Autumn is the ideal season to bring your sails into the loft for inspection or service. Our team is ready to help repair, replace, or otherwise advise you on your sails as you head into the off-season — giving us, and you, plenty of time to complete any service before you need to be back on the water. Even if you don’t have Quantum products on board, we’re happy to service sails from any brand. We’ve collected a series of Frequently Asked Questions from our customers and partners, and tasked Todd Basch, Service Manager at our Chicago loft, for his expert input.
Have questions not answered here? Reach out to your local loft; we’d be happy to help.
Q. What is the Quantum Sails service procedure?
Our goal is to make sail service effortless and seamless. Contact your local loft and have the service representative remove the sails, or you can drop them off. We will inspect your sails and provide an estimate for recommended work. You and your rep will discuss the options and budget to make sure your sails keep performing, and we’ll get to work to get you back on the water. If you have a sail at the end of its lifespan, your rep will go over new sail options that are best suited to your boat and the sailing you do.
Q. Do you store sails? What other services do your lofts offer?
Yes, many of our lofts offer sail storage for a small fee. Call your local loft to check for availability and rates. We also offer sail removal and installation services, sail pickup, and drop-off to many nearby marinas. We even have drop boxes in some areas. Sail washing to get rid of dirt, mold, or mildew is also available. If your sail needs a shape re-furbish, recuts are also an option.
Contact your service consultant today, and we'll schedule a pickup at your local marina. Storage is not available at all lofts, so please contact your local loft for availability.
Q. I don’t have a Quantum sail. Do you service all sails?
Absolutely! No matter the logo on the sail bag, we want to make sure you’re on the water with the best performance and experience.
Q. My sail got chafed on the lifelines. How do I fix that?
Adding or replacing chafe protection is a routine maintenance item. Chafe patches are sacrificial cloth — they will get worn and need to be replaced to keep protecting your sail. We can replace those areas and reinforce them with new material to get you back on the water without a headache or hole on the horizon.
Q. What should I look for when I remove my sails for the season?
Give everything a good look over. Pull out your notes from the season documenting if you noticed any wear spots or damage, and go over those areas closely. Check both ends of batten pockets, the webbing in all three corners, bolt rope or slides on the luff, and anywhere the sail may hit the rig (especially on an overlapping headsail). Run your hands and eyes along the edge tapes to check for wear (especially on spinnakers). The trick with wear and tear is catching it early so we can repair rather than replace. Make this a habit at the end of every season and lengthen the life of your sails.
Q. What are my options to make hoisting a sail easier?
Sometimes, we can simply replace a worn bolt rope or affix new (or upgraded) slugs to your mainsail to solve a sticky hoist. Make sure the track is clean. Other times, a full system upgrade is the simplest solution. A rep can walk you through the best options for your rig and your type of sailing.
Q. Help, I tore a panel in my spinnaker; what do I do?
If you’re on the water when this happens, make sure the sail is dry and tape it the best you can. If you can manage without it, don’t fly the spinnaker again until you have it properly repaired in a loft. Once you’re on shore, bring in your sail, and we'll lay it out, identify the tear, inspect for other damage, and make the necessary repairs.
Q. I’m thinking about modifying a sail. Can I do that?
There are quite a few options available to you, and with some guidance, we can help you make the best decision for your sail and sailing style. Take out a little luff curve to flatten the sail? Change from a dousing sock to a furler for your A-sail? Our reps would be happy to discuss a custom solution.
Q. Why can't I get my outhaul tight enough?
With use, sails stretch and, over time, lose their designed shape. The draft of the sail moves aft as it stretches. Recuts are an economical option versus replacement. Bring your sail in for a full review, and we can make better recommendations based on the condition of the sail; your type of sailing may require a more robust/durable cloth that can withstand more use. If you can’t bring your sail in right now, taking pictures of the sail from the foot can help our reps see any changes in shape over time and provide input.
Q. What can I do about these foggy dodger windows? Can you replace the windows in my dodger?
Yes, we do! Over time, UV degrades some materials, and replacing windows is just one of the many canvas maintenance operations we offer.
Q. How often do I need a rig check?
If you notice your performance hasn't been the same, consider the last time you had someone up your mast — if it’s been a while, it’s time for a tuneup and a thorough walk-through from masthead to step. For larger cruising boats, you may need to hire a rigging professional; we can direct you to a trusted local resource in your area.
Q. How do I keep the leech on my code Zero from flapping?
Code zeros and AWA sails can be finicky and require the correct setup and sheeting angles. The first step is to make sure your halyard is fully tensioned. Then adjust the leech cord, and move your twing to have a better sheeting angle. If you're still having problems, bring your sail in, and we'll inspect it. It can also be immensely helpful to have a sail and design consultant sail with you to help with the setup on your boat — your local loft will be happy to help! Once you find tensions and trim that work in a certain breeze range, write it down and start building a tuning and trim guide.