Conflicting advice on sails, need a neutral voice

[Twister_Ken]

Yes, Vectran is the dacron suggestion.

Radial vs x-cut seem like opposites to me.

 

[Tranona]

Yes, Vectran is the dacron suggestion.

Radial vs x-cut seem like opposites to me.

But it is only "opposite" in that it is a different way of constructing the sail and the sailmaker is suggesting that radial is better for laminates.

To me the decision would be which of the characteristics of the two alternatives might be better for me - not what it is made of and how it is made. As Robin points out there is probably little difference in price overall so it is a straight choice based on the perceived benefits.

Of course, I can see difficulty in making the choice if you don't have direct experience of both for a comparison - but we all have to make such choices. Took me as long to decide which new television to buy as your mate will probably take to decide which sails to buy - for the same reason - too much choice and you can't delegate that choice to a "neutral" person.

 

[wotayottie]

Radial vs x-cut seem like opposites to me.

Not really, Radial puts the stronger seems along the lines of max tension and therefore makes the sail less stretchy and a bit longer lasting. So really its up to you - do you want to pay the extra for a radial cut sail?

 

[BlueSkyNick]

Should have said, boat concerned is not my Twister, but a brand new boat with a high aspect main and a fractional skinny genoa, that a close friend is buying, with a view to fast cruising, not racing.

Bumped into your friend the other day, had a chat about this, and I recommended Kemps. Do you know if he contacted them, yet?

 

[BlueSkyNick]

My experiance with the "sock" is that it can be a nightmare in galeforce winds. They are generally not a tight enough fit, so you have to have a line wound around the outside to effectively tighten it up. They are a pain in the arse. I have seen them literally flapping the boat apart in a bad gale. Also if you are in sunny climes you will not be bothered to put it up when you are anchored, and your sails will disintegrate much faster from UV.

I would change the order at once, and get a strip put on.

I am also anti-socks. My genoa had which was a bit tired, and a pain in the aris even with no wind. Had a new one made which didnt fit, so handed it back and asked for a UV strip instead - it's no hassle, so why not, IMHO.

 

[Black_jack]

There is an article about laminate sails for cruising in the November 2009 issue of Sailing Today.

It outlined the development in laminates that are aimed at cruising sailors, plus the advantages / disadvantages and also compared the cost increase of different materials versus life span, sailing benefit which essentially amounts to value for money.

Worth a read.

 

[gardenshed]

Ken,

"Should have said, boat concerned is not my Twister, but a brand new boat with a high aspect main and a fractional skinny genoa, that a close friend is buying, with a view to fast cruising, not racing."

This means very high leach loads so a cross cut dacron is not the answer.
Dimension Polyant Hydranet tri radial cut or a cruising laminate would be my recommendation.

Call an out of town sailmaker (Chris Owen, Owen Sails, Oban) 01631 720485 and I'm sure he'll give you good impartial advice.