When I bought my catalina 27 last year tt came with many sails. I have just put on a roller furling which I love since I single hand quite a lot. I have a 150 UK kevlar sail which I have never flown. Can this sail be put on a roller furling or will it significantly shorten the life since it would be rolled and not flaked? Any experience with this type of "racing" sail would be appreciated.
Kevlar sail
- Thread starter Gary8065
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Two quick thoughts come to mind: UV will attack the sail very quickly w/o a cover if the sail is left rolled on the head stay, and was the sail luff length designed for roller furling, may have to be recut.
UV no problem
I have a "sock" to go over the sails so UV should not be a problem and yes the sail will need to be re-cut. It is about 6 inces too long. That is part of what prompted the post as I am not sure if it is worth having it re-cut.
I have a "sock" to go over the sails so UV should not be a problem and yes the sail will need to be re-cut. It is about 6 inces too long. That is part of what prompted the post as I am not sure if it is worth having it re-cut.
kevlar sails
i have 2 kevlar racing head sails. uv will damage sails with time. biggest damage done to kevlar sails is flogging. or folding same way every time. it breaks down the lamenite on both sides of the kevlar threads. with time kevlar or aramid sails shrink with time as opposed to strech with dacron. threads are streched then laminate are glued on each side. kevlar sails are put on roller furlers all the time but do need uv protection. it is actually easier on the sails than flaking, then rolling and putting in bag after each use. j-24 guys roll theirs, then put them in turtles/long socks to store them, hence never putting any creases in the fabric. if the sail is in good condition its absolutely worth recutting. the cost is a fraction of a new one. i had one recut to get the draft back forward and it cost me about $400 as opposed to about $3800 for a new one. get an estimate on recutting and either us the sock or have a uv cover sewn on the sail.I would guess that your biggest problem in carlyle is going to be to find a loft nearby to do the work. if you have to ship it, i would recommend ullmen/skelly sails in Havre De Grace, md. they made all my sails and they are still very competive after 12+ years on an (o'h My God) O'Day 30) PS; say hi to all my relatives in Olney.
i have 2 kevlar racing head sails. uv will damage sails with time. biggest damage done to kevlar sails is flogging. or folding same way every time. it breaks down the lamenite on both sides of the kevlar threads. with time kevlar or aramid sails shrink with time as opposed to strech with dacron. threads are streched then laminate are glued on each side. kevlar sails are put on roller furlers all the time but do need uv protection. it is actually easier on the sails than flaking, then rolling and putting in bag after each use. j-24 guys roll theirs, then put them in turtles/long socks to store them, hence never putting any creases in the fabric. if the sail is in good condition its absolutely worth recutting. the cost is a fraction of a new one. i had one recut to get the draft back forward and it cost me about $400 as opposed to about $3800 for a new one. get an estimate on recutting and either us the sock or have a uv cover sewn on the sail.I would guess that your biggest problem in carlyle is going to be to find a loft nearby to do the work. if you have to ship it, i would recommend ullmen/skelly sails in Havre De Grace, md. they made all my sails and they are still very competive after 12+ years on an (o'h My God) O'Day 30) PS; say hi to all my relatives in Olney.
recut for sure
A new sail quote from any loft will convince you of the economics. Be sure to ask them how they will recut, from top or bottom. I think bottom is better, but it'll probably cost more. Wet Laminated sails are very prone to mildew. Let your sailmaker advise you on its proper care.
A new sail quote from any loft will convince you of the economics. Be sure to ask them how they will recut, from top or bottom. I think bottom is better, but it'll probably cost more. Wet Laminated sails are very prone to mildew. Let your sailmaker advise you on its proper care.
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