sailcover shot?

QuickMick · #1 (**permalink**) 10-25-2010

This weekend we really got thrashed by a storm. yesterday i pulled back the mainsail cover and found that the halyard lines coiled in the interior pockets were wet, so i laid them out to dry.

three questions, in really severe weather sould i expect some water penetration of the sailcover, or is it failing me?

secondly, i was considering lining those pockets w/plastic or even just using those plastic grocery bags to put the line into inside them

or, is there some treatment i can apply to the sailcover to revive her if she is going on me (i was thinking reproofing wax?)

Amazon.com: Oakwood Oilskin Reproofing Wax: Sports & Outdoors: Reviews, Prices & more

zz4gta · #2 (**permalink**) 10-25-2010

I've used Nikki wax on my goretex stuff with ok results but I'm sure scotch guard would be a cheaper solution. My sailcover isn't remotely waterproof but does dry fast.

copacabana · #3 (**permalink**) 10-25-2010

QuickMick, if your sail cover is Sunbrella (or one of the Sunbrella knock offs) go with 303. Check out the sunbrella site and you'll see they recommend 303 to waterproof their cloth - nothing else. What I wouldn't give for a few liters of 303 down here!! I can't find the stuff here and now with all the crazy airport security I can't fly with liquids, otherwise I'd bring it back by plane!

puddinlegs · #4 (**permalink**) 10-25-2010

Sail covers have a lifespan as well. Don't know about the oilskin wax, but it sounds interesting. I'd give a local canvas guy/gal a call and ask for their thoughts. The bigger issue is, once wet, can the sail dry? Personally, I'd stay away from wrapping anything in plastic. Just the basic humidity of a marine environment will cause problems... if water gets in, the most important thing is there needs to be a way to dry things out. In our part of the world, it's better just to take the main off for the winter months. It's an extra few minutes at the beginning and end of each sail, but the green fuzzy alternative isn't very appealing.

copacabana · #5 (**permalink**) 10-25-2010

Check this link:

303 Products - Aerospace Protectant, High Tech Fabric Guard -* World's Leading Automotive Care Products

From the Sunbrella site:

Re-treating the fabric

"As part of the finishing process, Sunbrella fabrics are treated with a fluorocarbon finish, which enhances water repellency. This finish is designed to last for several years, but must be replenished after a thorough cleaning. Based on test results,
Glen Raven recommends 303 High Tech Fabric Guard™ as the preferred re-treatment product for Sunbrella fabrics. Fabrics should be re-treated after thorough cleaning or after five years of use. "

I would say if the stitching is holding up and it still looks decent, the best bet is to apply 303 to waterproof the fabric and go sailing. I also take my mainsail cover off at the mooring to dry it out on sunny days.

dreuge · #6 (**permalink**) 10-25-2010

Quote:

Originally Posted by copacabana

QuickMick, if your sail cover is Sunbrella (or one of the Sunbrella knock offs) go with 303. Check out the sunbrella site and you'll see they recommend 303 to waterproof their cloth - nothing else. What I wouldn't give for a few liters of 303 down here!! I can't find the stuff here and now with all the crazy airport security I can't fly with liquids, otherwise I'd bring it back by plane!

You can still carry liquids in your checked bags.

copacabana · #7 (**permalink**) 10-25-2010

I'll have to look into that option. Thanks. I just assumed they x-rayed checked bags looking for liquids as well.

sailingdog · #8 (**permalink**) 10-25-2010

Yes, you can probably fly with it..but you'd have to check the bag that had the 303 in it...

Quote:

Originally Posted by copacabana

QuickMick, if your sail cover is Sunbrella (or one of the Sunbrella knock offs) go with 303. Check out the sunbrella site and you'll see they recommend 303 to waterproof their cloth - nothing else. What I wouldn't give for a few liters of 303 down here!! I can't find the stuff here and now with all the crazy airport security I can't fly with liquids, otherwise I'd bring it back by plane!

Liquorice · #9 (**permalink**) 10-26-2010

I see you've got a 30' Grampian!
A new mainsail cover is going to run $400 to $500.
Maybe it's more expedient to suck it up and buy a new one!
Sam :-)