UV Protection vs Jib Replacement

[Hinesy]

I just completed a great first year sailing the waters of Boston Harbor in Slainte (SL--LAWN--JA, for non-Gaelic Folk), our 26M. The boat was in the water from April 15 to Nov 15. My question is whether to consider a Sunbrella UV protection strip at $8.50 a running foot, vs simply replacing the jib when it becomes worn out. I have calculated the protection strip at about $270 and a replacement jib at about $200. Is there a perceptable difference is sailing performance with the UV strip. Thanks and Merry Christmas and Happy Holidays to all you Mac sailors !

[Paul S]

We opted for the Dacron UV in white for our genny. Lighter than the sunbrella (important since we trailer our 04M). Was not too expensive (lot less than Sunbrella).

I had it installed at Harding Sails. Price was reasonable. They also installed the slugs on the mainsail while it was there

You should think of joining the North East Trailor Sailors (http://www.ne-ts.com (formerly New England Trailor sailors...formerly Macgregor trailor Sailors). We are having our Christmas party this Saturday.


Paul S

[Bobby T.-26X #4767]

i use a jib sock just for protection while on trailer or at docks for an extended period.
although it's one more thing to do when packing/closing-up, i like the fact that i can use it to protect a genoa or standard jib, or to cover my next $200 replacement jib.

[Tom Spohn]

Choices are jib sock or uv strip. UV strip will last maybe 3 years then you replace it. Sock will last maybe 10 years. (Puget Sound conditions) The sock will make the jib vibrate more when powering into the wind at medium to high speeds. I have seen other boats (non-macs) that have small diameter line on the outside of the sock like a loose net that tightens up the sock to reduce the flapping.

[Brian]

I just received the jib sock I ordered from macgregorowners.com. The sock does not come with installation instructions and I don't seem to have a spare halyard for this on my 2006 . Can someone give me instructions for installing and using the sock. I would presume that I need to add a block to the mast above where the forestay attaches to the mast. This is my first sail boat so I am new this stuff. My genoa is on the furler naked at the moment so I would like to get this installed quickly. Thanks in advance for your advice.

[ALX357]

the boat comes standard with a jib halyard block, for the standard 100% jib, which halyard is also used with the mast raising system if included with the boat. I am unsure, but i think the block was included even if the boat came with the optional furler.
If some PO has stripped the block off your boat, West Marine has a strong block for around 20 dollars, and if you only are needing a smaller sock halyard and block, you could get away with a 10 dollar one.

[Catigale]

My RF Genny lasted 4 seasons without any UV protection or cover at 42 degrees latitude - and it really died when I caught a small rip I hadnt bothered to sew on a spreader which turned it into a big rip.

New one was < $400 - I will get a cover for it next season to see if I can get a little more mileage out of it, but was pretty happy with 4 years.