Hi David, If the stitching failed there is a good chance the remainder of the stitching is in poor condition as well. I have no idea what it costs to re-stitch a sail, but if the Dacron thread is bad one would think the sail cloth is questionable too. Fixing what you have could be a temporary band aid. Used sails can be had inexpensively, if you can find some. Many here have purchased new sails over the years and I suspect there are some, like myself, with extra sails lying around. If in good condition, count on the used sails having less than ideal shape to them - otherwise they would still be in use by the prior owner. If you fuss about maximum efficiency sailing to windward you aren't likely to be happy. However, if you don't bother worrying about such things, they could be a low cost solution. My wife is still mystified why I bought new sails, as the original ones moved the boat just fine. She has a point. New sails are expensive up front, but they will obviously last the longest. The original set of sails that came with my boat lasted through two prior owners and 21 years - not bad! While that example may not be typical, I would venture that the cost per day for new sails amortized over their expected life is the best 'value' option. For high wind use they are really the only option as far as I'm concerned. For occasional use a couple times a year though it would take a LONG time to realize a financial benefit. Come to think of it, when I turn 66 years young in the year 2039 I'll make sure and purchase my last set of sails. With occasional use and good care I can maximize the return on investment with the new sails! LOL :) Best of luck on your deliberations. The sailing season is just winding up. Jason Smith Hood River, OR -----Original Message----- From: montgomery_boats-bounces@mailman.xmission.com [mailto:montgomery_boats-bounces@mailman.xmission.com] On Behalf Of David Grah Sent: Monday, April 12, 2010 6:57 PM To: montgomery_boats@mailman.xmission.com Subject: M_Boats: Repair, New, Used Main? Over the weekend I managed to tear the mainsail on my mid 1980's Montgomery 15. I haven't been able to bear to inspect it closely yet but I think 2 seems about halfway up the sail tore about halfway from the leech to the luff. I wonder what options I have. The sail is fairly worn and is red, white, and blue. Any suggestions for how to determine if a repair would be best, if a used sail would be best, or a new one would be best would be hugely appreciated. I'd want the best value over the remaining life of the boat determine what is the best approach to me. I live about 6 hours drive from the nearest sail loft. Thanks in advance for any advice! David Grah Bishop, California _______________________________________________ http://mailman.xmission.com/cgi-bin/mailman/listinfo/montgomery_boats Remember, there is no privacy on the Internet!