Window or no window?

   I'm probably going to answer my own question, but is it worth having a window in a new sail?
What i mean is, is it likely to crack & require another new sail prematurely or are they pretty good in terms of longevity these days?
I'm not a serious racer so don't envisage changing again for a while.
I sail a Lightning368 and the boom is very low (as my head will testify!) and there is many a time that i'm looking under the boom for other boats/objects/transits etc. Banks' are the sole sailmaker (only ordered from the sole builder) and its an extra £30.... as i said, ive probably answered my own question - and personally i think i'd prefer to see where i'm going a bit easier   ....just wanted to know of anything to be aware of that might disuade me.

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fleaberto Send Private Message Find Member's Posts Far too distracted from work Joined: 12 Jan 09 Location: United Kingdom Online Status: Offline Posts: 302	Post Options Post Reply Quote fleaberto Report Post Quote Reply Topic: Window or no window? Posted: 04 Jun 09 at 10:34am
	I'm probably going to answer my own question, but is it worth having a window in a new sail? What i mean is, is it likely to crack & require another new sail prematurely or are they pretty good in terms of longevity these days? I'm not a serious racer so don't envisage changing again for a while. I sail a Lightning368 and the boom is very low (as my head will testify!) and there is many a time that i'm looking under the boom for other boats/objects/transits etc. Banks' are the sole sailmaker (only ordered from the sole builder) and its an extra £30.... as i said, ive probably answered my own question - and personally i think i'd prefer to see where i'm going a bit easier ....just wanted to know of anything to be aware of that might disuade me.
	Lightning368 'All the Gear' (409), Lightning368 'Sprite' (101), Laser (big number) 'Yellow Jack', RS Vareo (432)'The Golden Rays'

timnoyce Send Private Message Find Member's Posts Visit Member's Homepage Really should get out more Joined: 05 Aug 04 Location: Hampshire Online Status: Offline Posts: 1991	Post Options Post Reply Quote timnoyce Report Post Quote Reply Posted: 04 Jun 09 at 10:38am
	I think that window material has come on a bit since the old days, so having a window isn't going to reduce the life of the sail. Always nice to be able to see where you are going I would agree!
	BEARFOOT DESIGN Cherub 2648 - Comfortably Numb

stuarthop Send Private Message Find Member's Posts Really should get out more Joined: 22 Dec 04 Location: Nottingham Online Status: Offline Posts: 1040	Post Options Post Reply Quote stuarthop Report Post Quote Reply Posted: 04 Jun 09 at 10:52am
	I'd go for a window. If the sail is well looked after the window will last for the lifetime of the sail. if the window does get damaged most local sail makers will put a new one in for roughly £20-25.


Captain Morgan Send Private Message Find Member's Posts Far too distracted from work Joined: 03 Sep 08 Location: United Kingdom Online Status: Offline Posts: 211	Post Options Post Reply Quote Captain Morgan Report Post Quote Reply Posted: 04 Jun 09 at 12:25pm
	Get a window. You'll still have to duck down for a look under the boom on occasions, but it might save the odd bump (on your head or with another boat!) £30 extra? Doesn't sound too much against the cost of a new sail, and it will last longer than you'd expect (provided that you don't capsize and put your foot through it).

fleaberto Send Private Message Find Member's Posts Far too distracted from work Joined: 12 Jan 09 Location: United Kingdom Online Status: Offline Posts: 302	Post Options Post Reply Quote fleaberto Report Post Quote Reply Posted: 04 Jun 09 at 1:16pm
	Cheers guys. Yeah, £30 against a £300+ sail (and the potential to avoid more expensive bumps) isn't a big price to pay. It was more regards longevity etc. Excellent, many thanks as always
	Lightning368 'All the Gear' (409), Lightning368 'Sprite' (101), Laser (big number) 'Yellow Jack', RS Vareo (432)'The Golden Rays'

bert Send Private Message Find Member's Posts Really should get out more Joined: 23 Apr 05 Location: norwich usually Online Status: Offline Posts: 584	Post Options Post Reply Quote bert Report Post Quote Reply Posted: 05 Jun 09 at 1:25am
	just be sure to get safety glass fitted.
	Phantom 1181 AC-227 IC 304 blaze / halo 586

kanga Send Private Message Find Member's Posts Far too distracted from work Joined: 09 Oct 07 Online Status: Offline Posts: 248	Post Options Post Reply Quote kanga Report Post Quote Reply Posted: 05 Jun 09 at 3:19pm
	defo get a window......

expo09 Send Private Message Find Member's Posts Visit Member's Homepage Newbie Joined: 19 May 09 Location: United Kingdom Online Status: Offline Posts: 12	Post Options Post Reply Quote expo09 Report Post Quote Reply Posted: 17 Jun 09 at 10:01am
	I agree with everyone else. You should get a window. If you're a beginner like me I think it helps a lot being able to see more clearly. I don't think there's many issues with the window getting damaged anyway.
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