Headsail Sunbrella

[Tim]

My first boat, my first stuipid mistake!!After day of sailing, got the boat tied all snug and secure in slip, but forgot to make sure headsail sheets were cleated and secure. Next week strong winds on coast caused headsail to un-furl partially. Constant flapping caused sunbrella edge on sail to tear away and frazzeled (loose threads hanging).Someone at yacth club tied it up, but damage already done.Question: Can the sunbrella be removed from sail to be replaced at a later date, and continue to use sail as it is not damaged. Will a couple of months of sunshine at the beach damage the headsail?Thanks,

 

[Bruce Mulford]

I would look for...

...some of that sticky back sail tear material in one of the boat stores and repair it where it is. At the end of the season you can have a sailmaker look at it. I would think removing the rest of it is a last resort.

 

[Ray Bowles]

Its a gamble on how much money a mistake costs.

Sail tape works great. The sunbrella is a structural part of the furling jib on my 95 H26 and I would rather beg and cry in front of my loft buddy to sneak it in and repair her, but he already knows I'm a ballbaby and shines me off.I wouldn't chance this on my boat but that also explains my risk factor. I damn sure don't want it to come unglued in a blow with sea miles to make.RayS/V Speedy

 

[Gerard]

a compromise

You can call around the local lofts to see when the can get you in for a quick fix and if not they'll probably tape it for you if you tell them to call you when they have an opening. Good luck.

 

[Crazy Dave Condon]

headsial

We all make mistakes and I can assure that I have made some in the past as a sailboat owner and dealer. Take the time I sunk my car launching a boat. The big thing is your boat was not damaged nor anyone hurt.Sail Tape is fine for now but come winter, do send your sail off for repairs as that is the slow time usually in october thru December. IF the sun hits the sail and it is not covered for several months, it will be fine. It is long term exposure that hurts the sail from UV sunlight.Crazy Dave Condon