How to fix a tear in modern spinnaker...

[Captain Crisp]

Hi any recommendations for fixing a 2 inch tear in a spinnaker? It's an ultra light type... Made out of the material they make flexi-foil kites etc... I'm imagining some sort of sticker...

Thanks,

Crisp

 

[Concerto]

Ripstop sail repair tape.

https://www.force4.co.uk/item/PSP-Tapes/Spinnaker-Sail-Repair-Tape/CZI

 

[William_H]

Yes use rip stop repair tape. However in my experience it does not always sick as well as you might like. So I run a ring of stitching around the outside of the patch. A domestic sewing machine will do fine on zig zag or straight. Use ordinary polyester thread. You can if you are keen put a patch on both sides sewing through both. A bit of a challenge to get both patches aligned accurately. You may find the glue sticks to the needle and needs to be cleaned frequently. Yes my spin has many patches now after 20 years of racing. ol'will

 

[Chiara’s slave]

Yes use rip stop repair tape. However in my experience it does not always sick as well as you might like. So I run a ring of stitching around the outside of the patch. A domestic sewing machine will do fine on zig zag or straight. Use ordinary polyester thread. You can if you are keen put a patch on both sides sewing through both. A bit of a challenge to get both patches aligned accurately. You may find the glue sticks to the needle and needs to be cleaned frequently. Yes my spin has many patches now after 20 years of racing. ol'will

That is perfect for a lasting repair. Tape both sides and stitch. If it’s a temp job til you hand it over to a sailmaker in winter, omit the stitching.

 

[garymalmgren]

When using Rip Stop tape you should cut the corners round with scissors.
Also, there will be salt or dust on the sail which will prevent adhesion.
Wash affected area with clean water and a small scrubbing brush two or three times.
ol'Will's process will make the repair longlasting

Gary

 

[Iliade]

Also, if patching both sides, aim to make one patch smaller than the other.

If your spinnaker is siliconised, eg., Gelvenor, you will be on a hiding to nothing trying to get tape to stick. Silicon bath sealant works, as does lightly sanding the silicon off. Sometimes only one side is annoying.