitiempo said: And the Vega 27 all except for one..... Click to expand...

An S&S Swan... specifically a 44.  

Did Olin Stephens ever design a bad boat? Any of the early Swans would be candidates for a proper restoration.  

I think the question also depends on your skills, your tool collection and the amount of time you can devote to the project. If you're very handy, have lots of room, lots of tools and lots of time, then most of your investment is sweat equity.  

How about this one? PJ Photos: Clearwater Renovation | poughkeepsiejournal.com | Poughkeepsie Local News | Poughkeepsie Journal  

By far the big issue is being able to insure your master piece for anything remotly close to its "illusive" value In general a 1975 boat has value X and i have found i can insure new parts above that BUT NOT labor  

tommays said: By far the big issue is being able to insure your master piece for anything remotly close to its "illusive" value Click to expand...

I would say my Catalina 30 (85) was and is a good resto project....but then again I am biased! BUT after all new rigging, sails, electric, plumbing, interior refinishing etc I will only be in it for about 15k and that is a good deal!. I am putting a value of ZERO on my labor but I will keep her for some time so the illusionary 50k in labor dont matter now does it? They do seem to hold their resale though. Josh  

I would be interested in that project. Have you written it up any place? What did it cost? What about the engine? Mind giving us a general breakdown on the budget items?  

I'd want to restore that old shoe of a hinkley because why?!?!?!?! Any way, reality is, as mentioned, "in the eye of the beholder"! If some folks did not want to restore an old model T, there would be none! or cobra charlie and his old woody! I would not do it, but Charlie would! Some would say what I did not my 85 Jeanneau was not worth it. to me it was and still is. So, the real answer is, "it depends" on whether you need them or not after you get the bill for the fix up/repairs to make the restoration shine! marty  

What sailboats are worth restoring? The one the person without the cash to buy a boat in good condition, nor desire (or ability) to borrow the money to do so is thinking of. It allows someone to buy a project at any level from needing a bit of work to probably the condition of the Vega on the other threads. And with money spent on a pay as you go basis and a lot of sweat equity they get a boat they couldn't afford to pay cash for. I think a lot of people do this. One only has to look at threads on this site, the Plastic Classic forum and the owner's groups. Hopefully they do a reasonable job of it. Because the problem with fiberglass boats is they don't go away, easily at least. Old wooden boats when totally ignored to eyesore stage have the decency to fade from sight eventually through rot and decay. But an ugly, ignored, filthy fiberglass boat seems to last forever.  

The restore in one season will depend upon free time you have to do the work, assuming you are doing the work! In Charlies case right now, he appears to have a few $$$ in the bank, maybe some unemployment to work a lot on Oh Joy! So potentially he could restore her in one season, Mean while if he was back at Boeing working as some are, 50-70 hrs a week, said restore of Oh Joy might take 5-10 yrs! In the end, it still comes down to the depends part, what your finances are, what you like, are willing to do etc. You could buy an older X-Yacht, take it to Denmark, and the factory will restore/refinish everything, and turn around and give you a 2 yr warranty to boot! Or as some have done, restore older woodies like Oh Joy. Or the USS Constitution or equal. If that boat went away, it would not exist in any way shape or form. What is the "restore" part of the restore are we doing. Sailing does an issue, January?!?!?! or there abouts with 4-6 boats that were bought used, and they show what someone did with up to 30-50% of base cost to make said boat really usable again. The % will depend upon what type of boat, and initial cost. But as Brian? mentioned, plastic boats are relatively easy to restore per say! Wood on the other hand, it might be easier to build a new one, if you are talking an Oh Joy or equal. I know my boat I am into it about 40K with a 20K used cost, with new cushions, varnish inside, head/hull liner, sails, lines, deck gear etc. Then again, not sure I needed to spend 15K on the cushions......but as they say, momma ain't happy, no one's happy! In the mean time, I figure I have another 20 yrs before my boat will be like it was a few yrs back at 20 yrs old! Marty  

Marty I don't think a wooden boat is harder to restore per se. For me or anyone not used to wood construction it is. And I think more skill is certainly required for wood restoration. But there are people with wood boats that find it easy to spile a new plank and don't want to work with glass and what that entails. I do think it is certainly easier to learn to work on a glass boat if you're diligent and handy with tools but have no prior experience. Even engine work isn't hard if you aren't totally inept and can read a manual. Don't force anything to the extent of breaking it and if you're stumped take the part to the expert. At least don't pay the expert his hourly rate to visit the boat and remove bolts that you are able to. Glass and epoxy work is easily learned as well I think. What I was trying to say earlier is at least a neglected old wooden boat will eventually rot away and sink out of sight as they are basically biodegradeable but a neglected ugly mouldy fiberglass boat seems to be an eyesore forever.  

