I just discovered the "window" (clear vinyl) in my jib has a hole in it. I would like to do a temporary, yet strong, repair until the end of the season. The hole is only a few inches wide. Any idea as to what I can use to patch it? I was thinking about gaffers tape on each side, or perhaps using a bicycle tire or pool repair kit. Obviously the gaffers tape would be easiest.
jib window repair
- Thread starter Dream Weaver
- Start date
I used to repair an old mylar windsurfing sail with clear acetate tape, using a nice wide roll. When the sail got old, the mylar would rip easily. The acetate tape never failed and proved to be stronger than the mylar. By the time I gave up patching it, it had many feet of tape serving perfectly well. This sail was subjected to far more abuse with wind stress, sand, salt water and UV's than you will probably ever put your jib thru and the tape held up for a few years of rugged use. I finally gave up on the sail due to the toll of heavy abuse, but the tape never failed! It wasn't anything special ... I probably picked it up at a stationary store (packing tape).
Why don't you take it to a sailmaker who will remove the old window and install a new one? Not an expensive fix. That's what I do.