Sourcing leather for gaff jaws

[Madryn]

Hello fellow boaters

If this question has been asked before I apologise for repeating it. I honestly have looked but haven't seen it.

I am trying to find replacement leather for the inside of the jaws on my gaff rigged boat. The existing leather is starting to tear.

I only need a small amount so it's difficult to get any sense from the big online suppliers. We seem to be talking a different language. They're talking in terms of metres and I'm talkin gin terms of centimetres (sigh).

Has anyone with more experience than me found a good UK source? I feel certain this must be a common "problem".

Thanks fo any help.

 

[Hacker]

There was a guy on the Cornish Crabbers forum who sourced some leather for his gaff jaws. Couldn’t find the supplier on a quick look. If I do I’ll post it here.

Just found it. It was from a company called Pittards in Somerset. Apparently they were very helpful and supplied everything he needed.

 

[Gary Fox]

Riggers and sailmakers who deal with gaffers will have some. You need a few big sewing tools and a gallon of neatsfoot oil to soak the leather, it is very satisfying. I experimented with a knife sheath as well, the dark colour is after oiling.

 

[RobinBirch]

Ebay- possibly

Loads of folk selling offcuts

 

[Easticks28]

Do you have a local saddler? They will have off cuts I'm sure.

 

[Tradewinds]

Classic Marine at SYH, Levington
Leather 2-2.5mm

 

[donm]

You can buy offcuts on EBay but I’m not sure of the quality - I was going to get some for my dinghy oars

 

[wrr]

Arthur Beale supply two thicknesses, small quantities available, link here: Leather — Arthur Beale

 

[wombat88]

I have used an old pair of shoes.

 

[Rappey]

I used this company for a leather wheel cover. Cheaper than other kits and more then happy with it.
They also do leather for all sorts of traditional boat applications.
Marine Leather Work - Sea Dogs

 

[Madryn]

There was a guy on the Cornish Crabbers forum who sourced some leather for his gaff jaws. Couldn’t find the supplier on a quick look. If I do I’ll post it here.

Just found it. It was from a company called Pittards in Somerset. Apparently they were very helpful and supplied everything he needed.

Thanks Hacker.

 

[Madryn]

Thanks everyone for your suggestions. A few good options to try there. Much appreciated.