Lighter and less abrasive than sunbrella. Have sock for longer periods of being furled but am lazy and don't want to hoist it if I'm going out in a day or three.
PNW area.
What say ye?
PNW area.
What say ye?
Weathermax for genoa
- Thread starter Drinky Crow
- Start date
jssailem
SBO Weather and Forecasting Forum Jim & John
- Oct 22, 2014
- 22,949
The sock is a positive tool to protect your sail. It keeps the furled sail wrapped when exposed to strong winds.
The short term periods, unless during violent weather, means a little extra work delaying your sail time. The question is, what about UV exposure? Do you have a sun shade that protects your sail when furled?
The short term periods, unless during violent weather, means a little extra work delaying your sail time. The question is, what about UV exposure? Do you have a sun shade that protects your sail when furled?
The inconvenience of the sock makes it tempting, as you noted, to leave the sail unprotected for “short” periods, but the cumulative effects of UV damage will ultimately shorten the life of the sail. I think it’s worthwhile to add the UV protection, either Weathermax or Sunbrella, to the leech and foot of the sail if that‘s what you’re asking.
I have no experience with Weathermax. It’s apparently slightly lighter weight than Sunbrella, which kind of makes me wonder if it will last as long, but I don’t know. I’ve had good luck with Sunbrella. Bottom line is either one of them is better than nothing and you won’t notice the weight difference on a furling headsail.
I have no experience with Weathermax. It’s apparently slightly lighter weight than Sunbrella, which kind of makes me wonder if it will last as long, but I don’t know. I’ve had good luck with Sunbrella. Bottom line is either one of them is better than nothing and you won’t notice the weight difference on a furling headsail.
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I had a new sail made this past winter by North Sail, and i used Weathermax for the UV protection on foot/leech For the reasons you cited.
This is my first season with it, but so far, so good.
Greg
I would think it depends on the quality of the sail you are trying to protect and it's use. Heavy Cruising sail? Lightweight Racing sail?
For a lightweight racing sail I would think a lightweight sacrificial cover would be best. I've heard of sailors using Dacron 5.5 Oz as sacrificial covers but it would need replacing more frequently.
Sunbrella at 9Oz would provide longer protection before needing replacement. The extra Oz of weight, Weatherman80 is 8Oz, on a heavy cruising sail probably would probably be okay considering the longer life.
As far as Sunbrella having less abrasion resistance than other fabrics, that's beneficial when it comes to sail covers. The sail cover should wear, not the sail it is protecting.
Then there are the esthetics. Weathmax has limited color selections so if you want to match a Sunbrella dodger and bimini, stay with Sunbrella.
Despite Weathermax's claims I believe Sunbrella will outlast it in the same usage.
In your sailing area you are probably not as concerned about UV protect as somebody in Texas or Florida. I'd probably give Dacron a try.
For a lightweight racing sail I would think a lightweight sacrificial cover would be best. I've heard of sailors using Dacron 5.5 Oz as sacrificial covers but it would need replacing more frequently.
Sunbrella at 9Oz would provide longer protection before needing replacement. The extra Oz of weight, Weatherman80 is 8Oz, on a heavy cruising sail probably would probably be okay considering the longer life.
As far as Sunbrella having less abrasion resistance than other fabrics, that's beneficial when it comes to sail covers. The sail cover should wear, not the sail it is protecting.
Then there are the esthetics. Weathmax has limited color selections so if you want to match a Sunbrella dodger and bimini, stay with Sunbrella.
Despite Weathermax's claims I believe Sunbrella will outlast it in the same usage.
In your sailing area you are probably not as concerned about UV protect as somebody in Texas or Florida. I'd probably give Dacron a try.
True, I could not get a Jockey red Weathermax cover…that would have matched my sunbrella sail cover…
I had to settle for a gray UV cover and a red draft stripe on the new sail
Greg
jssailem
SBO Weather and Forecasting Forum Jim & John
- Oct 22, 2014
- 22,949
I like the Captain Navy color of the Weathermax. I hve it on the sail and on the main sail cover. It has held up well in our PacificNW climate. I bring it in (Just bare poles) during the winter, when not sailing. I would use it again when it wears out.
Sunbrella has a long history of proven durability and product life.
Being that labor costs to install both Sunbrella and Weathermax will be the same (?), I would also compare material costs as well. It can be very costly to replace a sun cover that deteriorates. I know as I just had to replace my sun cover on my 5-year-old jib due to the material (non-Sunbrella) deteriorating.
My opinion would be to go with Sunbrella that is already widely used. It seems to be almost an industry standard.
I do understand that looks, feel and personal taste come into play so I imagine whatever you choose will work. Personally, for my money I will stick to Sunbrella.
Good luck with your choice.
Being that labor costs to install both Sunbrella and Weathermax will be the same (?), I would also compare material costs as well. It can be very costly to replace a sun cover that deteriorates. I know as I just had to replace my sun cover on my 5-year-old jib due to the material (non-Sunbrella) deteriorating.
My opinion would be to go with Sunbrella that is already widely used. It seems to be almost an industry standard.
I do understand that looks, feel and personal taste come into play so I imagine whatever you choose will work. Personally, for my money I will stick to Sunbrella.
Good luck with your choice.