In-mast furling mainsail clew webbing failure

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Geezer

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Aug 16, 2004
5
- - Rochester, NY
Has anyone experienced failure of the webbing that attaches the outhaul sheave to the clew of an in-mast furling mainsail?
If so, what model boat? Who was the sailmaker?
 
Feb 2, 2006
470
Hunter Legend 35 Kingston
In the UK sailmaker newsletter that just arrived in my e-mailbox today, they talk about that for both furling mains and jibs, that they should be inspected much more regularly that other parts of your sail.

They are typically exposed to sunlight/UV all the time. The threads will deteriorate and will not necessarily show any signs until they simply give out and everything comes apart.

How old is the sail?

Chris
 
Jan 22, 2008
12
Hunter 33 Sold Erie PA
I had a failure last year with my 2004 Hunter 33. See the enclosed picture
 

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Jun 4, 2004
1,087
Mainship Piliot 34 Punta Gorda
I had all my sail connection points replaced on my 2000 boat. The Florida sun takes its toll.
 

Bob R.

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Jun 5, 2004
161
Marlow-Hunter 40 Pasadena, MD
The webbing on the head of my jib failed last year while sailing is 20+ kts of wind. I had the webbing and the sewn straps for both the head and tack replaced by the UK Halsey loft in Annapolis. I took in the mainsail to have the head, tack and clew straps evaluated over last winter. They replaced the clew webbing and straps. The boat is a 2002 H356.
 
Oct 10, 2008
277
Catalina 445 Yorktown
These arre normal maintenance items on in-mast mains and genoas. No big deal, just inspect them like you should other stuff. Have your loft inspect your sails annually if need be or do it yourself. These luff tapes rot/weaken in the UV, salt air, so just get them replaced and you're done.
 
Dec 19, 2006
5,832
Hunter 36 Punta Gorda
Cover

Has any one ever put some kind of temporary cover over the clew webbing
when at the dock in the Hot Florida sun.
I am thinking of making some type of small cover when the boat is just
sitting out in the sun to help cut down on the UV damage.
Nick
 
Mar 3, 2003
710
Hunter 356 Grand Rivers
Mine failed on third season

I had my main clew repaired and covered the entire area with sunbella and had it resewn with goretex thread. On seventh season now with no problems. Had my jib resewn this spring - seventh season. My sails are UK.

I just consider stuff like this routine maintenance.
 
Dec 19, 2006
5,832
Hunter 36 Punta Gorda
Jerry

Sounds good idea,just don't want it to fail at a bad time and than be stuck.
I guess I be keeping an eye on it,since I now live in Florida with that hot sun.
Nick
 
Mar 3, 2003
710
Hunter 356 Grand Rivers
Nick You may be about due for replacement!

Keep a close eye on it. The clew attachment is pretty sharp and just cut mine through. My repair is much better than the original.
 
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