I recently read an article about making sails from a material called Tyvek. This is the stuff that is used to make envelopes that you can't rip open. It comes in many different grades and up to 120" wide roles. It is relatively inexpensive. Anyway, I just wondered if anyone else has heard of making sails from this or better yet if anyone has experience doing it and what the outcome and performance was. Seems like a good idea for cruisers as a spare/emergency sail. Fair winds.
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Derek Rowell
Do a google search...
Marcus, I just did a google search under "tyvek sails". It bought forth many links directly addressing your question. On a slightly different subject, I've often wondered about using Tyvek as a winter boat cover. WM was advertising trailer covers made out of the stuff. I have used Tyvek brand tape (not made of Tyvek - just used to hold panels together) to reinforce the edges of a blue tarp where I cut it around standing rigging. It seems to be the the best weatherproof tape that I have found.
Marcus, I just did a google search under "tyvek sails". It bought forth many links directly addressing your question. On a slightly different subject, I've often wondered about using Tyvek as a winter boat cover. WM was advertising trailer covers made out of the stuff. I have used Tyvek brand tape (not made of Tyvek - just used to hold panels together) to reinforce the edges of a blue tarp where I cut it around standing rigging. It seems to be the the best weatherproof tape that I have found.
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BOB Schmit
Try this site
http://www.boat-links.com/ I believe that's where I found the info a couple years ago.
http://www.boat-links.com/ I believe that's where I found the info a couple years ago.
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Shane
Tyvek
Right now I have tyvek covers I made for my c22 and c15. Here in Montana we have pretty harsh winds. so far they have held together. I think a lot better then the old blue ones I used to use. For both boats it only cost me about $60. I used 2 sided carpet tape for the hems. got a grommet kit from wallmart for $4 and used a regular sewing machine to sew two pieces for the C22 to make it wide enough. I have a little rub wearing where it hits my trailer but I plan to recut and hem because it is a little too long there anyway. We have had +40 mph winds and 5" snow. It seems to be strong stuff.
Right now I have tyvek covers I made for my c22 and c15. Here in Montana we have pretty harsh winds. so far they have held together. I think a lot better then the old blue ones I used to use. For both boats it only cost me about $60. I used 2 sided carpet tape for the hems. got a grommet kit from wallmart for $4 and used a regular sewing machine to sew two pieces for the C22 to make it wide enough. I have a little rub wearing where it hits my trailer but I plan to recut and hem because it is a little too long there anyway. We have had +40 mph winds and 5" snow. It seems to be strong stuff.
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Marcus
Bob....
That is the site where I first found the article. I just wanted input from a group of sailors I trust. They make a brand of Tyvek called Supra that is laminated. I received a sample of this yesterday. It does not stretch like the envelope stuff and is tough as nails.
That is the site where I first found the article. I just wanted input from a group of sailors I trust. They make a brand of Tyvek called Supra that is laminated. I received a sample of this yesterday. It does not stretch like the envelope stuff and is tough as nails.
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Skip
cut panels to shape sail better
If you're going to try making your own sail from any material, use this program to generate patterns to cut the material with. The sail will be FAR more efficent this way than with a flat panel. http://perso.wanadoo.fr/robert.laine/sailcut/en-index.html
If you're going to try making your own sail from any material, use this program to generate patterns to cut the material with. The sail will be FAR more efficent this way than with a flat panel. http://perso.wanadoo.fr/robert.laine/sailcut/en-index.html
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Tom Ehmke
Something new every day on this site.
I love it. I am a carpenter and have used Tyvek building wrap since it first came out in the early eighties... and never thought of it as a cover or sail material. It is definitely a tough, light material. Another idea for the project list next season. Tom
I love it. I am a carpenter and have used Tyvek building wrap since it first came out in the early eighties... and never thought of it as a cover or sail material. It is definitely a tough, light material. Another idea for the project list next season. Tom
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Ed Schenck
Tom, where?
Where do you get Tyvek locally? I found a Philly company, Material Concepts, but there must be someone in our area. Do I understand that it comes in different weights and roll sizes? Would it actually work for a boat cover in your opinion? How many seasons? Seems cheap enough.
Where do you get Tyvek locally? I found a Philly company, Material Concepts, but there must be someone in our area. Do I understand that it comes in different weights and roll sizes? Would it actually work for a boat cover in your opinion? How many seasons? Seems cheap enough.
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Shane
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Derek Rowell
Next fall...
... I definitely will try a Tyvek mast-up cover for my Pearson 422. I hate to pay $700 each year for shrink wrapping. Even if it only lasts a couple of years it will be a fun project. Derek
... I definitely will try a Tyvek mast-up cover for my Pearson 422. I hate to pay $700 each year for shrink wrapping. Even if it only lasts a couple of years it will be a fun project. Derek
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Tom Ehmke
Ed, any builder supply or lumber yard
would have it. It comes in 9'(maybe 10') widths and the length of the roll is 150' (I think). That will cover more than a couple of boats. If you need some for a cover or to experiment, I've got about half a roll left from a Habitat for Humanity home I've been working on. Let me know and I'd be glad to meet you and give you more than you would probably need to try the idea. I live near Bowling Green, but it's just a little farther to drive to Sandusky on Rte.2 than it is for me to go to the boat on Catawba Island. Tom
would have it. It comes in 9'(maybe 10') widths and the length of the roll is 150' (I think). That will cover more than a couple of boats. If you need some for a cover or to experiment, I've got about half a roll left from a Habitat for Humanity home I've been working on. Let me know and I'd be glad to meet you and give you more than you would probably need to try the idea. I live near Bowling Green, but it's just a little farther to drive to Sandusky on Rte.2 than it is for me to go to the boat on Catawba Island. Tom
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