We're trying to get one more summer's use out of the existing mainsail on an O'day Daysailer that we're rebuilding. The sail has several spots that have worn through due to improper storage and transport by the PO. Does anyone offer iron-on patches for sail repairs?
Iron-on sail patch
- Thread starter George16771
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Fast Cure 3M5200
Get a tube of 3M FAST CURE 5200. Get some sail material similar to your sail in weight (0Z. PER YARD) Apply a THIN coating of 5200 on the patches you cut from the material, CAREFULLY ALIGN the torn sail panes, and then apply the patch to both sides of the sail. Let cure 24 hours. Such a patch is permanent and will last longer than any other patch. Apply masking tape to the areas not covered with the patch when applying to keep things 'neat', remove the masking tape immediately after the patches are applied.. **THIN** application of 3M 5200 is needed to keep the repair 'flexible'. materials: 4" dacron sail tape and Fast Cure 5200 are available from sailrite.com A daysailer typically uses 6 pz. dacron material for the mainsail and 4 oz. dacron material for the jib.
Get a tube of 3M FAST CURE 5200. Get some sail material similar to your sail in weight (0Z. PER YARD) Apply a THIN coating of 5200 on the patches you cut from the material, CAREFULLY ALIGN the torn sail panes, and then apply the patch to both sides of the sail. Let cure 24 hours. Such a patch is permanent and will last longer than any other patch. Apply masking tape to the areas not covered with the patch when applying to keep things 'neat', remove the masking tape immediately after the patches are applied.. **THIN** application of 3M 5200 is needed to keep the repair 'flexible'. materials: 4" dacron sail tape and Fast Cure 5200 are available from sailrite.com A daysailer typically uses 6 pz. dacron material for the mainsail and 4 oz. dacron material for the jib.
Sail Repair
I have repaired the sail to my 68 21' MacGregor twice this summer. I am a new sailor and went to a Sailshop in Alameda, CA. He very graciously gave me some sail repair sheets that sticks like crazy. I asked if I should sew around it and he didn't think so and it has worked all summer. Last weekend it ripped a new hole, so we are going to buy a used sail. It is a white material backed by a slick sheet that you pull off and press on to the rip. I do not know the name, but you can probably find it at any sail shop. Good sailing!! Deb
I have repaired the sail to my 68 21' MacGregor twice this summer. I am a new sailor and went to a Sailshop in Alameda, CA. He very graciously gave me some sail repair sheets that sticks like crazy. I asked if I should sew around it and he didn't think so and it has worked all summer. Last weekend it ripped a new hole, so we are going to buy a used sail. It is a white material backed by a slick sheet that you pull off and press on to the rip. I do not know the name, but you can probably find it at any sail shop. Good sailing!! Deb
sail repair
When I had a C-22 I did a major repair with sail repair tape on both sides, then stitched the corners down. Worked till I sold the boat two years later.
When I had a C-22 I did a major repair with sail repair tape on both sides, then stitched the corners down. Worked till I sold the boat two years later.
Not a very salty solution
if you are going to go to all that mess why not just learn to sew? The stitch is just a basic one and then you get bragging right that you "sewed it myself" AND If you ever rip a seam (no mater how large) you can "get back home" with just a short layup. Seriously, If a knucklehead like me can learn to do it anybody can.
if you are going to go to all that mess why not just learn to sew? The stitch is just a basic one and then you get bragging right that you "sewed it myself" AND If you ever rip a seam (no mater how large) you can "get back home" with just a short layup. Seriously, If a knucklehead like me can learn to do it anybody can.
Hand Sewing
I did a bit of hand sewing on some heavy canvas sails that belonged to a 63' gaff-headed yawl. Fun - but a lot different than the lightweight sails of today. We're not trying to race or cruise the Daysailer - but, instead, just trying to use it as a sailing classroom for the grandchildren. If the tape doesn't hold we'll hope for a used mainsail or, as a last resort, a new one.
I did a bit of hand sewing on some heavy canvas sails that belonged to a 63' gaff-headed yawl. Fun - but a lot different than the lightweight sails of today. We're not trying to race or cruise the Daysailer - but, instead, just trying to use it as a sailing classroom for the grandchildren. If the tape doesn't hold we'll hope for a used mainsail or, as a last resort, a new one.
Sail tape
Like you, I sail a 20-footer. I had a 1"x1" hole in my genoa. Bought some self-adhesive sail tape from West Marine, taped over both sides - and got an entire season out of the sail with no problems whatsoever. Mind you, I only use the genoa in relatively moderate winds: I don't know if the fix would have been so succesful on my working jib in a real blow. Still, tape's the way I'd go in your situation. Right now, the sail's at Sailcare, to get a quote for a more permanent fix. But, if they want to charge a lot - more West Marine tape for me.
Like you, I sail a 20-footer. I had a 1"x1" hole in my genoa. Bought some self-adhesive sail tape from West Marine, taped over both sides - and got an entire season out of the sail with no problems whatsoever. Mind you, I only use the genoa in relatively moderate winds: I don't know if the fix would have been so succesful on my working jib in a real blow. Still, tape's the way I'd go in your situation. Right now, the sail's at Sailcare, to get a quote for a more permanent fix. But, if they want to charge a lot - more West Marine tape for me.
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