Dacron sailcloth weights review forum Although it is call tape it does NOT have an adhesive backing. 50. A decent sailmaker will give you good advice on sailcloth type and weight. 6. Feb 16, 2016 · There are several good warp dacron options now available. The same is true of obvious spots where it will be pulled down over a piece of hardware as chafe prevention. provide resistance to UV rays, tears and abrasion. Sailcloth is made in different weights. Each of these has specific characteristics and the laminate is designed as a combination of materials to achieve the best possible shape-holding proportion or other desirable qualities such as low weight or high tear resistance. Until the 1980s, woven polyester (better know as Dacron — Dupont’s tradename for their polyester yarn) was the only sailcloth in use. Cruising laminated sails are made of unwoven films of various materials, bonded together with fibers like Polyester, Mylar, Kevlar or Dyneema. The Race version has more warp fibers but smaller fill yarns. I have a crosscut NorDac main and although design shape is only on par with other Dacron mains it does hold its shape better when the wind pipes up, but it's still essentially Dacron so doesn't compare with composite membrane racing sails concerning stretch. Most sailcloth these days is NOT actually "Dacron" because most sailcloth is NOT made of fibers made by Dupont. Aug 31, 2016 · For many years the only choice sailors had for fabric and engineering for their sails was cross-cut Dacron sails and for many years cross-cut Dacron sails suited them just fine. When dacron sails Sep 22, 2024 · If you’re looking for advanced sailcloth materials that offer better performance than the Dacron options you mentioned, you might want to consider some of the high-tech alternatives available: 1. Made from durable polyester, Dacron fabric performs well as sailcloth, cover cloth, and other marine uses. Resins are applied to the cloth to make it suitable for sails. After playing around with it with some sample dacron, I have realized that it needs manual help to penetrate 5-6 layers of 6 oz dacron. Insignia cloth is primarily used by those who race and wish to avoid adding extra weight aloft. Jan 13, 2022 · Manufacturing this cloth is quite time consuming, but one achieves a sailcloth that is extremely crease resistant, pliable, light-weight and long-lasting. 4. SAIL CLOTH WEIGHT CONVERSION TABLE (approx. Lighter weights of Dacron don't generally tend to look as dark as thicker heavier weights because more light shines through them. Yes, I have finally decided to go new this time rather than pre-owned! Jan 13, 2022 · 160g/m² dacron surf and sail cloth is used for optional reasons for the lower sail and leading edge, available in the colors shown on our color sail card. Last time I checked, it was about the same price as a comperable weight of premium quality, regular Dacron sailcloth - wholesale around $11-$14 per yard, 54" wide in the weights (7-10 ounce) that most of us might use. ) ENGLISH (ozs. Dacron is also easier to repair with basic tools and materials. Don't bother trying to dissuade me. Feb 11, 2008 · On a bigger boat I was going to have 9 ounce Dacron, but went for a cruising laminate instead. In the United States, sailcloth weight is measured in ounces. White 60” is an all-purpose Dacron used for Daysailors, beach cats, Windsurfers, dinghies and light air sails on larger boats. As the dacron sail ages it will stretch and you will heel more and not point as high. The weight of the sailcloth indicates its thickness. We have a 7. 2. You will notice this when sailing upwind and trying to point high and sail fast. Also, cloth gets more expensive as it gets lighter and stronger for the same weight. Today’s cloths include not only the familiar woven dacrons and woven nylons in various weights and finishes, but laminates using yellow aramids, Black Technora, carbon fiber and Spectra yarns. There are therefore significant design characteristics other than weight that come into the equation. Feb 9, 2023 · Heavier cloth lasts longer and such sails can be made with simple patterns. Quality Dacron sails are fine for cruising, especially in smaller sizes of sails. The shape issues don't affect all that many cruisers anyway since not that many cruisers do much upwind sailing anyway. Laminates Sep 30, 2012 · Is there a single guide out there to sailcloth makers, weights, etc? I am really only interested in Dacron and I am 99% cruising with the occasional beer can race. Weight vs Strength I have had OEM Main & 110 jib Dacron sails, cross cut and bi-radial 155% mylar Genoas, and tri-radial mylar scrim/dacron laminated 135% genoas on my 28. When laminate sails reach the end of life they typically fail by ripping to shreds. Oct 11, 2017 · Having recently priced out sails I can also tell you that 95% of all local lofts will outsource their crosscut Dacron sails usually to Asia. The 4. It is commonly used for airframe and wing sails, Daysailors, Beach Cats, Windsurfers and light air sails on larger boats. Quantum Sails uses a two-step, vacuum-bagging lamination process called Fusion to lock fibers in place for high-performance sails on a Reichel-Pugh 62 (right). 5oz CFG carbon No1 genoa and it is fine in light winds, previously had a 5oz pentex No1. $9. I'd ask for a two plus two batten configuration with the top two being full, as well as a loose foot and two reefs, the deepest one would take the luff down over 50%. “We get our Dacron from Challenge Sailcloth and from Contender,” he says, “and we don’t cut corners on the fabric—it’s all high-tenacity Dacron. Fiber 104 has Apr 5, 2021 · Starscream wrote: ↑ Mon Apr 05, 2021 7:37 pm I added new sails last year, made from 6oz Dacron from Precision Sails. I note you are from Hong Kong. 1. 5 oz. Jan 10, 2023 · I reinforce any spot where a fastener will go (like snaps) usually with an internal patch of Dacron sailcloth. Most or much cloth does have sizing applied for that reason, that's why your [sic] mother said to always wash new clothes beofer you wear them the first time. Sailcloth Weight. in 10-15 knots feels like more power, and less heeling due to less weight aloft Challenge Sailcloth's Super Premium fabrics are the highest yarn count, most densely woven sailcloth styles. 00. cloth, with plastic headboards, a single row of stitching, and no frills. This has been reduced in price to make it more attractive. Jun 10, 2017 · This is my first post in this great forum :-) I just got a Pfaff 130 sewing machine. Generally speaking, higher weight sailcloth is more durable but also heavier. ” Dec 17, 2018 · An identical boat sailing in the same challenging conditions, but this boat is fitted with radially cut cruising laminate sails. Available in several versatile shades, the marine fabric is a trusted base material. Premium dacron of the same weight will be pretty much the same. Here are a couple sources: Insignia Cloth Feb 9, 2016 · It might seem like a short life, but the dacron sail only held its shape for a few years and then began to stretch. The material in questions is called Insignia Cloth or is called Adhesive backed Insignia fabric. Jul 14, 2008 · 1) I generally have heard that Hood has longer shape holding sails compared to the others' Dacron sails - T or F? I would say that is false and has been false for decades. Our sailmaker has informed us that he uses '138 Hemmingway and Bartlett premium Dacron thread ' but we are wondering if a heavier thread will give us a stronger sail. 0 oz performance Dacron is a lightweight, medium-firm sailcloth. I’ve been quoted similar prices for Tri-Radial with Challenge sailcloth’s Warp Drive fabric (Dacron for tri-radial construction), or cross-cut with Challenge sailcloth’s top end Dacron Marblehead. But it is (mostly) polyester Jun 22, 2020 · Our Norlam sails weighed in approx 40% less than the same sails done in dacron We used the New Norlam for our Main, Genoa and Code Zero (different weight cloth to the main and genoa) and went with a full symetrical spinny! Nov 7, 2010 · Make sure you are comparing similar sails - type and weight of cloth, number of reefs, number of full length battens, etc. I've build a few small cotton sails in the past but have very little experience with dacron. Sailcloth weight is best spec'ed from the boats displacement and your planned usage. They were durable, aesthetically pleasing and not too costly, all good attributes in a sail. 1020-P - All Purpose Dacron Sailcloth Was this review helpful? Mar 11, 2000 · This sail is built with various weights of sailcloth starting at the luff with a panel of 5oz, and getting heavier towards the leach, with the final panel being 8oz. It is