Brian, You are correct in the wood vs glass options. Having built two boat, ie an 8' pram and 12' sloop. like workng in wood, and do do work n construction, granted landscape construction........but none the less. What is entailed in the restore, "IF" doing it yourself, you need to choose a resto that has parts and pieces that the person doing the work can and will do themselves. IF NOT< then the resto will be a waist in most cases. Such as me trying to restore Oh Joy, I'd be taking so many short cuts it would be silly to try and do the work. For what I did to Amoretto, it was all fun and games for me! stuff I could do a weekend here, there and along the way, meanwhile, I was sailing her during the roughly 3 yrs the work took! So to me, while a season is a good thing to look at, not sure that a season is what should limit your resto, "IF" you can do it like I did, in parts and pieces over 3 yrs, then it was freetime relaxing at the boat meanwhile, it got me out of doing yard work! in my own home, as that is my wifes relaxation. for me it is work! wonder why?!?!?!?!?LOLOLOL marty  

I rebuilt (not restored) a wooden sailboat in 1970 and like working with wood - I used to work for a company that built interiors for Columbia 26 & 34 built in Canada by Coopers and worked for a fine furniture company after that. I also used to own a 35' wooden boat and rebuilt a lot of the interior on her. But I think it takes more devotion to do what is being done to Oh Joy. And I think a wooden restoration should be more "classic" somehow. The wooden restorations all seem to be boats with pedigree and that is how it should be. But what most of us are doing is more of a rebuild to make it work (as good or better than new) and look ok as well as some modifications and upgrades. And were they wood with some exceptions I don't think most would be considered "classics". My boat included. I'm not saying we're doing a bad job but the boats aren't all Swans and Hinckleys. Every once in a while you see an Alberg, Triton, or other real classic design that has been truly "restored" like the 200k chevys you see on Barrett-Jackson but those are the exception and not the rule. And that's how it should be as that first ding on a pristine awlgrip paint job hurts a lot. We're rebuilding to use not restoring to show. ps That Hinckley wouldn't have been that beautiful when new in my opinion.  

Re the Hinkley, ALL boats as to what is pretty is overall in the eye of the beholder, but, I do agree, it would probably not be that pretty to me overall either even when new. But then, I thought I would never see an ugly Swan either, and they built very few 38' version of one boat that is currently for sale here in Seattle, I would not pay what they are asking for it nor would I own it if it was 10K US$$! Now a Club Swan 42....oh la la. But some would say that is too ugly too....... But the mors of us are rebuilding to use, not show is correct. Unless you have an older early 1900's classic woodie, ala 6M or some other classic boat with a pedigree to her. Othewise, chainsaw/fireplace time!  

o,man .. with out thinking a Mc greger ,,, What is everyone thinking ? I have my Hans C working its way up here ,,, If I had only known !  

Here's 2 of the prettiest fiberglass boats (in my opinion), the Swede 52 designed by Knud Reimers (first 2 pics) and the Tripp designed Lecomte 33 followed by an older classic I believe was designed by Illingworth & Primrose (Maica class I think). All would be worth restoring (not just a rebuild) as far as I'm concerned.  

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Yes...those are very nice. I'm almost finished with my 1978 CT48.  

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Video: 6 of the best heavy weather sailing videos

• Harriett Ferris
• June 18, 2017

Watch our pick of the most dramatic heavy weather videos

This first video of heavy weather sailing is our from our Storm Sailing Series with Skip Novak . It was probably the most ambitious project Yachting World has ever undertaken: to head for Cape Horn with high latitudes doyen Skip Novak to make a series on Storm Sailing Techniques . Here is one of our most popular videos, rounding Cape Horn in Storm Force 10 conditions…

Hallberg Rassy are known for being heavy, sturdy, seaworthy boats.  This video shows Hallberg Rassy 48 Elysium in heavy weather off Cape Gris Nez, northern France in 2014. The yacht seems to be handling well, able to use a Raymarine lineair 7000 autopilot depsite the conditions.

This compilation is from the BT Global Challenge round the world race, a crewed race westabout the prevailing winds in one-design steel 72-footers. It took amateur crews upwind through the Southern Ocean from Cape Horn to New Zealand and from Australia to Cape Town. This footage shows some of the weather they experienced and what the crews endured – and watch out for some footage of the race leaders fighting it out under trysail during a severe storm in the Cook Strait in New Zealand.

Single-handed sailor Berthold Hinrichs sailing in Hinlopenstretet. It is the 150km long strait between Spitsbergen and Nordaustlandet in Svalbard, Norway and can be difficult to pass because of pack ice.

A fun compilation video of sailing in strong breeze including 2 wipeouts, 1 dismasting and 1 guy going for a swim…

Our last example comes from popular YouTube channel Sailing SV Delos , as the crew tackle a 50-knot gale on the crossing to Madagascar. Skip to 8:00 for the stormy stuff:

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