How to mend/patch my main sail cover?

[Captain Crisp]

Hi - I need to repair the material that sits below my main cover and slots into the groove along the boom... Not sure what it is... Some kind of tough nylon I think... Also the zip is starting to detach on the top as in the picture... There's very little material to play with...
Any wise thoughts?
Many thanks!
Crisp

 

[Rappey]

I would say the zip has had it and needs replacing. The other material often used to slot into the boom slot is sailcloth. Replace both and your good to go.
Easy job for someone with a sewing machine

 

[dunedin]

Not sure where you are based but personally I would - and previously have - just take to your local sailmaker. They have all the materials to hand, and very quick to run the stitching along their sewing machine. Shouldn’t be an expensive job, but a hassle doing DIY.

 

[doug748]

As above, the zip is on it's way out but you could use long hand stitches into the root of the teeth and the good material. As long as you don't build up the threads too much it will work and you have little to lose. Keep testing the zip as you sew, I have done this on clothing.
Two long patches of any reasonably suitable material would fix the mesh to fight another day - as long as you don't interfere with the fit to the boom.

 

[alahol2]

Get the mesh and the zip replaced by your local sailmaker if you haven't got, or aren't happy using, a sewing machine.
You can save some serious money by getting a seam ripper and removing the defective material yourself.