Cruising chute fabric?

[Appleyard]

I am shopping around for a chute ,and have had a few prices,however there is a lot of difference in the weight of fabric which is specified..from .48 gr/m2 up to 2 oz . What should I be looking for re weight. Boat is in the Med,and we won't be racing or doing anything daft.

 

[smth448]

A lot will depend n the weight of the boat. A big heavy boat will put more strain on the sail so will need a heavier cloth.
As a rule of thumb a light cloth will set better in light wind but will stretch more and not survive when the wind gets up. I have blown out a .5 oz Assymetric in a F3. A heavier sail will last much longer but will not set if the wind is light, and will also take up more storage space.
A 20 foot boat will get away with a .5oz sail whereas a 50 footer will need 2 oz at least. I would always err on safety for a cruising sail. .5oz will be too light as if the wind is light enough to need it you would probably be using the engine anyway.

 

[savageseadog]

Not just weight, stability as well. The stiffer the boat, the greater the force on sails and rigging.

 

[Appleyard]

Thanks for the replies OK more info....boat is 35'Westerly 6.5 tons mast height 13.3 m forestay 14. m mast foot to forestay 4.4 m . A heavyish boat? . Hope this helps.

 

[lw395]

Depends whether you want to use it to avoid motoring in light weather or to go fast in more breeze.
also what cut? A star cut will distort much less for the same weight of fabric. I went for a 1.5oz star cut, very pleased, but a lighter one might be better in the very light stuff. But I can get 9 knots sailing two handed, we wimp out before the sail shows any sign of strain. Boat is a lightwave 395 with a big keel. Chute is from kemps.
cheers,
Chris

 

[smth448]

I would agree with LW395. Go for a 1.5oz radial cut. A decent sailmaker would only specify radial. Cross cut just would not be stable enough

 

[alan]

1.5 oz would be about right imo. Should be OK in winds up to 15 Knts (maybe more).

Alan.