Jib Repair

[lostintime]

I just purchased a 22ft O'day with a roller furling jib. I think the jib is a 110 or a 120 as the clue comes past the mast. Anyway, as I mentioned it is a roller furling jib and although the sail itself is in good shape, the Leech and the Foot (which are exposed to the sun and weather when rolled up) are very thin, significantly frayed and coming apart. My question is can this be repaired without replacing the whole sail. If not, what's the chances of finding a used sail in good shape, the prices on new sails are a bit more than I had anticipated.

 

[Brian S]

Based on what you describe, I would say that sail is shot. It has UV damage right where you'd expect. That's why folks use either a jib sock on a furled jib, or Sunbrella strips sewn on leech and foot.

 

[Indysailor]

If the rest of the sail is in good shape it's salvageable for less than it costs to buy new. When I first got my boat it had the same problem and I had it recut and replaced the worn out parts with new sail cloth and sun fella added. I wouldn't have been comfortable making that call on my own though, but rather had a professional assess it.