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22/12/2009 12:07:59![]() Steven Crossley Posts: 0 | Kevlar has been used in place of glass fiber to varying degrees for a few years now so I wanted to find out how it has fared over time. My assumption is that is's slightly lighter and so helps lift the bow as more of the hulls weight is in the middle, and also that its less brittle than a glass fiber so the hull should maintain its rigidity for longer. Any other advantages? What is the reality in practice? Is it now the norm or still an optional extra on new boats? Tweet |
22/12/2009 12:38:16![]() Barry Smith Posts: 0 | Hi Steve. I sail a 1993 Kevlar Bow Composite Winder which brought in 2008 she had a bit of gelcoat flake of just before shroud plates on both side which I repaired By Jo Lines at Boat Repair Centre who is also a Fireball sailor she did very good job. I use to sail 20 year old Northampton boat the first I thing notice was the Winder glide over the water compared with Northampton. The Boat was weighted at the Weymouth Nationals and was only two kilos over weight we had a bit up and down Nationals we only finish one race on the Very wind day but our best place was 25th on the light wind Friday. Kevlar had made the modern Fireball long lasting and its only your boat handling and rig set up which is important. Barry Smith F/B 14430 Tweet |