Hoping to learn a little something!

[sailing_idiot]

Hi everyone! I just wanted to come by and say hello. I will probably mostly be a stalker here, posting a question here or there. I have never sailed, kind of sad since I grew up on a lake, and still visit there very regularly.

I was just doing some research on the material used for your sails. I am trying working on something here at home and sailing cloth maybe the answer to what I am looking for, I just don't know. Soooo, this is how I have found myself here.

Thanks everyone! Maybe the answer to my question is here or if I do post, maybe someone here can help.

[DRFerron]

Welcome to Sailnet, SI.

What are you working on that uses sail cloth? Knowing might help us help you. Different boats have different types of sails depending on whether they race or cruise. There's high tech stuff used on the billion-dollar America's Cup boats. Nylon, Dacron, and others.

[sailing_idiot]

I am looking at a material that is lightweight, flexible, durable, tough (close to a kevlar or cordura product), and breathable. The material would be used in a clothing for hunting dogs. Not sure if any of that kind of material is used in sailing but I have been looking at a vektron or vectran based material as it is extremely tough. Most materials used in the clothing nowadays is kevlar or fused kevlar, cordura, or viper clothe, or a mix of these using combinations of the materials in layers. So, I am here to read up on material/fiber used in the sails. I am sure there is something out there that is better bet than some of the materials used now.

The problem with some of the materials is that will hold water & degrade over time then people complain about the product not holding up. Also, for those that hunt in the sun, this to can cause the clothing to degrade. Depending on the hunting conditions, depends on how the clothing will hold up.

I am also looking for see how repairs are made on the sails in the different material compared to the clothing. As the clothing takes a beating, most will stand behind the products and repair them. It will take some time and a lot of reading but I am thinking it will be worth the effort to see what I can learn.

I, also, have to be looking at what materials will hold water, what won't hold water, if it floats or sinks in the water as it all effects the dog. Materials that sink or draw too much water can pull a dog under in watery hunting expeditions. Just basically lots of things to take in, make my lists, then the pros & cons of everything. Research, research, research. Lol! Thank you all! If you have any suggestions, please throw them at me. Even if it is to take a hike.