Luff tape size

[rajjes]

Hi,

I am ordering a roller reefing Genoa, for a Plastimo 608S roller reefing.

The Plastimo spec's mention a 6.5mm luff rope, which is the equivalent of #7 luff tape of the sailmaker's table. (finished size 6.5mm).

The sailmakers asked me to double check this figure as this size is not used very often. Is this a normal size? Should I go down a size and ask for #6 (5,5mm finished) to reduce friction?

This is the fist time I'm ordering a sail and I'm not sure if the roller reefing spec is for the max luff tape that could be used or if it is the best luff tape size to use.

Any comments much appreciated.

 

[PuffTheMagicDragon]

I would get a piece of dowel that is 7mm in diameter and try it in the groove. At a pinch you can use a pencil. I don't think that you would have a problem with friction, even with 7mm.

The problem is not so much friction (how many times do you hoist / lower in a season?) as the danger of the sail 'unzipping' itself from the groove, were you to go for a thinner lufftape.

 

[BAtoo]

perhaps your sailmaker should be aware of the different sorts of furling gear available & know the dimensions.....................................

...............................................................................if he is any good


Also you may not need to get it up often but its a bu&&er if you cant get it up at all 'cos your (ignorant) sailmaker didn't know what he was up to.................................................... /forums/images/graemlins/laugh.gif /forums/images/graemlins/laugh.gif /forums/images/graemlins/laugh.gif /forums/images/graemlins/laugh.gif

 

[alan17]

The sail maker should have trial pieces of luff tape/rope to check what is needed. Get the sail maker to check the specs and go by his judgement. The sail maker is or should be the expert and from time to time we all need guidance from an expert. If it proves later that the advice given and taken was wrong then the sail maker can rectify.

 

[PuffTheMagicDragon]

[ QUOTE ]
................................................. /forums/images/graemlins/laugh.gif /forums/images/graemlins/laugh.gif /forums/images/graemlins/laugh.gif /forums/images/graemlins/laugh.gif

[/ QUOTE ]

Why tell <u>me</u>? /forums/images/graemlins/confused.gif

I'm not the one with the problem. In fact I altered my own genoa from hank-on. I don't have problems with unzipping because my furler is a Facnor, with an all-aluminium groove, and not with a pliable plastic insert. That is why I suggested 7mm and not 6.5mm for the Plastimo. Perhaps you know better?

 

[William_H]

I think it is vital that you get the bolt rope (luff tape) size correct.
If you can remove a section of the extrusion from the forestay to take to the sail maker or
Get him to provide a sample of what you think is correct so you can try it. Preferably the former as if he gets it wrong he hopefully will fix it. But if you get it wrong you will have to pay.

Certainly as stated it needs to slide easily but not so easily as to pull from the track. good luck olewill

 

[Leighb]

I think this illustrates one reason why a local sailmaker may be a good idea, he can (and should in my view) measure up your boat exactly including luff rope size. Dolphin Sails brought a selection of luff rope samples to try in the Main and Genoa luff grooves.

That way if anything turns out not quite right you can expect that they will sort it. A Far East maker working from plans or your own measurements can possibly blame you for any errors.