Uv strip

[roberto11]

I want to replace the Uv strip on my staysail.
I have now on Dacron Uv strip.
Is a light 6 oz sail an I thinking about using Dacron again and not the Sunbrella.

Is it a special Uv protected Dacron I want to use ???
Where can I buy this material??

I saw the insignia tape but looks quite expensive ....

The strip are 19" and 12" wide.

Thank you for your suggestions

[Jim Cate]

Originally Posted by roberto11

I want to replace the Uv strip on my staysail.
I have now on Dacron Uv strip.
Is a light 6 oz sail an I thinking about using Dacron again and not the Sunbrella.

Is it a special Uv protected Dacron I want to use ???
Where can I buy this material??

I saw the insignia tape but looks quite expensive ....

The strip are 19" and 12" wide.

Thank you for your suggestions

We've been using Weather Max, a dacron based material sold by Contender. Better chafe resistance than Sunbrella, lighter weight, slipperier and somewhat cheaper. Slightly less UV resistance, but good for at least 5 years.

We like it.

Jim

PS Sew it with Tenara thread!!

[roberto11]

Hi Jim,
Weather max looks really nice.
Have you done the work yourself ??
Did you cut it with a hot knife ??
Made a hem ?
Did you use any adhesive on the weathermax ??

Lot of question
Thank you!

[Jim Cate]

roberto, we've done several projects in weathermax now*, but have not personally replaced the UV shield on a sail. We have ordered two new headsails with weathermax shields now, and they are holding up better than their Sunbrella predecessors. No visible UV damaage, no chafe damage in two years usage on t he older one.

I don't think that sailmakers use any adhesive per se, but do use double sided sticky tape extensively, as do we in all our canvas work. This stuff is of huge help to the amateur canvas worker, btw, so if you are thinking about doing some projects, get some! Available from Sailrite or Conteder or Bainbridge, or often from your local friendly sail loft.

We sometimes use a hotknife to cut WM, but it you are hemming the edge under, it isn't required. Or you can cut with scissors and then use a candle to seal the cut edge, passing it rapidly through the flame.

*Projects done in WM: Boom bag + cowl, sundry weather cloths, sheet bags, dinghy chaps.

Jim

[Kestrahl]

Weathermax is also available in a lighter weight version called Weathermax LT. We have used it on big catamaran screechers where the dacron weight is around the 5-6oz. The regular weathermax is 7 or 8 oz and mite cause some distortion to your sail shape if the sail is old and only 6oz. And yes sew with Tenara thread for maximum life, we use Tenara on all new sails.

[Jim Cate]

Originally Posted by Kestrahl

Weathermax is also available in a lighter weight version called Weathermax LT. We have used it on big catamaran screechers where the dacron weight is around the 5-6oz. The regular weathermax is 7 or 8 oz and mite cause some distortion to your sail shape if the sail is old and only 6oz. And yes sew with Tenara thread for maximum life, we use Tenara on all new sails.

Thanks for that! How does this light weight stuff hold up ? Would it be appropriate for sail covers, etc?

Jim

[Kestrahl]

I'm not sure as none of them have worn out yet. Its definitely more stretchy than the WM80. Would stick with the 80 on sail covers, no need to go lighter.

[roberto11]

I was looking at the light weather max for my Uv strip.
6.5 oz instead of 8.
Prices are really good in USA
Tomorrow I will call contender NZ and see how much it cost here ....