Recently I have been getting small holes in my spin along where the retrieval line runs up the sail. In a previous post it was mentioned that this was caused by taking the spin down on the tack that put the retrieval line on the outside of the sail. This is the port tack for me and I have been taking the spin down from port more recently. Anyone have any ideas or solutions?

Matt recently mentioned stripping the halyard of the outer sheath in that area.

Problem is, I don't know how to do it. Maybe Matt or Patrick will come to the rescue. They're good at that stuff.

btw- my spin is more patches than spin. <img src="http://www.catsailor.com/forums/images/graemlins/frown.gif" alt="" />

Thanks Pete. My spin is headed that direction too. I am trying to convince Nicole that I need a new set of sails, one for racing and one for practice. She is not buying it at all. It does seem right that if the line was slicker it would not damage the spin as much.
btw - I have space available for early November. Make your reservation soon.

We stripped the cover off the last part of our spi retrieval line, and had much less damage to our spis. Just take care to not remove much in one go, pulling on a slick spectra core is no fun!

chris,
sent you a pm.
make sure you lube up your spin and hoop really good too. I use the cheap 1$ variety spray silicone lubricant and really spray the heck out of the pole, spin, everything around there.

Also look everywhere the kite might rub on the drop, even the smallest sharp or rough edge can mark the kite.

We used to lube our snuffers and spis, but finding the right snuffer made it so much easier on both crew and spi. Best snuffer we tried was the alu ring setup and except for stripping the cover of the line for the last meter or so (this was on a Tornado), we did not lube the snuffer, use the Holmenkol Sealn'Glide or other stuff.

I agree guys, you have to spray everything everytime! Also, try turning the snuffer bag inside out and spray it too. If you find rough edges, duct tape or some kind of covering will help. Chris, tell Nicole that maintenence on the boat is like maintaining an airplane. If it wears out, it won't fly! <img src="http://www.catsailor.com/forums/images/graemlins/grin.gif" alt="" />

Bob <img src="http://www.catsailor.com/forums/images/graemlins/wink.gif" alt="" />

When I got my new halyard from layline, it was a nice robline racing sheet 3mm spliced to some amsteel 12 strand. Its already pretty slippery where it runs through the chute, but I went a little futher and soaked the amsteel in some holmenkol overnight. Now its super-dooper slippery.

holmenkol liquid? I see a spray wax on the website, it that what you used?

no

its the seal-n-glide.

Same stuff you douse the chute in.

How did you apply it on the spi? The Holmenkol website says to use a mop.

We mixed it in a large bucket or similar and dumped the spi into it. Work the spi around and let it soak. Then hang it up to dry. Worked for us and was way easier than using a sponge.

^ what he said. Used a big rubbermaid container.... dunked it, then tied it using some trailer bungies between two trailers and my car at Spring Fever. I don't know if it really is worth all the extra effort tbh.

How long does Holmenkol last on the spin? How often do most people re-apply it? (at $35-$40/shot) it would get pricy to have to do every 3 or 4 times out...

Also, do you guys wash/airdry/ and fold up your spin after every use?

For the week night racing, we use our old sails and just leave the spin in the snuffer, put a snuffer cover on.

My Glaser kite came with a package of Holmenkol and some instructions. The instructions said to mix the Holmenkol with 6 Liters of water and sponge it on the sail while it hangs in the shade (to keep the stuff from drying too quick).

I thought about dunking it in a bucket, but I'd have to dilute it more than recommended, and the stuff is expensive enough that I wanted to do it right.

I'm also storing the kite folded as recommended, although it sure would be easier to keep it in the snuffer.

Flaking (folding) the kite makes a big difference in how long it stays crisp. By my estimate twice as long, possibly longer. It's well worth the time and hassle. I've been lazy and I've been diligent... diligent is better :-)

I have been told that these small holes are actually burnholes that are created by the heat release by the friction betrween the halyard/retrieval line and the spinnaker.

By using swiftcord as halyard/retrieval line there is less friction/no heat or at least no more holes.

Making the spi as slippery as possible is of course a good idea. I know that our dealer in Holland applies a silicon coating much like the seal&glide as discussed here.

Just my 2 cents,
Martijn

i am trying the Holmenkol today....