Gary Fox
N/A
I need a new mast skirt, should I use heavy sailcloth, or is there a better product? I will get it made by a local sailmaker or upholsterer (E.Cowes).
The top end has to grip an octagonal section of the mast; it previously was lashed with cord in a sewn tube, like the mouth of a sailbag, and was never totally leak-free, I was thinking of similar, but using a corrosion-proof version of a ratchet strap, as used for securing loads on trailers. And a supplementary bandage to hide the ratchet mechanism and stop lines catching.
Can you get stainless* or DZR ratchet strap mechanisms? Has anyone tried it? Penny for your thoughts.
*Google says yes, hooray.
She's a traditional wooden gaffer, but I am quite happy to use the latest materials and techniques to keep the oggin out.
The mast skirt is at the foot of the mast, and surrounded by heavy halyards being flung about and banging it, plus reefing tackles etc being flung down there out of the way. I am not sure that any form of canvas or fabric is ideal, but everone seems to use it. But maybe there were no hi-tech solutions using modern materials and fittings when the boat was designed and specced in the 40's.
The top end has to grip an octagonal section of the mast; it previously was lashed with cord in a sewn tube, like the mouth of a sailbag, and was never totally leak-free, I was thinking of similar, but using a corrosion-proof version of a ratchet strap, as used for securing loads on trailers. And a supplementary bandage to hide the ratchet mechanism and stop lines catching.
Can you get stainless* or DZR ratchet strap mechanisms? Has anyone tried it? Penny for your thoughts.
*Google says yes, hooray.
She's a traditional wooden gaffer, but I am quite happy to use the latest materials and techniques to keep the oggin out.
The mast skirt is at the foot of the mast, and surrounded by heavy halyards being flung about and banging it, plus reefing tackles etc being flung down there out of the way. I am not sure that any form of canvas or fabric is ideal, but everone seems to use it. But maybe there were no hi-tech solutions using modern materials and fittings when the boat was designed and specced in the 40's.
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