SO40 Lazy Bag

[so40gtb]

After 13 years, our OEM Technique Voile lazy bag is worn to the point where repair isn't sufficient and replacement is necessary, so we're engaging local canvas shops in discussions and bidding.

Do any of you have comments in what you would like to see in a replacement bag? Our "desired new feature" list, so far, includes:
1 Wrap-around mast front canvas, rather than the straps of the Technique Voile bag;
2 Reefing tie points in the bag's bottom aligned with mainsail reefing eyelets for first and second reefs (to improve sail flattening); and
3 Fewer openings at the lower aft end of the bag, corresponding to a modest range for the clew slider and limited range for the reefing lines.

Any input is appreciated, whether from owners of SO40s or other Jeanneaus equipped with lazy bags.

--Karl

[puravidatx]

A modification we did to the Lazy Bag on our SO35 was the addition of a flap to cover the length of the zipper on top of the bag. A few Velcro tabs placed along the length of the flap were added to hold down the flap after zipping. We did this because rain water would collect in various places in the bag and the sail folds when it rained. The water always seemed to just lay in wait, sometimes for days, before pouring out of the bottom of the bag and right on top of my head or down the companionway. The flap does a great job of preventing the water from collecting in the bag. When dropping the main, the Velcro tabs also provide a quick way to temporarily close the top of the bag... letting me deal with the long reach to the zipper after arriving at the dock. The flap also extends the life of the zipper by inhibiting UV damage. The original zipper (vintage 2004) barely lasted 4 years while the replacement zipper still looks great after 5+ years.



Thomas

[MalcolmP]

I had a sailmaker make the front of the standard lazy bag removable 

It works fine, but if I was doing this from new I would have a separate bonnet made that had large overlaps.

I also think having some mesh panels in the very bottom would assist in keeping any water accumulation to the minimum (although I think the idea of covering the zip is helpful)

I also had some sail tyers sewn into the bottom of the bag it makes it all much more secure and a neater stack when leaving the boat or a while

On the 39i the OEM fibreglass support rods are annoying made in several sections joined by horrid plastic pipe, next time around I will go for full length, even though storage may be an issue when the sail is removed

[sitara]

Thomas,
What a great idea about a zipper flap. The zipper on my old SO292 (2004) only lasted five years and a lot of the stitching only made it to four years. I am in the process of making a bimini for my SO36i and will add a zipper flap to the list of things to do on the boat.

How many velcro tabs did you use and roughly what size are they? I guess quite a few would be needed to stop the wind getting under the flap when the boat is in the pen.

[puravidatx]

I asked my canvas guy to add 2"x2" tabs every foot but he actually installed a 2" wide strip that runs the length of the zipper. Way too much Velcro in my opinion but perhaps it was easier to stitch one long strip vs. numerous smaller Velcro squares. The full length strip holds the flap down quite well... perhaps too well. I have since 'neutered' a few sections of the strip so it's easier to pull open the flap with one hand.

We also had many of the original seams restitched when the flap was installed and had the batten pockets reinforced as the rods were beginning to wear through the pocket ends.

I haven't thought this through, but have wondered if a couple of vertical battens would be helpful in holding the bag open and upright when dropping the sail. I've seen something along those lines on a neighboring Beneteau.

[j]

Oct 29, 2013 14:38:38 GMT puravidatx said:

perhaps it was easier to stitch one long strip vs. numerous smaller Velcro squares.
.

Yes it is, every line of sewing needs to be locked (reversed over) at its end, so a long strip only needs two locks & it's far easier to hold a long strip in place as you are stitching compared to lots of small bits.

If it were me I'd consider putting a full strip of loop on one part, and small separate pieces of hook. Doing this would make it easier to undo and it would make it easier to stick it together (rather than having to match up each piece). Hope this makes sense.

[puravidatx]

If it were me I'd consider putting a full strip of loop on one part, and small separate pieces of hook. Doing this would make it easier to undo and it would make it easier to stick it together (rather than having to match up each piece). Hope this makes sense.

makes sense.... probably what I should have asked for in the first place. It is basically what I wound up with after 'neutering' a few sections of Velcro under the flap. By 'neutering' I mean placing patches of opposing Velcro at various spots along one of the strips. I now have one continuous strip of Velcro attached to underside of the flap and a discontinuous strip of Velcro on top of the cover under the flap.