How much does a sail weigh?

[bilsheryl]

Does any one know how much a sail weigh? I know different sizes will weigh differently. Just wondering.

 

[fstbttms]

That's like asking, "How much does an animal weigh?" You gotta be waaay more specific about size, material type etc., otherwise it's impossible to answer.

 

[MrUnix]

I had a main and a jib mailed to me by a fellow member here and the package was listed as weighing 20lbs which included the packaging (cardboard box). That was for a stock H23 sail and jib, ymmv.

Cheers,
Brad

 

[bilsheryl]

How about? For a sailboat between 15-22 ft, and I am thinking along the lines of a 110 jib. The drifter made with poly tarp didn't cross the foredeck so I am curious.

 

[bilsheryl]

So a main and jib weighed 22 lbs, 11 lbs apiece more or less,probably less. Does anyone use a drifter? And is it made out of Dacron?

 

[Ross]

I have a drifter that is made from ripstop nylon.

 

[bilsheryl]

Ross,
Thank you for responding. How long is the foot of your drifter?

 

[Joe]

So a main and jib weighed 22 lbs, 11 lbs apiece more or less,probably less. Does anyone use a drifter? And is it made out of Dacron?

You really need to do a little more research on how sails are made.

http://seattlefabrics.com/marine.html?gclid=CLnbvsSWhLICFYeDQgodvhAAWw#Sailcloth

Sail cloth weight is expressed in ounces/square yard. For a boat your size 3.5 oz would be a typical cloth weight. A drifter would be less than 1 oz.

Here's how you figure out the SIZE of your sail.... http://thesailwarehouse.com/cgi-bin/web_store.cgi?page=storeframe.html&cart_id=

A drifter is normally made out of nylon.

 

[bilsheryl]

Thank you sir, very much. All I need to do is learn to sew! I figured out that to make a large genoa I need lighter sail material. I love challenges! Do where can I buy cheap nylon material? Just jokin!

 

[Joe]

Thank you sir, very much. All I need to do is learn to sew! I figured out that to make a large genoa I need lighter sail material. I love challenges! Do where can I buy cheap nylon material? Just jokin!

check these guys out: www.sailrite.com besides all the supplies you'll need they have kits for making your own sails. But you will need to learn how to sew... can't get around it.

 

[Ross]

This is a book that you should own and read before you buy the first yard of cloth. http://www.sailrite.com/The-Sailmakers-Apprentice-Book

 

[Ross]

It doesn't matter, it is for a heavy 30 foot boat.

 

[MrUnix]

Curious.. what purpose does knowing the weight of a sail serve in this case? I mean, it's not going to sink the boat or anything and I can't see how a couple pounds more or less really make much difference

Cheers,
Brad

 

[bilsheryl]

It's more for seeing the difference between a poly tarp and "never knew this" nylon. Please forgive me for my lack of knowledge on sails, remember momma won't let me spend money on a "stupid" sailboat. I will do whatever it takes to sail!!!
Going out on Sunday,please don't tell momma!?!?!?!?

 

[bilsheryl]

And for the info on books, thank you.

 

[rgranger]

Bilsheryl

Another quick "learning curve" topic. If you are talking about your wife when you say "momma", ... the accepted slang is "the admiral"...

Some of the ladies on this forum don't care for that... especially if you refer to your wife as the rear admiral.....so use with caution

If you actually mean your mother, then never mind.... momma is fine.

 

[bilsheryl]

"the admiral" that's what I thought the reference were referring to. Because on Saturday she caught me looking at yellow non rip nylon, showing the lady behind counter a drawing of a sail! I very quickly snap to attention, and lied through my teeth. I think she believed me? Not!

 

[Scott T-Bird]

I agree that it may be condescending to one's wife if one always references her as "the Admiral". I can understand the sentiment, but I tend to wince when I see that. My wife has a name and her name is Sue. If I don't respect her, I don't deserve her then, either. Keep in mind, I'm not critisizing, as I assume all pet names are based on affection ... but I try not to overdue it.

 

[Doc_holiday]

I'm not sure using "the Admiral" is at all disrespectful. I suppose it's all in how you mean it when you say it. I certainly don't mean anything negative when I say it. My shirt and hat say skipper, hers say Admiral and has 4 stars on it. She kind of likes the title even though it's all in fun. She's only referred to as the Admiral when it comes to the boat. No negative connotation meant, none taken.

 

[Ross]

Everyone who reads this site regularly knows that I sail with a lady named Nancy. She is my wife, my best friend, and my lover. We are absolute partners. No bosses, no subordinates, no orders, lots of discussions.