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sanibel sailor · 08-05-2015, 18:56

I picked up a cheap Kevlar Genoa. It is a little too long on the luff so I am trimming it back a bit and will lower the head. I've removed the luff tape and find underneath it has a longitudinal strip of Kevlar. It looks like this was laminated into the film of the sail. I don't see good way to replicate it. I plan to dispense with it. Any input would be appreciated.

Kestrahl · 17-05-2015, 02:10

The Kevlar tape is there to take the edge loads. I presume if it has this it may not have had a rope sewn into the luff tape? If not it is best to add one if you are doing away with the kelvar tapes.
The Kevlar cloth looks pretty old and brown so may not have a lot of strength left.

sanibel sailor · 17-05-2015, 04:25

Thanks for the response. It is a UK "tape drive" sail, so has these tapes running thru it in different directions. I spoke to the folks at Sailrite who offered some options. In the end, I just whacked it, reattached the luff tape (which has the two lines in it) in the new location. Probably not good enough for the Admirals Cup, but it will work ok for Podunk racing. Only paid $330 for the sail, it is a 150 and I have a 135 that I have been using.

Delancey · 17-05-2015, 04:34

Agreed, looks a little brown. Have fun with it but be advised when they blow up, they blow up quick. Somehow this only happens when the wind is building, not easing. Some kinda Murphy thing I guess.

sanibel sailor · 17-08-2015, 13:19

I'm finally done with the sail. I redid the luff tape and it seemed fine so I undertook to switch the sun cover to the other side and repair bad spots with sticky patches.seems to set well. this will be a relatively light air sail as I have a 135 that I use routinely. My trim in the picture was a little bit off. It's hard to steer, trim and take pictures all at once. Total investment about $350.