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Posted 4 Months, 3 Weeks ago
lakeswalker
Junior Boarder
Posts: 34
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any one know if you can use the waterproofing stuff that is used on tents coats etc to spray on hang glider sail cloth and the possible effects problems it may cause
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Posted 4 Months, 3 Weeks ago
mana
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Posts: 37
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I'm not sure about the common waterproofing stuff for sails. Its usually used on nylon whereas hg sails are Dacron with something (can't remember) impregnating it for rigidity. I think that marine sail makers make special cleaners and rejuvenators specifically for Dacron. Seems to me I read this in one of Pagen's books. Anyway you've got to be careful because I think some of the common 'proofers break down this impregnate.
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Posted 4 Months, 3 Weeks ago
Ducati999
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Posts: 35
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Consult one of the HG manufacturers like Solar or Avian. IIRC Airwave used to use something like sail brite or sail away, but don't use it unless you need it.

Using anything that causes water to form large globules on the leading edge can seriously affect the pitch and stall characterisitcs of a glider as they cause flow break away.

Beware also of not drying the glider out properly after it has got wet as if you store a wet glider in a warm, damp environment mildew will trash the sail.

If the glider is wet dry it out then work out some way of storing it that will keep it dry. Don't store it in a polythene bag with ventilation as this causes condensation and will lead to mildew also.

Steve U.

**************************************************** Steve Uzochukwu, Avian Amour and Nova Xyon. http://homepages.which.net/~steveu/index.htm

****************************************************
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Posted 4 Months, 3 Weeks ago
jhkjurter
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Posts: 52
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While I've flow in just about every condition you can think of, rain is my least favorite. Years ago I use to fly a 180' Attack Duck (Wills) and it had a profound change when flying in rain. Seems water would accumulate behind the leading edge on the top side of the sail. Control bar tended to 'float' at times.. really strange. Have not noticed a significant change in control in hail or snow other than to notice that snow always seems to be flying straight towards you regardless of the direction you turn and hail can be loud and sting when hitting you in the face.

Dan
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