chafe protection - which is better?

Justin_NSA

Justin_NSA

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Jul 7, 2004
8,535
Hunter 30T Cheney, KS
While my mast is down I plan to replace my spreader tip boots. They aren't that old but they are dried up and cracking. Are boots still the best sail protection or would those wheel things work as well? They might last longer. Maybe I just bought low quality boots, I can't remember the brand.
 
C

Chief RA

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Nov 26, 2012
2,315
Catalina 250 Bodega Bay CA
I don't use them. Just make sure the end is smooth and that will improve the sail sliding across compared to plastic. Chief
 
centerline

centerline

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Mar 20, 2012
3,983
Cal 34-III, MacGregor 25 Salem, Oregon
google "baggywrinkles"..... maybe a bit of overkill, but they are the best chafe protection for the sails.

ive wondered abot the wheels also, but i dont see how just using one wheel is any better than the spreader boot for protection. it looks like it would create a hard spot for the sail to wear on.

on my Mac I placed a layer of self adhesive sail repair tape over the area that came against the spreader boots (on both sides)... this helps protect the sail, but the chafe still goes on, although no more than it chafes, it will probably be a few years before i need to replace the sail repair tape with a new layer.
 
Brian S

Brian S

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Nov 9, 2012
2,500
Oday 192 Lake Nockamixon
Waterline Design in Sweden has some nice looking leather chafe protection. http://www.waterlinedesign.se/en/chafe-protection/

I spoke with one of the principles at the Annapolis show this year. I was concerned about the Velcro, but he says they have some pretty UV resistant stuff.

Nice fellow, seems a good company. I bought one of the mosquito screens for my opening hatch. He gave me a new one that has a differently designed center grommet that grips the no-see-um mesh better, and that won't pull out as easily (as mine has done a bit.)
 
centerline

centerline

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Mar 20, 2012
3,983
Cal 34-III, MacGregor 25 Salem, Oregon
Brian S said:
Waterline Design in Sweden has some nice looking leather chafe protection. http://www.waterlinedesign.se/en/chafe-protection/

I spoke with one of the principles at the Annapolis show this year. I was concerned about the Velcro, but he says they have some pretty UV resistant stuff.

Nice fellow, seems a good company. I bought one of the mosquito screens for my opening hatch. He gave me a new one that has a differently designed center grommet that grips the no-see-um mesh better, and that won't pull out as easily (as mine has done a bit.)
Click to expand
they dont have the market cornered there......

leather can be stretched when it becomes fully saturated with water, and will shrink again when it dries.
so getting a sheet of leather, cutting it to roughly the shape that is needed, soaking it well, then working it till it is stretched a bit, then trimming and lacing it on tightly.... when it dries it will shrink to a custom fit.... and it wont bag out when it gets wet again.

a person can do a lot with leather if they have the patience.

a leather wound or a stretched and stitched wheel cover is a very easy "first" leather working project.
 
Justin_NSA

Justin_NSA

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Jul 7, 2004
8,535
Hunter 30T Cheney, KS
I once made a leather wallet in shop :)
Leather spells maintenance to me. If it doesn't stay soft and pliable then I would expect some chafe. I'm looking for low/no maintenance. I like that I have no exposed wood to deal with too. My tiller stays covered.
 
kappykaplan

kappykaplan

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May 1, 2011
5,469
Pearson 37 Lusby MD
centerline said:
snip

ive wondered abot the wheels also, but i dont see how just using one wheel is any better than the spreader boot for protection. it looks like it would create a hard spot for the sail to wear on.

snip
Click to expand
I have had the "wheels" on my lower spreaders for two seasons now. It's made a big difference in not having to repair the genoa over the winter.
 
Justin_NSA

Justin_NSA

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Jul 7, 2004
8,535
Hunter 30T Cheney, KS
kappykaplan said:
I have had the "wheels" on my lower spreaders for two seasons now. It's made a big difference in not having to repair the genoa over the winter.
Click to expand
I just read an article explaining just that. The 'wheels' are designed to protect the genoa, not the mainsail. Back to the boots for me. Maybe my old ones still show who made them.
 
ggrizzard

ggrizzard

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May 27, 2004
2,059
Hunter 30_74-83 Ponce Inlet FL
I've used wheels for 35 years. Replaced them twice during two refits! Had 1 jib tear when one wheel broke after 15 years.
Available at West Marine. Check Defender for availability and for better price.
 
thinwater

thinwater

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Mar 26, 2011
3,961
Corsair F-24 MK I Deale, MD
I'm with Chief. If the tips are smooth you don't need them.

But if that is impossible, I've cut them from the same webbing I use to make rope chafe guards; dries fast and wears like iron. Does not crack or generate sharp edges.
 
R

Ray Bowles

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Oct 6, 2008
857
Hunter, Island Packet, Catalina, San Juan 26,38,22,23 Kettle Falls, Washington
If you are using this on a M26 where you can very easily lower the mast I would use some naugahide (sp). I bought a small chunk at the local fabric store and wrapped it around my spreader tips 6 or 7 years ago and it works find. You can whip line around the spreader to hold the open side and your done. If it is on a boat where it is an all day project to get to the tips then something more professional might be in line.
Ray
 
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