So ok ... this is an update to an 11-19-09 note in this thread:
I replaced my 155 3DL and its horrendus dacron UV cover with a 155 Kevlar medium weight with a sock. North does a trade in 25% off deal every once and a while and they got back the 2 year old shredded 3DL.
There was no way I was going to do a dacon UV cover on anything but a dacron sail as they stretch differently and destroy whatever shape the trailing edge of the sail has as well as the bottom 20 or so inches.
So they sent me a sock ... which I am happy with since it covers the sail but doesn't effect the sail. mastman pulls it up on the spin halyard while foredeck guy holds zipper and guides it around. There is a lacing to really tighten it in ... but probably not bother with that unless we have a storm coming. So OK I got the longest zipper in the marina.
Also after 27 years with a Harken roller which was originally on 327 then to 505 ... I am about to put on the Harken IV Series 1. and a new forestay built by Hall. I hope to get another 25 years out of it ... the Harken ...not the sock ... if that sock lasts a year I'll be surprised.
By the way Harken recommends a low Clew ... and I have to admit the sail looks pretty good at that height with a furler. I had always thought of a raised clew to be able to see around/under better ... but with a 155 I don't think anything is to be gained visually.