Do any of you fellow sailors have an answer to static build-up that is becoming an increasing problem on my Hunter 29.5. Originating predominantly from the sails and sailcover the severity of the shocks now being received are sizeable. Aside from being a convenient way of igniting my Magna barbie, these jolts are now a cause of trepidation to visiting crew-members. Any thoughts would be greatly appreciated.
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Alex
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david
A shocking problem?
I have never heard of this before!!! I work with sunbrella and dacron a lot and never once have I had a shock including in stocking feet on rugs. You might want to try spraying the fabric on the sailcover with 303 protectant (get the stuff specifically for fabric!!!) and see if it cuts down the static properties of the materials. My real concern is if your mast is grounded how can a static charge build up?
I have never heard of this before!!! I work with sunbrella and dacron a lot and never once have I had a shock including in stocking feet on rugs. You might want to try spraying the fabric on the sailcover with 303 protectant (get the stuff specifically for fabric!!!) and see if it cuts down the static properties of the materials. My real concern is if your mast is grounded how can a static charge build up?
Put fabric softener towelettes in you sail.
Steve: Try putting some of those towelettes like Downie in your sail the next time you put it away. They are used in the clothes drier at home to eliminate static cling. The other thing to try is spraying the sail with anti-cling spray. This is the stuff that women use to keep the dress and slips from clinging.
Steve: Try putting some of those towelettes like Downie in your sail the next time you put it away. They are used in the clothes drier at home to eliminate static cling. The other thing to try is spraying the sail with anti-cling spray. This is the stuff that women use to keep the dress and slips from clinging.
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Ron
Agreed with David
I have sailed for 21 years and have never heard anything like this before. I would definately check my grounding. This maybe a warning to something a lot more serious then a little static shock i.e. remember Ben Franklin! Ron/KA5HZV
I have sailed for 21 years and have never heard anything like this before. I would definately check my grounding. This maybe a warning to something a lot more serious then a little static shock i.e. remember Ben Franklin! Ron/KA5HZV
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R.W.Landau
Static
Steve, This sounds wild. I agree with Ron that you should check your grounding. This static build-up may encourage lightning strike or if you have gas fuel, a fire. r.w.landau
Steve, This sounds wild. I agree with Ron that you should check your grounding. This static build-up may encourage lightning strike or if you have gas fuel, a fire. r.w.landau
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Duane Cady
Electric sail cover
I have just noticed this issue on my H31. The static builds up when putting away the main -- from both the sail and the cover -- its when you touch the grounded pieces -- like that mast or rigging that it discharges , sometimes with a jolt. I didnt experience this all last year -- but then it was humid from the time I bought my boat. Proper grounding is essential, but may not completely cure this on dry days. This kind of thing happens with cars because they are isolated from ground -- you drive a distance and build a charge , then get out and the proximity of your feet to ground gives the potential a path trough which to discharge. Bottom line -- check your ground(s). If it is good, then wait til it gets a little humid and this effect should go away. Duane
I have just noticed this issue on my H31. The static builds up when putting away the main -- from both the sail and the cover -- its when you touch the grounded pieces -- like that mast or rigging that it discharges , sometimes with a jolt. I didnt experience this all last year -- but then it was humid from the time I bought my boat. Proper grounding is essential, but may not completely cure this on dry days. This kind of thing happens with cars because they are isolated from ground -- you drive a distance and build a charge , then get out and the proximity of your feet to ground gives the potential a path trough which to discharge. Bottom line -- check your ground(s). If it is good, then wait til it gets a little humid and this effect should go away. Duane
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Andy Falls
Sure shocked
Our 29.5 can deliver a good shock too! I've checked the grounding several times and found nothing. I am convinced that it is just good ole fashion static. Perhaps its nylon pants scooted across fiberglass crossed with dacron sails. Heck, the fabric seats of our minivan can light up the garage (next time, its leather seats baby) when you get out. I have considered some anti-static spray.
Our 29.5 can deliver a good shock too! I've checked the grounding several times and found nothing. I am convinced that it is just good ole fashion static. Perhaps its nylon pants scooted across fiberglass crossed with dacron sails. Heck, the fabric seats of our minivan can light up the garage (next time, its leather seats baby) when you get out. I have considered some anti-static spray.
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