Dinghy development: Tapedrive sails-experiences?

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Tapedrive sails-experiences?

Printed From: Yachts and Yachting Online
Category: Dinghy classes
Forum Name: Dinghy development
Forum Discription: The latest moves in the dinghy market
URL: http://www.yachtsandyachting.com/forum/forum_posts.asp?TID=12726
Printed Date: 06 Jul 25 at 7:26pm
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Topic: Tapedrive sails-experiences?

Posted By: drifter
Subject: Tapedrive sails-experiences?
Date Posted: 15 Apr 17 at 9:05pm

I have had two mainsails (different classes, different labels) made of lightweight cloth reinforced with tape from the load bearing points. Both have fallen apart prematurely. Am I unlucky?

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Stewart

Replies:

Posted By: Paramedic
Date Posted: 15 Apr 17 at 9:13pm

Define prematurely :)

Dacron sails "last" indefinitely - doesn't mean they are their design shape though.

I had three tape reinforced jibs. Two outlasted a dacron jib in terms of shape, but they then self destructed. one got flogged to death when the tie on the top broke - could have happened to a dacron sail, but it would have survived though showing more wear than i'd like.

I use dacron jibs now, noone makes tape reinforced sails that I know of. One problem was the tapes coming off and I think that was what put the mockers on it once and for all.

Posted By: drifter
Date Posted: 15 Apr 17 at 10:00pm

Good answer. In terms of number of races, well below what I'd expect, tapes came off, and blew about in the breeze. Also went brown and smelly! Kept their shape well but at that price ought to do better. Both lightly used secondhand btw. Jibs-that's a different matter.

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Stewart

Posted By: Paramedic
Date Posted: 16 Apr 17 at 12:24pm

Suffice to say that there is a good reason that they stopped making them.

I look back on those jibs and think, actually, they probably were better for a while BUT you wouldn't have a sail after a year you could either sell on or use for club racing/windy days/practice etc.

I wouldn't touch one secondhand.