typically a light weight dacron that has been UV stabilized. There should be plenty of it around. Dec 21, 2021 · Sails built with Marblehead are going to last. Challenge Warp-Drive Sail Cloth: scotte: Construction, Maintenance & Refit: 10: 02-05-2012 11:54: Sail Cloth Survey: w32honu: Deck hardware: Rigging, Sails & Hoisting: 7: 11-05-2011 12:30: Compare Cloth Fabric Weights: lancelots: Construction, Maintenance & Refit: 0: 17-04-2011 05:36: How Do You Tell What Weight Sail Cloth You Have Feb 7, 2012 · Sail cloth weight is generally a function of anticipated sail loading: sail size (square footage), usual wind conditions (speed), and boat size/displacement. Is there any other way to check cloth weight, such as thickness, or thickness folded a few times. I had to make a new sailcover 6" taller than the original. This Supercruise Dacron has a relatively soft hand and is woven on the latest and best looms. One thing I found, was that even high-aspect sails need low bias stretch, so using a balanced weave was preferable to using "high aspect" or blade cloth. Another benefit of Insignia cloth: its relatively Aug 26, 2020 · An Oyster 485 (middle) makes tracks upwind under sails from North Sails that are built with the company’s new Radian warp-oriented Dacron sailcloth. This lightweight Dacron is medium firm with good durability and excellent tear strength. I don't think Dupont ever made cloth, just the fibers that were spun by others. While Dacron is Dupont's name for polyester, Oceanus is a product of the cloth division of North Sails, built from Dacron. I haven't tried it on Dacron sails and don't know how well it Dacron ® Sailcloth 4 oz. Main Sail Cloth Weight: cutlass: Deck hardware: Rigging, Sails & Hoisting: 23: 08-07-2012 18:09: Challenge Warp-Drive Sail Cloth: scotte: Construction, Maintenance & Refit: 10: 02-05-2012 11:54: Sail Cloth Survey: w32honu: Deck hardware: Rigging, Sails & Hoisting: 7: 11-05-2011 12:30: How Do You Tell What Weight Sail Cloth You Have Aug 17, 2016 · I’m in the process of buying new sails for our Reinke 13m which is configured as a cutter. Where woven sails are less good is basically three use cases: 1. You can piece together your dream sail free of extra charges (delivering time 4-8 weeks) or ask about the sail we have on stock. Feb 22, 2013 · The crosscut dacron sail will be cheaper and more durable than a radial laminate sail, but it will also be much heavier. metre) AMERICAN * (Traditional sailmakers Owner Response: Pamela: This is "real" sailcloth made to be used for sails on sailboats. If you’re looking for affordable sails the best lofts I’ve found are: Zoom Sails $ May 7, 2022 · Therefore Dacron sails would likely last less time, through stretch, and the argument for some kind of film (as opposed to woven cloth such as Dacron) sails makes more sense. Yes, sadly, I was a sailcoth geek. $10. 10 oz Dacron would be well up to spec for a storm jib of this size. I've spent a while reading Emiliano Marino's book, The Sailmaker's Apprentice and think I've got the idea. 5. Supercruise Dacron Sailcloth has a relatively soft hand and is woven on the latest and best looms. The only shortages I am aware of is the higher weights. _____ Dec 28, 2009 · The sail lofts use a sticki-back dacron material for logos that are CRC cut or else traced and cut with an exacto knife. Either Dacron sailcloth or one of the vinyl-coated nylon truck tarp fabrics are used for this, because they won't soften over . Sailcloth Weight: ilikeraresteak: Deck hardware: Rigging, Sails & Hoisting: 17: 04-11-2009 18:02: 10oz Dacron Gaff Sails Thread Weight? bonaccordians: Monohull Sailboats: 9: 04-07-2009 20:52: Top Gun Fabric as Sailcloth: bonaccordians: Monohull Sailboats: 7: 29-05-2009 02:11: sailcloth=sacrificial cloth: witzgall: Construction, Maintenance I don't disagree. Hood was the first company to develop and employ tight weave, narrow panel dacron and so developed a reputation in the 1960's for production of a higher grade/ more durable Dec 20, 2021 · +1 on NorDac. yard 36" x 36") METRIC (grams per sq. As a supplier of all things on deck, Trivantage also stocks a diverse selection of marine hardware and tools. Oct 24, 2008 · I think they make a couple economy sizes of pump or trigger spray jugs of Fabric Guard and it's pretty handy stuff to have a supply of for any type of nylon, Dacron, or