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From: Bryan Genez (no email)
Date: Tue Aug 10 2004 - 18:56:27 EDT
Robert Gainer wrote:
> Is Kevlar and spectra a good choice for cruising sails now? I have only used
> them on the racing boats. I always had the impression that they were somewhat
> delicate and didn’t stand up to the rigors of offshore work.
Depends on who you ask.
Most sailmakers extol the benefits of high-tech sails for cruising. You'll
see their ads in cruising magazines.
Most of the folks I know who have spent the extra money for high-tech sails
are happy with their purchase.
Generally, high-tech sails do not stretch as much as dacron. They retain
their shape, which makes them perform better for a longer time. But all
laminate sails have one major problem...mildew. Every needle hole allows
moisture and mildew penetration. Eventually, the laminate fails. When it
fails, it's usually catastrophic, and not repairable.
Dacron sails most often fail along seams, and can be repaired, at least long
enough to make port and get another sail made.
Bottom line: high-tech sails cost more, will out-perform Dacron for a longer
period, but will probably fail at an earlier age than Dacron.
Dacron sails cost less, will not perform as well, and will last somewhat
longer than high-tech.
FWIW: I know Spectra is commonly used in high-tech cruising sails. I am not
aware of Kevlar or Carbon in cruising applications.
-- Best, Bryan Genez (KB3HMZ) "Capella" Valiant 40 #158 Annapolis, MD ------------------------ Yahoo! Groups Sponsor --------------------~--> Make a clean sweep of pop-up ads. Yahoo! Companion Toolbar. Now with Pop-Up Blocker. Get it for free! http://us.click.yahoo.com/L5YrjA/eSIIAA/yQLSAA/A1TolB/TM --------------------------------------------------------------------~-> Yahoo! Groups Links <*> To visit your group on the web, go to: http://groups.yahoo.com/group/world-cruising/ <*> To unsubscribe from this group, send an email to: <*> Your use of Yahoo! Groups is subject to: http://docs.yahoo.com/info/terms/
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