What glue to repair a dacron sail?

[Skylark]

I have a small tear around the luff / bolt rope near the head of my mainsail. The area gets a fair amount of flex, simply raising and lowering the sail as the luff flakes down the mast track.

I've wrapped the luff using 4 inch wide self adhesive sail repair tape. After only a week or so the tape is starting to lift. The tape length is about 6 inch on one side and about 4 inches the other, as it wraps around the luff.

A couple of questions. Perhaps the sail was not clean enough for the adhesive. What should I use to clean the area thoughly?

Should I "belt and braces" by adding additional adhesive to the repair tape, if so, what type?

Any help and advice appreciated, thanks.

 

[ianat182]

I'd get your local sailmaker to renew the luff covering for about a foot, properly stitched.
I'd also suggest that you use some teflon spray on the luff of the sail or alternatively up the luff of the mast groove/track to ease the loads when hoisting and lowering.


ianat182

 

[fishermantwo]

After cleaning the area and its dry, replace the sticky back and sew around the edges, preferably with a zigzag stitch.
Soapy water will clean it.

 

[SAWDOC]

I'd get your local sailmaker to renew the luff covering for about a foot, properly stitched.
I'd also suggest that you use some teflon spray on the luff of the sail or alternatively up the luff of the mast groove/track to ease the loads when hoisting and lowering.


ianat182

I agree and if he is good he will give the sail a complete inspection and carry out very worthwhile preventative maintenance if required.