Furling Sail Options: UV Protection & Roller Reefing

By: Andy Camarda

For sails that remain furled on the rig, UV protection is essential to prevent premature degradation from the sun’s harmful rays. Without proper protection, sails left exposed can weaken, fade, and delaminate in a matter of months, especially in high-UV environments.

We offer three UV cover fabric options to suit different sailing needs, balancing weight, durability, and cost. Each is securely stitched and, in some cases, adhered with backing to ensure long-term performance.

UV Protection Options for Furling Sails

Dacron UV: Lightweight & Cost-Effective

Best for: Seasonal sailors, boats in lower UV environments, and furling sails that are only left on the rig for short periods.

Dacron UV is our lightest-weight option, made from a soft-finish 4 oz Dacron cloth, similar to the Insignia cloth used for sail numbers and draft stripes. This fabric is coated with a urethane infused with Titanium Dioxide-Plus, which provides enhanced UV resistance and longer durability compared to older coatings that tended to crack and flake. The coating adheres to each filament, ensuring a longer lifespan and increased protection from the sun.

While Dacron UV is a cost-effective solution, it is best suited for seasonal boats or sails that are only furled for short periods, as it offers less UV resistance than heavier options. It is not ideal for boats in tropical or high-UV regions, where prolonged sun exposure will cause it to break down faster.

Pros:

• Lightweight, minimal impact on sail handling
• Most affordable option
• Ideal for boats that remove sails frequently

Cons:

• Shorter lifespan in high-UV areas
• Less durable than heavier UV cover materials
• Only available in white

WeatherMax: Midweight Durability & UV Protection

Best for: Cruisers and racers looking for a balance of durability, weight, and UV resistance.

WeatherMax has grown in popularity as a middle-ground option between lightweight Dacron and heavyweight Sunbrella. Made from an acrylic-coated polyester, it is designed for high-UV marine environments while remaining more flexible and lighter than traditional UV covers.

Available in 6.5 oz (LT) and 8 oz variations, WeatherMax provides excellent durability without adding excessive weight to the leech and foot of your sail. This makes it a great option for sailors looking for a UV cover that lasts longer than Dacron without the added bulk of Sunbrella. WeatherMax is also available in a variety of colors, allowing you to match your existing sail and canvas setup.

Pros:

• Lighter than Sunbrella, but more durable than Dacron
• Holds color well, especially white
• Good UV resistance for most climates
• Available in multiple colors to match your sail and canvas

Cons:

• Slightly heavier than Dacron UV
• Less durable than Sunbrella in extreme UV conditions

Sunbrella: Maximum Durability & UV Protection

Best for: Boats in high-UV areas, long-term cruisers, and those looking to match existing canvas work.

Sunbrella has long been considered the gold standard for UV sail covers. Made from solution-dyed acrylic, it offers the highest level of UV resistance and exceptional durability, making it the preferred choice for boats in tropical climates, full-time cruisers, and boats that leave their sails furled year-round.

While Sunbrella is the heaviest of the three options, its longevity makes it an excellent long-term investment. It also comes in a wide variety of colors, allowing you to match it to existing sail covers, Biminis, and dodgers for a cohesive look.

For boats that experience intense sun exposure or want the most rugged protection available, Sunbrella is the best option.

Pros:

• Longest-lasting UV protection of any fabric
• Resists fading and damage from salt, sun, and mildew
• Matches existing canvas work for a uniform look

Cons:

• Heavier weight can impact sail shape and handling
• More expensive than Dacron and WeatherMax

Which UV Cover is Right for You?

Selecting the right UV cover ensures your furling sail remains protected, extends its lifespan, and keeps it looking great season after season. If you’re unsure which option is best for your needs, our team can guide you based on your sailing conditions and boat usage.