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Author Topic: Sails  (Read 7412 times)

nigel3a

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Sails
« on: April 17, 2012, 01:24:06 pm »

Is there anything specific what to use for the sails. I was looking at some ripstop nylon, or possibly the same type of stuff used for roller blinds. I'm not going to be racing my yacht, just spend a few hours sailing it, so weight won't be crucial

Nigel
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boatmadman

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Re: Sails
« Reply #1 on: April 17, 2012, 01:25:32 pm »

Cotton dress lining material makes really nice scale sails, and as a bonus, gives the mrs something to do sewing them up. :-))
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Klunk

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Re: Sails
« Reply #2 on: April 17, 2012, 05:54:33 pm »

Old tents from the boot fair  or i got sail materiel reinforcements and thread from www .scaleflags.co.uk
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Netleyned

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Re: Sails
« Reply #3 on: April 17, 2012, 06:40:00 pm »

Go by the book and use mylar film
It's gotta be lightweight
Housemartin sails is a good supplier

Ned
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nigel3a

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Re: Sails
« Reply #4 on: April 17, 2012, 08:18:58 pm »

I looked at some cheap rollerblinds. The material looks pvc embedded fabric. almost like cloth, but doesn't tear. I did look at a few, some were too thick, but this stuff seems to look like it'll do the job. I looked at draft film, and it seemed hellishly expensive. I know this is only my first build, but funds are getting limited  <:(
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rmaddock

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Re: Sails
« Reply #5 on: April 17, 2012, 09:15:10 pm »

Drafting film can be had, by the meter, from model sail suppliers...some of them anyway. And from such sources is not expensive. I know if you've looked at eBay (or somesuch) then you have to buy huge quantities at massive prices.
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nigel3a

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Re: Sails
« Reply #6 on: April 17, 2012, 10:04:48 pm »

While we're on the subject of sails etc, My next dilemma is the mast. It needs to be 104.5cm. Most of the supplies seem only to supply 1m lengths. Can this be made out of carbon fibre, or even wood?
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Netleyned

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Re: Sails
« Reply #7 on: April 18, 2012, 07:36:56 am »

I used 8mm carbon fibre tube for my Victoria conversion and my sparrow
It's stronger and lighter than aluminium.
No problems with it at all after three seasons (years) of use.

Ned
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nigel3a

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Re: Sails
« Reply #8 on: April 18, 2012, 09:38:26 am »

Thanks Ned,
carbon it is then
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Netleyned

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Re: Sails
« Reply #9 on: April 18, 2012, 10:32:39 am »

http://www.modelboatmayhem.co.uk/forum/index.php?topic=4231.0

Couple of pics of my Victoria showing how I used the C/F tube

Ned
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scoop

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Re: Sails
« Reply #10 on: April 18, 2012, 10:57:01 am »

Is there anything specific what to use for the sails. I was looking at some ripstop nylon, or possibly the same type of stuff used for roller blinds. I'm not going to be racing my yacht, just spend a few hours sailing it, so weight won't be crucial

Nigel
I have been using ripstop nylon for years, (stunt kite flyers use it) it's very easy to cut with a sharp pair of scissors, does not fray, and a bit of dinghy sail repair tape (self adhesive ripstop) can be used to reinforce the sails where the eyelets are.  :-))
Scoop
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tigertiger

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Re: Sails
« Reply #11 on: April 18, 2012, 11:42:31 am »

My 2cents

If you are talking about the Victoria she is small and light. Masts and sails are better light as they are weight above the water line. I would avoid cotton and wood, personally.

If you are anywhere near a chandlers you can get spinnaker cloth, this is as light or lighter than the original sails.

Another option is kite suppliers. The kite cloth and carbon fibre rods can be had from them.

Or use model sail suppliers.
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Netleyned

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Re: Sails
« Reply #12 on: April 18, 2012, 12:04:03 pm »

Nigel is building a 750mm Racing Sparrow.
The build book uses a 7mm Alu mast and
drafting film sails.
Looks like he's going down the c/f mast and ripstop kite or spinnaker nylon.
I just showed him my Vic as an example of using C/f and film.

