Inputs
Delivered price, useful periods, recurring maintenance and expected repairs must use consistent assumptions for both options.
Ownership value
Yacht sail lifetime-cost calculator
Use the same useful-life unit for both options. Test conservative and optimistic assumptions before deciding.
Worked example
Example: price is not total value
A $7,000 sail used for seven seasons with $180 annual care and $600 repairs costs about $1,266 per season. A $9,000 sail used for ten with $220 annual care and $500 repairs costs about $1,170.
Tool guide
How to use and interpret this tool
It compares two sail options using the same estimate of useful service, maintenance and repair.
Decision logic
Estimated lifecycle cost = delivered price + recurring care + repairs. Cost per useful period divides that total by the periods entered.
Read the result
Run conservative and optimistic cases. The lowest number is only meaningful if both sails meet the same brief and the assumed useful life reflects shape as well as structural survival.
Worked example
A $7,000 sail over seven seasons with $180 annual care and $600 repairs is about $1,266 per season. A $9,000 sail over ten with $220 annual care and $500 repairs is about $1,170.
Common mistakes to avoid
- Using structural life for one sail and competitive shape life for another
- Leaving freight, fittings or commissioning out of one option
- Treating estimates as guaranteed future costs
Professional verification
This tool supports briefing and comparison. It does not replace measurement on the boat, structural engineering, class or safety rules, or a sailmaker's final design.
Continue the decision