UV PROTECTION FOR CRUISING CHUTE?

[fearmhuir]

I currently have a cruising chute with a sock. I have been toying with the idea of using either a 'top down' furler, or a centre furler for next season.
Is it possible to have a UV strip put on the chute to protect it with either of these furlers?
Thanks

 

[Ian_Edwards]

I use a top down furler on a cruising cute, but I don't leave it up for long when it's furled, I sometimes leave it up until we are safely anchored or alongside. I don't think that they are designed to be left permanently rigged, they are a light sail and probably be damaged by strong winds, even when furled.
Basically I don't think that a UV strip is appropriate or necessary.

 

[pagoda]

Can't imagine why it would be up long enough to worry? Unless you sail where there is beaucoup sunlight?

 

[dom]

As others say, t'will be ruined if left furled in any wind.

Such systems are basically designed for hoist--unfurl--refurl--drop--stow

 

[HunterWanderer]

Just treat the chute with fabsil . It waterproofs the material and gives UV protection. About £25 for 5 litres from amazon.

 

[fearmhuir]

Thanks guys for your inputs, and thanks HunterWanderer, I will investigate the Fabsil option!

 

[AntarcticPilot]

Like others, I can't see why you need it - a cruising chute is not a working sail that is left hoisted, and its limited windward capability means that it is not appropriate to leave it hoisted; if you're going to windward you need the white sails. UV protection for mine is being kept under the fore-berth!

 

[thinwater]

Thanks guys for your inputs, and thanks HunterWanderer, I will investigate the Fabsil option!

I will be stunned if you can find any 3rd party spec that show more than a few percent UV protection. In testing, thin white fabrics and a single coat of white paint are only ~ 50%. This is what is called puffing in advertising. You'll never find UV specs on waxes either.