[Rhodes22-list] Sail Life

[Lou Rosenberg]

  Richard,
  What do you think about Doyle's StackPack?
  My main came attached to one and I did keep it attached but don't 
really like the extra lines which help it flake back into its mast 
hold.  The battens were not all there, and they are quite long and 
most likely expensive to replace.  Of course the zipper on the stack 
pack failed and that alone would cost a bit to replace.  The concept 
is good, if you don't mind your sail cover being deployed while you 
sail.

I intend to buy a new main and 175% genoa and will get reef points 
installed along with grommets and extra support around the grommets.
Lou




>The two things that do in a sail (aside) from abuse is UV exposure and
>degradation of the sizing.
>
>The fastest way to destroy a sail is to allow it to flog unsheeted.  Under
>these conditions sail-life can somertimes be measured in hours!!
>
>My first boat was a Hobie-16 and we used to roll the sails to avoid a
>crease.  A crease would disrupt the continuous stabilizing membrane the
>sizing provides.  Once this happens the sail becomes more likely to distort
>when heavy sheeting loads are imposed.
>
>Exposure to the sun will also break down the sizing AND degrade the
>polyester fabric itself.  It doesn't take long for this to happen.  That's
>why a sailcover of some sort is an absolute necessity.
>
>I had a 10 year old Albin-28.  The boat came with the original main.  The
>sail had always been covered and was totally usable.  The furling genny was
>much newer but because the 2nd owner did not install a sacrificial leech
>panel was badly deteriorated and had the be cut down.
>
>I believe their is/was a company who renews sails by restoring the sizing.
>Cant remember their name.
>
>Richard Smith
>
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