Genoa UV strip

[Athene V30]

I had a new furling genoa in May 2006 with a dark blue 'uv' strip.

This strip is now badly faded (but appears sound in all other regards) but what do folks consider is a reasonable life span before replacing when based in UK waters?

Just because it is faded presumably it still does the job of protecting the rest of the sail?

I guess white / cream would be a better solution to lessen fading - I had blue as it matched the spray hood!

Thank you

 

[bobgoode]

3 to 5 years depending on how often you remove the sail, whether it is used all year around or just summer etc. Time to worry is when it weakens to the point of tearing which is usually some time after the fading.

 

[vyv_cox]

My new sails were bought in Holland in 1999, used there until end 2003, since then on route to/in Med. The blue UV strip is original, it has faded somewhat but is still in one piece and seems strong enough. The stitching of the strip to the sail has been patched up by hand once in 2004 and re-sewn by machine part way through this season.

 

[ex-Gladys]

The genny on Gladys has a UV strip at least 8 years old. It looks manky, but Gowens (to their credit) have told me for tha last three years it doesn't yet need replacing

 

[Gunfleet]

you can just have a white strip, as I have. It works fine as long as you remember which way round you're rolling the sail!

 

[Athene V30]

Not thought of that! At least with blue it is obvious.