We used to travel a lot, and most places we stayed a week or two. We car topped the TI on the road and would take it down when we arrived, ( which takes an hr or so to get down and setup, (the boats were massivly modified and souped up). Once down we transferred onto our trailer or used the scupper cart. We would go out often times a couple times a day if we could. Of course we tried to get camp sites next to the water, if we did we would just beach the setup boat, or anchor or moor the boat just offshore completely setup for the duration of the stay. Once setup it only takes a minute or two to just jump in the boat, put the mirage drives in and go. Many of the places we stay at in the keys have docks on canals so we can get to the ocean, but sometimes it can be a mile or so to get out of the canals, often under low bridges so we need our masts down, (we had 3 masts). The main sail is dacron which is very sensitive to uv, it’s best to store the mainsail in the sailbag, the bag protects the sail from uv and more important prevents tears from accidental bumping against stuff. On ours you could see the uv damage, and all the little tears and rips from handling, (not good). But we always used the daylights out of all our boats, (we owned 3 TI’s over the years, way more than most I assume). In our situation our sails needed to be replaced every 4 yrs or so, (worn out), yes the sails and mirage fins are consumable items and need to be replaced periodically, (no different from any boat). But we were heavy users, all our boats had a hundred mile per day max range, (10 hr x 10mph = 100 miles), we had a lot of 60 mile days, and our typical outing was 15 miles. When used that much stuff does wear out, you go thru sails, mirage drive, ( which can be rebuilt), and steering cables, (basically standard maint). No different from any other boat. Obviously leaving the boat in the sun for extended periods takes a huge toll on everything. The rocking motion when parked on the water with the mast in quickly wears out the mast bottom, (furler drum) and mast holder, etc and is not recommended, (we have worn out several of each). But we used our boats probably 10x more than most, (they were our only family boats), and we live near the ocean in sunny florida, also salt water wears everything out 10x faster. I wouldn’t leave the mast in if you don’t have to, and always put the mast in the sail bag when storing, ( those sails and masts are not cheap). Cleaning and lubricating your mirage drives regularly will make them last much longer. Hope this helps FE
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