Sail Manufacturing Question - Cross Cut vs Radial

[Ducati]

We have the choice of a "Cross Cut" or "Radial" headsail.

The radial costs 15-20% more. (Same cloth)

Does a radial design make for a better sail?

Thanks

 

[sailingdog]

yes, because the threads of the panels are better aligned with the stresses on the sail.

We have the choice of a "Cross Cut" or "Radial" headsail.

The radial costs 15-20% more. (Same cloth)

Does a radial design make for a better sail?

Thanks

 

[David in Sandusky]

Yes!

Sailingdog got it right.

By the way, the picture at left shows our radial-cut asymetric spinnaker.

 

[Relentless]

The radial allows the sailmaker to build a particular shape into the sail,it cost more because they need to use more material

 

[sailingdog]

The radial allows the sailmaker to build a particular shape into the sail,it cost more because they need to use more material

Also, generally requires more stitching, since there are more panels.

 

[Rick D]

Interestingly, my Quantum sailmaker suggested staying with a crosscut of good Dacron and said for a jib like I was ordering, a 133 on a fractionally-rigged sloop, there would be no advantage to radial construction. Don't know if he was right or wrong, but he saved me money and the sail seems to perform well and continues to do so four years later.

 

[Barnacle Bill]

Stitching is becoming a thing of the past as many sails are now glued together. But crosscut is the simplest form of sail design and is relatively easy to assemble and whether stitching or gluing, it has fewer seams so labor is not so intensive. Radial sails have a lot more seams, more individual pieces and so more labor intensive, but a better shape for performance.

 

[RichH]

We have the choice of a "Cross Cut" or "Radial" headsail.

The radial costs 15-20% more. (Same cloth)

Does a radial design make for a better sail?

Thanks

Not necessarily ..... FIRST you have to decide on the purpose of the sail: racing, cruising, a mix of both, etc.

Assuming the material choice is woven dacron or a dacron laminate .....

A radial cut will have less 'shaping ability' ... essentially the shape that is cut into the sail is the shape that you will have (with less adjustability of 'shape' than a cross cut); plus, the radial will keep that shape longer due to fact that the fiber orientation of the panels is optimized (but will have shorter useful life). A radial is heavier due to all the additional seaming. If you are performance oriented, a radial would be a better choice.

A cross cut is easier to 'shape', more 'forgiving' versus 'shape' errors; and, as section of the sail change dimensions due to 'age' or misuse ... one can 'follow' those changes by enhanced 'shaping' of the sail (by applied or enhanced halyard / cunningham / outhaul / fairlead, etc. etc. tensions.)
If you're essentially a 'cruiser' then a cross cut will be of better benefit ..... . For long term or serious cruising, a cross-cut made of very high quality fabric (probably equal in 'cost' as a radial made from 'plain vanilla' fabric) would be the choice: shape adjustability, longevity, better withstands abuse, etc. Examples of very high quality woven dacron would be made by Bainbridge or Contender, etc. (a lot of 'crap' sail material is currently being made in Asia). Cross-cut sails are easier to 'rehabilitate' and/or 'rebuild', etc.

 

[tommays]

You have bought a race boat and while you can go with many materials i would think you would want class legal sails in size ?

 

[higgs]

Are you racing, cruising, or day sailing. The latter two I would go cross cut and save some money.

 

[RickS]

A 36.7 is a performance boat. Why would you step down to cross cut sails. Have you considered string sails such as North Sails 3DL? Think of it in terms of putting a Chevy Cavalier engine in a Corvette, yes it could happen but you won't maximize your capabilities.