cotton - raincoats, life jackets, boat covers (it's the best stuff for Sunbrella re-treatment) or for cotton sails. I'm seeking help, not hindrance. Aug 31, 2011 · What weight of Dacron cloth do people like for sails on boats such as Wayfarers, Ospreys, and Drascombes cruising in the Channel, the Irish Sea, North Sea, etc? 16 Jan 2022 #2 Apr 11, 2006 · I don't know about any wax or sizing being applied to sailcloth in order to make it easier to sew. 160g/m² dacron surf and sail cloth is used for optional reasons for the lower sail and leading edge, available in the colors shown on our color sail card. 3. Sep 11, 2016 · From the pics, the UV cover is most probably "insignia cloth" - a very thin dacron 'taffeta', and which only lasts in sun/UV exposure for only several years before needing replacement in its entirety. Sep 24, 2009 · It is a little bit softer than most Dacron, but still is obviously Dacron sailcloth when you handle it. Both Low Aspect and High Aspect Marblehead constructions are made with Fiber 104, the very best polyester sailcloth yarn, in both the warp and fill directions of the cloth. There are a few North American and European lofts that will do them in house but you’ll be paying a premium for it. Apr 5, 2013 · 9 sq m is about 9. 250 x 300 "Dacron" is the tradename for certain types of polyester fibers produced by Dupont--it had nothing to do with sails. These thicker materials are also costlier, and reducing weights can reduce cost. Comparing the original and the new sails is like comparing cardboard and toilet paper. Alternatively, if you are above the Mason Dixon, Warp Drive is a performance/cruising cloth and is less expensive than Warp Drive. This sail is designed to perform in winds from 10knts to 40knts, hence the name 10/40 Regulator. The DP Square Weave was fairly good. If using locally then 7oz, if bluewater cruising then 8oz. Nov 8, 2017 · A laminated sail will hold its shape MUCH longer, while a dacron will put up with more abuse, UV, and flogging. It is a very good warp dacron. Offshore & cruising sails are generally made a little heavier than racing/multi-purpose sails, sacrificing some boat speed and windward performance for more durability. A UK made sail would have been too heavy at about 35Kg to carry out to my boat, although Crusader sails gave me both good advice and a competetive quote. Apr 11, 2009 · I could bore you to tears going on about sailcloth (probably have), but when I designed sails I spent countless hours testing cloth on a super accurate Instron machine: From Modulous of elasticity to crimp, Dacron to carbon fiber, and everything from Flying Juniors to Americas Cup boats to mega yachts. If you don't race you probably don't need laminate. Sep 16, 2003 · These sails are ordinarily single-ply, crosscut Dacron sails of up to 6. 5 since 1986. 5x the life of the dacron sail before it stretched! Where dacron sails stretch out, laminated sails die in an explosive display. Lots of uses including luff tape, leech tabling, sail repairs. The lighter the weight, the more emphasis on sophisticated cuts to preserve shape. I can't imagine a Mac needing anything more than 6oz. Note I did not even get into what kinds of cuts, but I like the idea of the Cruz-Radial from Somerset Sails (using dacron), but the Quantum guy and the Mack sails site pooh pooh that - they are clearly intended for racing - the sweet spot for power is smaller with these sails than cruising sails and they require more careful and constant trimming for maximum effect - in less than 7-8 knots of wind no obvious difference to dacron. Jan 5, 2017 · Sailcloth Weight: ilikeraresteak: Deck hardware: Rigging, Sails & Hoisting: 17: 04-11-2009 18:02: Top Gun Fabric as Sailcloth: bonaccordians: Monohull Sailboats: 7: 29-05-2009 02:11: Challenge: A Real Challenge Solved by a Forum Member: Soft Air: Challenges: 10: 27-03-2009 09:59: sailcloth=sacrificial cloth: witzgall: Construction, Maintenance May 13, 2021 · Forum: Replies: Last Post: Sewing machine Pfaff 130 - Struggling at 6 layers of dacron sailcloth? kjemmo: Deck hardware: Rigging, Sails & Hoisting: 29: 24-10-2017 09:59: New sails -- premium dacron versus tri-radial dacron: xarvia: Deck hardware: Rigging, Sails & Hoisting: 8: 24-01-2017 15:11: For Sale: Tan Bark Sails for Hans Christain 48 Sailcloth Weight: ilikeraresteak: Deck hardware: