Sunbrella Jib/Genny Sock Cover

[DrB]

I have a bunch jibs/genoas that came with the boat that do not have a sunbrella cover so they can't be stored on my roller fuller for extended periods. The sails are in good shape, so I'de like to use them, but don't want to pay $200 to $400/sail to have a sunbrealla cover bonded on.

I have heard of this gizmo where there is a sunbrealla tube that you can slide over the rolled headsail and raise with the spinnacker halyard to fully cover the sail and protect it from light.

I am interested to learn if any one has one or has experience with one and what are the pros/cons with them.

DrB

[sailingdog]

DrB-

Just because they don't have a sunbrella sacrificial sun strip on them, doesn't necessarily mean they're not protected. Some sails use a clear laminate film, usually Tedlar, to protect the sails from UV damage. I'd recommend you inspect them to see if that is the case.

As for the genny socks, they work quite well, and make especially good sense if you have several sails that you switch between that are unprotected, since one sock will work for multiple headsails. The main pro is that they protect the sail very well and also help prevent it from unfurling in heavy weather. The main con is that the sock has to be removed before you can unfurl the headsail and put back on after each use.

[EO32]

They also protect your genny from unrolling if you don't tie it well or the furling line comes undone. Don't ask, but it can happen. It's not funny when you come back to the boat and your genny is flapping around.

[TejasSailer]

We have a genoa cover that has a full length zipper and is pulled up with a spinnaker halyard. We're happy with it. Our sail maker lined it with with some kind of slippery fabric so it slides easily. I'd have to ask him the name of the fabric.

[negrini]

Those are ok, but will cost you same or even more, anyway. Unless you have several headsails, like SD says, it's not worth it for the work !