Genoa Sunbrella add-on vs sock cover

[Crikey]

Looking at Quebec 1's picture today, I'm wondering whether the addition of a sunbrella type lip to my 150 Doyle genoa is a better/more convenient way (cheaper?) to go than dealing with a bag/sock, when retiring the gear at the end of the day?
Several questions come to play:

Does it impair performance?
Does it add too much weight?
Is there no cost advantage, regardless of ease of use?
Am I missing anything?

R

[mastreb]

I too am interested in comments from people who've done it.

[Crikey]

Whoops! Here's the picture that got me started.
http://i263.photobucket.com/albums/ii12 ... -marin.jpg
(Reproduced with permission of Cptn Quebec 1 - of course! )

[Gater Dunn]

when I look at my jib with sunbrella uv protection on my furler, and then at my main that gets covered with sail pack. The jib is dirty on the exposed edges and the main is nice and clean.
when I drop the cash for a 150 genoa i'm getting a sock and going for a slightly lighter sail.
the extra 10 min ? putting up the back at the dock wont bother me.

[arknoah]

Can you explain what you mean? Are you suggesting that having the Sunbrella sewn onto the edge of your jenny is less desirable than a Sunbrella sock that you would slip over the sail when not being used?

Just want to be sure I understand the original question.

[c130king]

...the extra 10 min ? putting up the back at the dock wont bother me.

My sock works well...takes maybe 2 minutes to put up and down. And I use the sock "halyard" as a psuedo "back up forestay".

I leave my mast up pretty much all season...but park my boat on the trailer.

How much does a new sock cost? Mine came with my boat. How much does having a Genoa modified with sunbrella strip cost? If there was big price difference that might impact my choice.



Cheers,
Jim
Sailing on König
Sailing on König YouTube Channel

[Crikey]

Can you explain what you mean? Are you suggesting that having the Sunbrella sewn onto the edge of your jenny is less desirable than a Sunbrella sock that you would slip over the sail when not being used?

Just want to be sure I understand the original question.

Ya Ha! It's about the Sunbrella thingee vs the sock condom thingee.
I still presently have no idea about the comparative costs of either, but there must be a weight factor when you sew together two radically different materials, as well as the affect of the extra weight on light air performance - or not? Additionally, can this extra weight - over time - pull out stitching on the leech of the genny?
The sock looks good too, but it must represent an extra line and halyard on the front end.
Ross

[Terry]

Some of the decision depends on how many head sails you have. I have a jib & genoa so the uv strip is times two in cost, whereas the sock I can use with both sails and I do use both sails on my furler. So I have a sock and it does only take a couple extra minutes to hoist but you do have to install the line and hardware for the sock halyard. My halyard is some really thin clothsline rope. And yes it stays cleaner than the uv strip and looks nicer too, but.... beware the extra windage, especially while motoring into a headwind, it really can shake the whole boat and make it feel like the wind is vibrating the hull. I got mine from BWY for about the same cost as a UV strip for one sail, so for me it was half cost doing two sails. In winter I remove the sock and sail so it does not stay on year around even though I slip. I remove everything to store in the garage through winter and do not sail. The sock has three seperate zippers along its' length to make it more adjustable for the sheets sticking out and it is a tad longer than need be but that is ok. My zipper cars broke over the years but I was able to get replacements from BWY,they are not a Canadian standard size but perhaps a US standard so you won't find a new zipper car in Canada, only from BWY. I still like my sock and would choose the sock over the UV strip again if the choice came up again.

[Highlander]

Two head sails & no issues whether sailing or while docked




keep yer socks on yer feet all this from the cockpit

J

[jschrade]

Keep my boat in a slip and found the sock a PITA! I'd be glad to sell it to you cheap if you want it. It flapped like mad in the wind rubbing on the sail and tearing itself apart.

Happiness is Sunbrella sewn onto the sail. No issues with light air and it's so nice to pull a halyard to roll it up and be done.

Jim

[CampCook]

I agree with Jim -- PITA. The po of Gypsea Dream supplied a sock with the boat. It seemed to be in pretty good shape. But, not sure it was ever used as the genoa failed and was unrepairable after 4 months in AZ. I used the sock but it was quickly reduced to a mess by our desert winds. Bottom line, it may depend on where you live but I vote for the UV strip on the sail.
Dave

[davidbourne]

Are these options a must-have have, or am I right to assume you really need these if your sails are exposed often? Like if you slip your boat and leave the sails rigged?

Highlander, nice dual sails. Your boat is the first I've seen to have that setup. Do they work well? They look awesome.

[Ixneigh]

I had the sock when my boat had roller furling on it. I hated the sock. My boat is moored so she is exposed to winds. The sock flapped so much I was afraid it would eventually damage the rigging and it made it awful to be on the boat just hanging out which I do a lot. It was a pita to hoist up if it was windy. Which it usually is that why I have a sailboat I sold the sock on eBay and even pitched the roller furling. If the boat stays with its mast up anywhere there is a good breeze, windage must be kept to a bare minimum. Even if it's on land. I now keep the jibs in bags.

Ixneigh

[Laika 26X]

I used a sock on my first 26X.....
When using a sock you MUST add additional turns on the furler once the foresail is covered. It should have a spiral look just as if a sunbrella cover was sewn on.
By twisting the cover, it will GREATLY reduce the flapping of the cover as it will no longer act like a flag. The twist helps break the air turbulence passing over the sail.
Then you'll barely notice it's there.

FWIW, the 26X I have now has the sunbrella covers. on both Genny and Jib

Next sail I purchase I will go BACK to bare sails an use a sock.

Why? Personal preference.

"Sub" Ed

[Crikey]

I used a sock on my first 26X.....
When using a sock you MUST add additional turns on the furler once the foresail is covered. It should have a spiral look just as if a sunbrella cover was sewn on.
By twisting the cover, it will GREATLY reduce the flapping of the cover as it will no longer act like a flag. The twist helps break the air turbulence passing over the sail.
Then you'll barely notice it's there.

FWIW, the 26X I have now has the sunbrella covers. on both Genny and Jib

Next sail I purchase I will go BACK to bare sails an use a sock.

Why? Personal preference.

"Sub" Ed

I'm having a problem with 'personal preference' when you have talked about the extra step necessary to eliminate most of the wind catching drag of the sock (as others have done) - particularly when your boat now has sunbrella add-ons.
Also, can somebody answer my concerns about the disparity in material types posing a seam failure over time? Is this really a concern, or reason, to avoid the add-on?
I'm guessing an add-on will bring a 150 genee up to 155 (or something).
Same cost factor for either?
Ross