mainsail cover velcro

[simonfraser]

rather than using holes / hooks etc i plan to use just velcro, has anyone tried this, does it work, or do you know better ???
thanks

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[Anonymous]

We bought some velcro sail ties a few years ago and found them useless (for that purpose). They stick to each other and are so light they blow away in the lightest breeze. Handy for other things, though. Might be OK on the sail cover but the self-adhesive velcro doesn't stick (for us, anyway) so make sure you stitch it - would require a big needle if going through canvas.

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[brownsox]

Are you making a new sailcover from scratch? If so, do you have a pattern eg from a magazine, or are you just working it out for yourself? And what exact sort of canvas/ where do you get it from? I'm interested in doing the same thing.
I'd have thought velco would be fine for this ... maybe with a single tie at each end as a belt and braces security move.

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[simonfraser]

using the old one to make a pattern for the new bigger roached main
material prob from:
http://www.pointnorth.co.uk/shop_cat.asp?cat_id=1
Simon

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[simonfraser]

thanks, yes agree with the stiching, tried to stick some velcro on grp last year, no good, i suppose it would have worked with araldite .............

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[bob26]

I made a mainsail cover for a Konsort which Velcroed shut across the front of the mast but I had webbing straps and nylon click-fit buckles top and bottom to secure.

The Velcro never came undone but the straps took the real load.

I would be cautious about relying upon Velcro alone - and it can be a nuisance clinging to clothes etc.

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[andy_wilson]

I'v thought of replacing the laces at the mast with velcro but I wouldn't replace the bungy cord and hooks underneath the boom.

The Mains'l needs protection from U/V but also needs to be able to get a bit of air to reduce the (inevitable) onset of mildew when put away wet and salty.

Moral? Don't seal it up completely.

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[William_H]

The trick with velcro as a tie is to put a SS or plastic loop or ring on the end of a tag of cloth and set up the velcro so that it goes through the loop then velcros back onto itself. This means you need a section of hook then a section of pile sewn onto the fabric tag or use the hook velcro itself as the tag with a piece of the pil;e sewn onto it. This forms a 2 part purchase where the pull on the velcro join is in shear the strongest and it is still adjustable (alittle) This method can make an excellent watch band.
good luck with the sewing machine will

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[yoda]

Velcro on it's own doesn't work. I tried and ended up fitting plastic clips to take the weight.

Yoda

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[nonchalant]

If the condition of the velcro on the sail cover when we bought our boat is anything to go by, it deteriorates to the point of uselessness far more rapidly than any other part of the cover.

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[SteveGorst]

Thanks so much for this link to canvas suppliers. I'm about to undertake a sewing project myself and these guys look as though they've got everything I need all under one roof.



<hr width=100% size=1><A target="_blank" HREF=http://www.nwcc.info>North Wales Cruising Club</A>

 

[brownsox]

Trouble is, we don't have an old one either!
Bought boat (trailer sailer) without one.
I know it's a simple shape but some sort of pattern would be a real help.
Thanks for the supplier link.


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[DavidTocher]

I made a sail cover and used Fastex Side Release Buckles on webbing. They are great - positive locking, adjustable and quick to fasten with cold hands. They are used on rucsacks and other camping/walking gear. As I already made the cover and had used normal buckles that needed threading each time I just cut the buckle stitchting and threaded on the Fastex Side Release Buckles onto the webbing.


David

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[Gunfleet]

brown paper

and a windless day are what you require

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[Joe_Cole]

I wouldn't use it.

Several boats on our moorings had their sails trashed during last weeks gales. It was obvious, on the ones that I saw over the weekend, that the covers hadn't been up to the job. Velcro may be OK most of the time; but one gale will test it to destruction.

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