I would like to know if there is a big differance between the performance of a radial and a crosscut jib? Also can a radial sail be made from dacron, or are they all laminated? Is one more durable than the other? Thanks
Radial or Crosscut Jibs
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Material?
Just a note to advise that two sailmakers advised against a radial dacron jib, saying there was no advantage. The same does not hold true for mylar, specra, et al for which a radial cut was recommended. Rick D.
Just a note to advise that two sailmakers advised against a radial dacron jib, saying there was no advantage. The same does not hold true for mylar, specra, et al for which a radial cut was recommended. Rick D.
Performance
Rick is right. The radial cut is usually combined with higher tech fabrics giving strength with lighter weight and holding shape in a higher useful wind range. I've had a tri-radial cut 135% Genoa using diferent weights of mylar and mylar/dacron scrim laminates for 16 seasons and it really holds its shape throughout its wind range (aprox 12-23 knots). We use a 3.3 oz all mylar bi-radial 155% Genoa in lighter to moderate winds,(don't need it in 15-18 and up because of the 135. These sails are not ultra light or ultra high tech, and they were in a mid range affordable cost; higher than all dacron bur lower than Spectra. We combined them with an all dacron racing cut loose footed main. If you are interested in performance, I'd go with the newer technology, but definately discuss the life expectancy of the options available to you with the sailmaker.
Rick is right. The radial cut is usually combined with higher tech fabrics giving strength with lighter weight and holding shape in a higher useful wind range. I've had a tri-radial cut 135% Genoa using diferent weights of mylar and mylar/dacron scrim laminates for 16 seasons and it really holds its shape throughout its wind range (aprox 12-23 knots). We use a 3.3 oz all mylar bi-radial 155% Genoa in lighter to moderate winds,(don't need it in 15-18 and up because of the 135. These sails are not ultra light or ultra high tech, and they were in a mid range affordable cost; higher than all dacron bur lower than Spectra. We combined them with an all dacron racing cut loose footed main. If you are interested in performance, I'd go with the newer technology, but definately discuss the life expectancy of the options available to you with the sailmaker.
Even WITH dacron there is a performance advantage
in a radial cut jub/genoa. I build my own dacron jibs/genoas with radial cuts but with heavier cloth at the leechs and lighter weight cloth at the luff. 1. You dont need the heavier cloth at the luff especially when partly furled/reefed and simply leave the heavier weight leech exposed. 2. With roller furling/reefing and with "two" cloth weights, you will get a better/tighter 'roll' on the foil and will be able to reduce down past the 'normal' 30% LP of *single weight* sails. For racing, there is no choice other than straight laminate (Spectra, etc.) but for adjustability and *long life* go with woven dacron. For cruising, less sails onboard mean more 'stores'. With woven dacron you still have 'adjustability' for shaping (halyard tension or auxilliary cunningham,etc.) but not as much as with a cross-cut. I still prefer 'top of the line' woven dacron over "laminate center layer with dacron taffeta on-top". With woven dacron you can fold it, wash/clean it, easily re-cut it, etc. If long distance cruising, consider cross-cut sails made from top-shelf 'woven' dacron. Dont skimp with cheap materials.
in a radial cut jub/genoa. I build my own dacron jibs/genoas with radial cuts but with heavier cloth at the leechs and lighter weight cloth at the luff. 1. You dont need the heavier cloth at the luff especially when partly furled/reefed and simply leave the heavier weight leech exposed. 2. With roller furling/reefing and with "two" cloth weights, you will get a better/tighter 'roll' on the foil and will be able to reduce down past the 'normal' 30% LP of *single weight* sails. For racing, there is no choice other than straight laminate (Spectra, etc.) but for adjustability and *long life* go with woven dacron. For cruising, less sails onboard mean more 'stores'. With woven dacron you still have 'adjustability' for shaping (halyard tension or auxilliary cunningham,etc.) but not as much as with a cross-cut. I still prefer 'top of the line' woven dacron over "laminate center layer with dacron taffeta on-top". With woven dacron you can fold it, wash/clean it, easily re-cut it, etc. If long distance cruising, consider cross-cut sails made from top-shelf 'woven' dacron. Dont skimp with cheap materials.
Who is the sail loft
Ted, Do you know who the sail loft was that built your friends jib? It looks from the picture to be a bi- radial sail. Is that correct? Thanks Dale
Ted, Do you know who the sail loft was that built your friends jib? It looks from the picture to be a bi- radial sail. Is that correct? Thanks Dale
Not sure, he recently got the boat and I didn't
even notice the cut till the day I took these pictures. The boat is a '92 and all I've noticed is what appears to be a small Catalina logo at the tack. He believes the sail to be original but it looks much newer to me. I'll take a closer look next time I'm at the boat, maybe Wednesday with a little luck.
even notice the cut till the day I took these pictures. The boat is a '92 and all I've noticed is what appears to be a small Catalina logo at the tack. He believes the sail to be original but it looks much newer to me. I'll take a closer look next time I'm at the boat, maybe Wednesday with a little luck.
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