Catsailor.com

Spinnaker care

Posted By: Cab

Spinnaker care - 06/27/08 11:55 AM

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?
Posted By: fin.

Re: Spinnaker care - 06/27/08 12:11 PM

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="" />
Posted By: Cab

Re: Spinnaker care - 06/27/08 12:36 PM

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.
Posted By: Rolf_Nilsen

Re: Spinnaker care - 06/27/08 12:41 PM

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!
Posted By: PTP

Re: Spinnaker care - 06/27/08 01:46 PM

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.
Posted By: scooby_simon

Re: Spinnaker care - 06/27/08 02:08 PM

Quote
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.
Posted By: Rolf_Nilsen

Re: Spinnaker care - 06/27/08 02:13 PM

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.
Posted By: Bob_Curry

Re: Spinnaker care - 06/27/08 02:22 PM

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="" />
Posted By: ThunderMuffin

Re: Spinnaker care - 06/27/08 02:30 PM

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.
Posted By: bvining

Re: Spinnaker care - 06/27/08 06:12 PM

Quote
soaked the amsteel in some holmenkol overnight


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

Re: Spinnaker care - 06/27/08 06:35 PM

no

its the seal-n-glide.

Same stuff you douse the chute in.
Posted By: Tony_F18

Re: Spinnaker care - 06/27/08 06:57 PM

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

Re: Spinnaker care - 06/27/08 07:11 PM

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.
Posted By: ThunderMuffin

Re: Spinnaker care - 06/28/08 12:37 AM

^ 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.
Posted By: Anonymous

Re: Spinnaker care - 07/07/08 01:59 PM

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?
Posted By: Keith

Re: Spinnaker care - 07/08/08 06:33 AM

Quote
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.
Posted By: Rhino1302

Re: Spinnaker care - 07/08/08 02:49 PM

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.
Posted By: David Ingram

Re: Spinnaker care - 07/08/08 03:59 PM

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 :-)
Posted By: mbalhuizen

Re: Spinnaker care - 07/08/08 09:06 PM

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
Posted By: Anonymous

Re: Spinnaker care - 07/10/08 06:08 AM

i am trying the Holmenkol today....
Posted By: Tony_F18

Re: Spinnaker care - 07/10/08 07:04 AM

Quote
i am trying the Holmenkol today....

Andrew, how much did you pay for a bottle?
Posted By: Anonymous

Re: Spinnaker care - 07/10/08 01:49 PM

It came with my new spin
Posted By: waterbug_wpb

Re: Spinnaker care - 07/10/08 04:10 PM

Quote
i am trying the Holmenkol today....


Does it taste like chicken?
Posted By: Anonymous

Re: Spinnaker care - 07/14/08 12:47 PM

to be honest... i did not notice much improved snuffing with this product...
Posted By: Cab

Re: Spinnaker care - 07/21/08 01:48 PM

The Holmenkol made a night and day improvement for me. My spin is much, much slicker and more waterproof than before. I am no longer getting any small friction holes from the retrieval line. The spin is about 1.5 years old and has seen pretty consistent use. (on average, once a week) I helped a friend apply it to his newer, probably better cared for spin and the improvement IMO was less. His spin was slick and waterproof to begin with and it did not absorb the Holmenkol like mine did. I had extra so I did the snuffer bag and the main. I like the product and will use it again.
Posted By: Anonymous

Re: Spinnaker care - 07/21/08 03:27 PM

Thanks Cab, good data.

My spin was almost new and seemed to not absorb the Holmenkol much. I did soak it in a big tub, and also sponged some on while it was hanging to dry. It "beaded" up on it.. so perhaps that was why i didnt seem to feel much a difference.

Do you remove your spin after use each week and "flake it"?
Posted By: Cab

Re: Spinnaker care - 07/22/08 11:58 AM

I began to notice signs of wear about two months ago, small holes, ect. At that point I began taking better care of the spin. I now bring it home, let it dry and then flake it after each sail. Prior to two months ago, I would usually just stuff it in the bag. If I thought I would be sailing within a few days, I would leave it in the snuffer.
Posted By: Gilo

Re: Spinnaker care - 07/22/08 05:35 PM

Could you explain flake it... Don't really understand what you mean.

We also take the spin home and even wash it (cold and just clear water) in the washing machine and I must say, the cloth feels fresh and new again.

When it's dry we just stick it into the bag again. Is this the best way or is there some sort of folding to do?

Since we use dyneema as halyard, the small holes have also stopped appearing.

Gill
Posted By: ThunderMuffin

Re: Spinnaker care - 07/22/08 05:39 PM

Quote
We also take the spin home and even wash it (cold and just clear water) in the washing machine and I must say, the cloth feels fresh and new again.


Gentle or spin cycle? :P
Posted By: Anonymous

Re: Spinnaker care - 07/22/08 05:47 PM

I (PERSONALLY) would be afraid of wear and damage in a washing machine.

Fresh water, and air dry is all that is needed (i am told)

FLAKING a sail means to fold it back and forth over itself. This is how sailmakers suggest you store your sails.
© 2024 Catsailor.com Forums