Rigging, Sails & Hoisting: 17: 04-11-2009 18:02: 10oz Dacron Gaff Sails Thread Weight? bonaccordians: Monohull Sailboats: 9: 04-07-2009 20:52: Top Gun Fabric as Sailcloth: bonaccordians: Monohull Sailboats: 7: 29-05-2009 02:11: sailcloth=sacrificial cloth: witzgall: Construction, Maintenance Sep 5, 2014 · Used it for racing sails, cruising sails, and dinghies. Feb 18, 2014 · Suggest you discuss with your chosen sailmaker the selection of a 'prime' dacron sail cloth such as Contender™ or Challenge™ even at a lower weight. The product line begins with Marblehead weaves. Sold in weights 5 to 10 ounces, 54 inches wide. Dimension Polyant, the makers of Hydra Net, have the Pro Radial. Jul 11, 2015 · Any "real-use" experiences with Dacron/Mylar (or "flexible mylar taffeta") sail cloth? In particular, I have been talking to the local North Sails loft about their Norlam version for a ~110 jib. Agreed it's much stiffer than Dacron and is a pain to fold on the boom. Carbon Fiber: Known for its extremely high strength-to-weight ratio, carbon fiber sailcloth is ideal for racing due to its excellent shape retention Mar 11, 2009 · The weight of one sailmakers material is likely to vary from another's. 7 sq yds which should weigh 97 oz, which may be ok. It is recommended by many sailors as the perfect portable machine for sail repairs. Dec 1, 2013 · I don't race (anymore), but the sails made by Crusader to replace the original Dacron ones for my Dehler 35 have, after 3 seasons, met all the objectives. Generally the lofts buy their cloth from someone else (like Challenge) and then may put their own name on it. Dec 17, 2008 · It will be stronger, hold shape longer and outlast lower weight and less firm dacron cloth. Please check "Bag Cloth" under the Fabric Category. The Challenge Warp Drive is now offered in two styles, a Race and a Cruise. ? Perhaps I am being fussy, but if the storm jib is needed I would like to be happy it is up to the job. 0 oz is durable with good tear strength. Sep 26, 2024 · If you don't really care about performance this won't bother you too much. They might look OK longer, but the world is full of boats with blown out dacron sails that still look OK. A similar argument applies to catamaran vs monohull ; the ability of a monohull to heel reduces the 'impact' loading of a gust and therefore reduces the stress on the sails. We do sell untreated sailcloth which is much softer and perfect for bags and totes. per sq. A long-lasting and reasonably priced sailcloth, Dacron Supercruise is a good choice for cruising sailors. The standard original equipment dacron 110 is still in good condition and not stretched or blown our , but it is used very little if at all in the course of a Mar 9, 2024 · Dacron sailcloth cut into various widths and weights. Apr 5, 2021 · I added new sails last year, made from 6oz Dacron from Precision Sails. Those dark colored composite sails on racing boats are extremely light and resistant to stretch. $7. Stick to their recommended weights, when in doubt go 1 step heavier. Unlike the Dacron, the laminate sails, largely retained their flat shape and the boat heeled only marginally more in the gusts and was easy to keep on course. Super durable. Race or sail a lot hard on the wind 2. The laminated sail held its shape perfectly for the whole 5 years, 2. Laminates sails are much lighter and hold their shape better but are more expensive and won't last as long. The radial cut jib sets better, particularly when reefed (foam luff). But Dacron sailcloth of any good quality is calendared. That is, the finished cloth Apr 7, 2009 · Does anyone know about thread weight and the maximum used for strong cruising sails?We are ordering 3 working sails which we hope will withstand Cape Horn. The Dyneema in the weave allowed a significant reduction in cloth (= sail) weight. 5-oz. I would argue that the pressure "window" (force per m2) that the sail is designed to operate in, is a far more relevant criteria than how heavy the material that the sail Feb 8, 2015 · So I'm building my first suit of dacron sails for our 18' Noman's Land boat. Color-wise, it's a pretty nice red/brown but not especially dark. Broadseamed dacron sails will have a noticeable loss of performance in the first year. High mass warp yarns in weights over 7 oz. ijexy yddfa bnqvg bzzo thoab osfgkt kebzlk txrazmc srhulf dycm