Ned
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nigel3a

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Re: Sails
« Reply #13 on: April 18, 2012, 06:15:09 pm »

Hi All,

Yeah I'm going the c/f route for the mast. It's 8mm. Looking at the plans it slots over the mast stepper, presumably that's something you fix to the hull and the mast slides over it. Secured by the cables.
I've ordered some lightweight sail cloth and also some ripstop parachute cloth, to have a go at the sails.

Nigel
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tigertiger

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Re: Sails
« Reply #14 on: April 19, 2012, 09:39:46 am »

... Looking at the plans it slots over the mast stepper, presumably that's something you fix to the hull and the mast slides over it....

The mast step usually fits in one of three places, and the mast sits on/in it. There will be a hole in the step or sides, and the mast sits in it, this stops the foot of the mast from scooting out.
Usually fitted to the inside of the hull, on top of the keel (on boats with a long keel) or on top of the deck. Depends on the design.
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Jimmy James

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Re: Sails
« Reply #15 on: April 21, 2012, 01:24:28 pm »

I use mainly Egyption cotton for my sails this can be had in different weights from pocket handcherchief to heavy bed sheeting its easy to work and hangs well
t can be had in different colors or is easy to dye I usually dye mine with light oak wood stain this gives a nice mellow color and has the advantage of making it water proof as well
Jimmy


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Islander51

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Re: Sails
« Reply #16 on: April 23, 2012, 03:44:26 pm »

Have a look here:

http://www.pjsails.co.uk/sailmaterialrigbags.PDF

Satin film 36 or 50 micron, and as you can see they also do luff tape etc.
   No connection, just another satisfied customer.

Edward.
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Jimmy James

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Re: Sails
« Reply #17 on: April 24, 2012, 11:19:28 am »

Whats the Phone number of these People I am allways on the look out for good sail cloth
Jimmy
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Islander51

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Re: Sails
« Reply #18 on: April 27, 2012, 06:41:40 pm »

It's here on their front page:

http://www.pjsails.co.uk/

Edward.
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Geoff C

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Re: Sails
« Reply #19 on: June 23, 2012, 08:24:00 pm »

My schooner sails are made from ivory coloured pillow cases, white sails look too white, ever seen a sailing ship with snow white sails ?  no neither have I.     Regards.
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mrpenguin

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Re: Sails
« Reply #20 on: August 09, 2012, 02:04:08 pm »

Is there anything specific what to use for the sails. I was looking at some ripstop nylon, or possibly the same type of stuff used for roller blinds. I'm not going to be racing my yacht, just spend a few hours sailing it, so weight won't be crucial

Nigel

Ripstop makes easy sails. Cut it using a hot soldering iron on glass or similar surface - stops the fraying. Set of sails for 10 bucks - go for it....
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roycv

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Re: Sails
« Reply #21 on: August 15, 2012, 07:56:59 am »

Hi mrpenguin, I note what you say about ripstock nylon, I have made sails from this material for small pond yachts, but it does not look right on a scale yacht.

Your method of cutting works well, I have used it for about 30 years using a not too hot soldering iron with a sharpened tip.

However by using any of the man made fibres materials you achieve the same result with a better looking sail.
regards Roy
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mrpenguin

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Re: Sails
« Reply #22 on: August 15, 2012, 09:43:42 am »

@roycv:
Agreed, ripstop would probably not look appropriate on display models. It is great for trying sail shapes out for pond yacht experimentation - works well and if you happen to make a failure it isn't a big investment....

Might be useful for making patterns perhaps....

I suggested it as the original poster was intending to sail the yacht...


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roycv

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Re: Sails
« Reply #23 on: August 15, 2012, 09:57:46 am »

Hi mrpenguin, I agree with all above and have stocks of ripstok myself, happy sailing,
regards Roy
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tigertiger

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Re: Sails
« Reply #24 on: August 17, 2012, 04:09:39 pm »

I have stocks of Dacron, cannot remember the weight, I think about 120-150 g/m2.

This is commonly used on working models (get the bottom wet) and it has a flat even surface with not pattern. It is available in colors, including cream. I have pencilled in lines to mimic seams in the sail cloth.
It is stronger than nylon, it will not rip, and you can use metal eyelets in the corners for attachment points.
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