There’s an article on DIYing a Jordan Series Drogue (JSD), AAC preferred and recommended storm survival equipment, over at This Old Boat.
There’s some useful stuff to learn in the article; however, the author makes the terrible mistake of using old discarded sailcloth that she bought from a boat salvager for the cones.
We know from firsthand reports by our contributors that the cones do wear out over time, even when made with the correct brand new fabric, so making them out of old sail cloth that will certainly be sun damaged is a seriously bad idea that could render the JSD useless in an hour or so of deployment.
Remember, the JSD is our last line of defence in a survival storm. If it fails there is nothing between us and capsize, so cheaping out on any part of it makes no sense…even if we have to forgo that cool new plotter to do the JSD right.
More on storm survival and JSD construction, including firsthand use reports.
Hi John,
Good catch, good advice: cruisers are often impressively ingenious in their efforts to improve their boat, but too often the wish to spend the least amount of money transcends common sense. I am always initially wary when a cruiser introduces an idea with a comment on how little it cost (implying that is the more or the most important consideration).
My best, Dick Stevenson, s/v Alchemy
Hi Dick,
I totally agree, and get the same uneasy feeling at the same time you do. In fact I wrote at length on this very thing: https://www.morganscloud.com/2015/07/19/boat-maintenance-dont-go-broke-saving-money/
An interesting insight into building one’s own JSD by an experienced sailor who used NEW 7.8 oz. dacron sailcloth for the cones: https://tbeetle.wordpress.com/2019/12/13/jordan-series-drogue-mostly-built/
Hi Tom,
Thanks for the link. A good article, I think. The only criticism I could come up with is that he sourced sail cloth that is heavily impregnated with stiffening resin. Real world testing seems to shown that softer Dacron is less susceptible to fatigue from the cones opening and closing, which the tend to do on every wave cycle.
That said, since he is also binding the cones and went so heavy on the cloth, I’m guessing it will be fine for normal use, although maybe not for a Southern Ocean passage.
Hope you will write a letter to GOB with these thoughts.
Hi Terence,
No, I won’t be doing that. If I took on correcting every bad idea in the mags I would have no time left to do my job here for you members who pay my salary.
I’ve never even kept cloth from a used sail even for for patches. When I’m done with them the fabric is suspect, to say the least.
Wow, just yesterday evening was dreaming of reusing my old mainsail for that. Avoiding this mistake is worth the entire subscription
Hi Michele,
That’s good to hear, thank you!