Sails and UV protection

drynoc · #1 (**permalink**) 04-06-2004

I am going to add Sunbrella protection to the leech and foot of my dacron sails to go with a new roller furler. I also have some mylar/kevlar sails that I would like to use now and then (not for racing) - can UV protection be added to that material as well, or is there some reason why it wouldn''t work?

joub · #2 (**permalink**) 04-08-2004

You can also use a UV protected dacron fabric in lieu of the sunbrella to protect your furled sail. Pros are it is a 5oz fabric as opposed to 9.5 oz for the sunbrella. (your sails are lighter for light wind conditions). Cons are the dacron fabric is only supposed to be good for 5 years as opposed to 10 plus for the sunbrella. But it can always be replaced.

RichH · #3 (**permalink**) 04-09-2004

Agree. You can apply an adhesive backed (sewn down) **light weight** ''insignia'' grade of dacron. Ive found it typicaly will last longer than 5 years but is easy to reinstall. You can apply (spray) a UV protectectant on the ''insignia'' for even longer life.