I want to have Black sails made for my 16

I would like to have Black Dacron sails made for my H16. The only information I have read is that dark blue or Black sails resist UV the best? Its such a great look I wonder why others have not done it I have only seen 1 photo of a 16 with black sails. So what might the problem be with black sails?

i was told black spinnakers are no good because the sail shape varies since the black heats up the cloth. im sure normal sails are the same

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http://youtube.com/optikid16030

1983 Hobie 16 Cat fever #55697
2008 Laser Radial/4.7 #190471
S.S.S.
S.Y.S.P

Depending where you sail, bright colors might help others see you. You may also have trouble seeing tell-tales through a black sail, but I guess a window can be inserted for that.

+1 on the visibility. Any dark colours are very hard to see/find on the horizon especially in bay areas where you have a land backdrop.

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2007 Hobie 16 - 'Slingshot'
1996 Hobie 18 - 'Onrails'
Hobie Bravo - 'Hobie Bites'

I have a set of medium blue sails with stripes and was sailing at my brother's lake last summer. My sister in law said she couldn't see me out there. Of course my brother has an 18 with orange sails. In comparison he looks like a highway cone on the lake.

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JKK
83 yellow/ white decks Hobie 14 Corando turbo
82 yellow hulls Hobie 16 Cat Fever
84 yellow hulls hobie 16 Yellow Nationals
plus a few extras that I'm restoring

Thanks for the replies. Im not so worried about the visibility Im not really sailing anywhere offshore. I was just concerned about durability. So going to get them made, it will look hot with the yellow hulls. Will post pictures when I finish the restoration of my New 1981 H16 barley used fresh water lake find! Going now to wet-sand!!

Well, I was about to pull the trigger on the new sails yesterday but came across an 11th hour craigslist post a few towns away for a set of 1992 NEON color scheme sails. Went to look at them this morning and they seemed to maybe NEVER been sailed. The guy said they may have been sailed a few times but stored in a garage thankfully away from mice.
They are crisp, like new condition window in jib is flawless as well as every other part including battens. Price (as I feel like I stole them) $300....So forget the black sails and as far as visibility, well I think these will be seen 6 miles away...lol.

You can have them made, but I doubt you'll have your sails out in the sun so much that it will matter. If resistance factors more for big boats were the sails aren't removed between uses.

Sent from my SM-N910V using Tapatalk

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Catamaran Racing Association of Michigan - Marketing Officer
USF18 - Social Media Manager

2010 NACRA Infusion
2004 F18 Hobie Tiger - SOLD
Hobie 16 - BREAKPOINT - SOLD

Its always great seeing old sails being re-born! Post up some photos....

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2007 Hobie 16 - 'Slingshot'
1996 Hobie 18 - 'Onrails'
Hobie Bravo - 'Hobie Bites'