I am going to order a new 105. It is an infrequently used sail on the Gulf Coast (Houston). The sail will live on the boat, thus subjected to high heat. I am inclined to go with the racing version of Dacron versus the laminate because of the heat issue and the effect this has over time on the laminate sails. Is there a substantial performance difference at the 105 level with cloth versus laminate? Any thoughts?
George
Dacron Racing 105
Moderators: sderby, Tim Bosma, Tom Elsen
Re: Dacron Racing 105
Yes over time and abuse.............................. and it sounds as if the abuse will be high!!!! Can't you just roll the thing and be done with it? 
Re: Dacron Racing 105
Hi Dave,
Not sure I understand the reply. The sail will be rolled and stowed below. Probably will not be raised more than four or so times a year.
George
Not sure I understand the reply. The sail will be rolled and stowed below. Probably will not be raised more than four or so times a year.
George
Re: Dacron Racing 105
Sorry George, I though that "live on the boat" meant that it would be stuffed somewhere! 
It's DEFINITELY better to stay away from any laminate when heat is concerned. I have seen some unreal shrinkage from them being stored that way. It always perplexes me when I see someone who just spent $$$$ on a new high tech laminate, double throwdown main and then they store it under a BLACK or dark blue cover!!
Most fabrics or films used in sails shrink with heat. Heat shrinking is a common method of tightening up the weave of Dacrons prior to coating. That means be default that most of their BAD heat shrinking is done! 
It's DEFINITELY better to stay away from any laminate when heat is concerned. I have seen some unreal shrinkage from them being stored that way. It always perplexes me when I see someone who just spent $$$$ on a new high tech laminate, double throwdown main and then they store it under a BLACK or dark blue cover!!
Most fabrics or films used in sails shrink with heat. Heat shrinking is a common method of tightening up the weave of Dacrons prior to coating. That means be default that most of their BAD heat shrinking is done!