Sailcloth

[seacap]

I’m ready for a new set of sails. But I want a soft hand cloth. My last set was built with Marblehead cloth which was reputed to be one of the best Dacron cloths around. It was so stiff it was like furling a spring. Plus the sail failed at one of the many crimps in the stiff cloth. Anybody have a recommendation for a sailcloth to specify?

[silkie]

Stiffness is a benefit in working sails. So "reputation" won't be a good guide for you. Discuss your needs with your sailmaker, stressing a soft hand & the issues you didn't like in the previous sail.

[barnakiel]

On smaller boats, stiffness is not a problem when the sail is a furling one (jibs and furling mains).


But a soft main is easier to handle.


Once the boat is big enough, there is nothing you can do about it. I think dacron cloth above 9oz is already so stiff that brand choice is quite irrelevant.


b.

[John_Mauripro]

Hi seacap, I will be happy to discuss different Dacron options regarding new sails for your boat. Please feel free to PM me if you want to discuss further.