Genoa Clew Ring

[thinwater]

I can't say what the material is used for the soft clew that's shown in the picture, because I didn't build it.

To build a soft clew, I use flat spectra/dyneema webbing covered with tubular polyester webbing. Then topstitch with Tenara thread on the outside to hold everything in place.

Please share the rest of the story:

• Advantages. No hang up. No banging.
• Advantages. Is chafe or UV a problem long term?
• Other?

 

[shemandr]

It's no joke. If a cringle and shackle smack you on the head from a flogging sail it's going to hurt you or your crew. It's not the same thing but I once had a block explode while my main sail was flogging violently (In mast furling). I think if the block hit my head, it would have killed me. Why have that risk? I like soft shackles.

 

[jssailem]

I like soft shackles.

So do I Andrew.

 

[DrJudyB]

Please share the rest of the story:

• Advantages. No hang up. No banging.
• Advantages. Is chafe or UV a problem long term?
• Other?

Advantage are it’s SOFT , as strong or stronger than a ring pressed into Sailcloth, and easily repaired when it gets old.

A soft clew will last a long time, if sunproof thread is used and it is inspected regularly, especially if it’s covered with Sunbrella or leather. The polyester tubing Over the dyneema strap Is “sacrificial” and won’t last as long as a massive pressed stainless steel ring at the clew, of course.

The soft clew is stronger than a pressed ring. It’s less likely to pull out in a storm, assuming it is inspected and repaired if there is UV damage to the sacrificial polyester tube cover.

Personally, I prefer something that can be easily inspected and easily repaired by a DIY-er when the outer polyester tubing starts to show UV damage and wear/abrasion.

Judy B

 

[thinwater]

Advantage are it’s SOFT , as strong or stronger than a ring pressed into Sailcloth, and easily repaired when it gets old.

A soft clew will last a long time, if sunproof thread is used and it is inspected regularly, especially if it’s covered with Sunbrella or leather. The polyester tubing Over the dyneema strap Is “sacrificial” and won’t last as long as a massive pressed stainless steel ring at the clew, of course.

The soft clew is stronger than a pressed ring. It’s less likely to pull out in a storm, assuming it is inspected and repaired if there is UV damage to the sacrificial polyester tube cover.

Personally, I prefer something that can be easily inspected and easily repaired by a DIY-er when the outer polyester tubing starts to show UV damage and wear/abrasion.

Judy B

Seems like the right way to build it to me.

The last sail I built was over 30 years ago and I forget what I did. But I have built drogues and sea anchors for testing, and it's always webbing.