Sail repair kit - what should it include

[tudorsailor]

In my long term planning for the ARC+ i 217, it would seem a good idea to have a sail repair kit on board. I do have a Speedy Stitcher, but what else should I have to make up my kit? Should I buy a piece of sail fabric? What else is useful?

Thanks

TudorSailor

 

[sarabande]

set of needles (carbon if you can get them as they sharpen more easily, but need wrapping in oilcloth)

assorted spools v69 thread

chromed leather for patching abrasive pulpit tubing

fine carborundum stone for sharpening needles

sailcloth, various. Useful to have some decent old sailcloth as it is easier to stitch than brand new

sailmaker's palm (they make them in left handed if you're sinister)

beeswax (stiffens and waterproofs thread) makes it draw easily

a decent straight-edge about 3ft long for marking cloth - sail batten might do

sewing 'ripper' - a small tool designed to unpick stitches quickly

a really decent pair of scissors

loads of various coloured whipping twine

some means of heatsealing sailcloth edges. If you have a small gas soldering iron, this usually has a flat head. Or a 12v electric knife.

double sided tape - essential for holding sailcloth edges together while stitching.

Will you want to be putting grommets into sails ? You can get ones which can be hammered. Or a reasonably good vice is useful.


If you have space, then a Reads sewing machine is worth it's weight in gold, and in making new friends. I have one (not for sale ) but also have an old Husquvarna with a steel frame for sale . Easy to buy in sewing shops.

EDIT Oh yes, "spinnaker tape" which sticks to small tears even when the sail is wet. Prevention > cure.

 

[duncan99210]

Pretty much what has been said above. The only things I'd add would be some webbing tape (25 and 40 mm width) with some buckles and snap buckles to match. Not for sail repair as such but we've found them useful in making up ad hoc straps to keep things in place.
Also, if you have a Bimini, spray hood or dodgers, then some offcuts of the canvas used to make them would be useful. Finally, some offcuts of the clear plastic window material for the sprayhood and a suitable clear adhesive, so that you can repair any splits.

 

[TQA]

Rather than clear plastic off cuts I would just have a roll of the tape used to repair polytunnels. It resists UV.

Take several spare needles.

A Sailrite would be nice but an old hand operated cast iron Singer that only does straight stitch will do just about as well. Mine cost 25 quid and did the business for 7 years. Top Tip for the SInger - use needles sold for jeans.

 

[michael_w]

I'd add a palm for every adult onboard. If you get a big repair it can take ages on your own! Get reasonable quality palms, not the cheapo ones if you want to avoid injury.
Sticky sailcloth as used for spreader patches is very useful. WM Smith of Redditch make the best needles.

http://neptuneworks.com/