Repair tape for sails - tough and durable???

[Robert Wilson]

I have an old jib, with failed stitching on two or three panels (leach). Does anybody know/can recommend a self-adhesive tape which would make a semi-permanent overlapping repair, instead of having extra panels stitched over the flappy bits? The sail has already had extra sections stitched-on so it's looking a bit like a clippy-mat!

Rather than throw it out I thought I might keep it for winter days when preferring not to use my nice shiny new sail.

Any pointers/advice?

Ta muchly

R

 

[VicS]

I have an old jib, with failed stitching on two or three panels (leach). Does anybody know/can recommend a self-adhesive tape which would make a semi-permanent overlapping repair, instead of having extra panels stitched over the flappy bits? The sail has already had extra sections stitched-on so it's looking a bit like a clippy-mat!

Rather than throw it out I thought I might keep it for winter days when preferring not to use my nice shiny new sail.

Any pointers/advice?

Ta muchly

R

Self adhesive sail ( spinnaker ) repair tape. Any decent chandler will keep.

 

[Robert Wilson]

Thanks
Really? Does it last well without over-stitching?
Not talking years and years, but perhaps might well do if only used three/four times per of-season?

 

[TQA]

I would beg borrow or steal [ as a last resort buy ] a sewing machine and resew the seams. Even if it is a straight stitch the result will be stronger.

Of course you could tape and sew.

Spinnaker tape is not strong enough on a leach repair IMHO unless it is a small yacht, something around 20 ft.

 

[Skylark]

Sail repair tape will only lead to frustration in my view. Regardless of its patchwork appearance, stitching (even laboriously by hand if needed) is infinitely better.

 

[Robert Wilson]

Sail repair tape will only lead to frustration in my view. Regardless of its patchwork appearance, stitching (even laboriously by hand if needed) is infinitely better.

I am leaning towards this (once my hacks/keens on fingers and thumbs have healed and the right hand pointer finger-nail that the chart-table lid fell on yesterday has fallen-off and regrown!).

It'll be repair tape for the next month or so then a proper job can be stitched when free-time suddenly arrives in March................

Thanks folks, for the comments and advice.

RW

 

[wilkinsonsails]

Try asking your local sailmaker for insignia cloth off cuts .Its polyester and tougher than the spinny repair tape .Its used as chafe patches for cross tress etc as well as number material.
The larger area will stick better over damage on a clean dry ( not salty ) sail.
Cindy

 

[Robert Wilson]

Thanks for that. I'll contact them tomorrow.

 

[ghostlymoron]

If you do re stitch it, its worth getting a cheap old Singer or Jones with zig zag. You can get one off eBay or local small ad for about £20.

 

[johnalison]

Sail repair tape is utterly brilliant for temporary repairs. It might even last a season or two, but isn't a substitute for a full repair.

 

[Jim Schofield]

Take a look at this site, might help.

http://drsails.com/

 

[Robert Wilson]

If you do re stitch it, its worth getting a cheap old Singer or Jones with zig zag. You can get one off eBay or local small ad for about £20.

Good news :encouragement:

Sail repair tape is utterly brilliant for temporary repairs. It might even last a season or two, but isn't a substitute for a full repair.

Almost good news

 

[CAPTAIN FANTASTIC]

If you dont want to do a repair by sailmakers, use the repair stick-on tape and then hand stitch it too. It will last much much longer; use sailmakers thread which is uv protected

 

[Robert Wilson]

If you dont want to do a repair by sailmakers, use the repair stick-on tape and then hand stitch it too. It will last much much longer; use sailmakers thread which is uv protected

:encouragement: That's what I'll be doing.
Thanks

 

[srm]

Re-stitching a seam by hand is not difficult, simply pass needle and thread through the existing set of holes, but make sure you start with a matching pair. It takes a bit of time but may be easier than trying to pass a bundle of sail through a domestic size machine. Also, using a machine gives a new set of holes and a potential weakness in an old sail. If the sail is well used it may be brittle due to UV; I have easily torn the tabling off a heavy working jib by hand along the stitching holes. I was inspecting a boat with a view to purchase and the owner said there was plenty off life left in the sail. I did ask if I could tear his sail before doing it; you should have seen his face!
As to tape, the sail needs to be perfectly clean and dry, then it may last for a few outings before peeling (one season if very lucky).

 

[Robert Wilson]

Re-stitching a seam by hand is not difficult, simply pass needle and thread through the existing set of holes, but make sure you start with a matching pair. It takes a bit of time but may be easier than trying to pass a bundle of sail through a domestic size machine. Also, using a machine gives a new set of holes and a potential weakness in an old sail. If the sail is well used it may be brittle due to UV; I have easily torn the tabling off a heavy working jib by hand along the stitching holes. I was inspecting a boat with a view to purchase and the owner said there was plenty off life left in the sail. I did ask if I could tear his sail before doing it; you should have seen his face!
As to tape, the sail needs to be perfectly clean and dry, then it may last for a few outings before peeling (one season if very lucky).

Trouble is it's mainly "old panels over-fixed that have torn so following the stitches won't apply.

My thoughts, so not going that direction

I'll try stitching round adhesive patches, but won't be expecting to get much more life out of the old sail. Perhaps a couple of seasons occasional use.

In reality, probably not worth my effort !!!

 

[charles_reed]

Many sailmakers have adhesive sailcloth - I begged mine off Sobstad - which is considerably heavier (about 2.5oz US) than spinnaker tape and lasts far longer. Even then I find it only good for a couple of seasons.
Far better, as already suggested to re-sew the panels - stitching always goes before sailcloth partly because, being raised, it is subject more to chafe and also because it tends to have less UV resistance.
Most sailmakers charge about £2.50/m for re-sewing, so it's probably more economic to get one or a tent/tarpaulin hirer to do the job for you.

 

[Robert Wilson]

Many sailmakers have adhesive sailcloth - I begged mine off Sobstad - which is considerably heavier (about 2.5oz US) than spinnaker tape and lasts far longer. Even then I find it only good for a couple of seasons.
Far better, as already suggested to re-sew the panels - stitching always goes before sailcloth partly because, being raised, it is subject more to chafe and also because it tends to have less UV resistance.
Most sailmakers charge about £2.50/m for re-sewing, so it's probably more economic to get one or a tent/tarpaulin hirer to do the job for you.

That's a good idea, well done.
I'm going into Inverness in two weeks, and IF I can get out to Khamsin before then I'll get the sail and take it to them and see what they can do.

Many thanks.

 

[savageseadog]

I've done a few repairs. There's self adhesive Dacron known variously as sticky back Dacron or Insignia Dacron or tape. There's also a light Mylar/Kevlar self adhesive tape, really for laminate sails. There's a self adhesive Kevlar tape which is ideal for high load areas especially when stitched, I've used it in head, tack and clew areas as well as luff tape repairs.