Main and Jib repair

[David S]

My main and jib sails are starting to tear along "back edges" where we handle the sails during down haul. 2 tears on each sail are about 10 -20 inches long and about 1 inch inboard of the outer hem away from the stitching. Main sail is 8 years old, made in Thailand' purchased new from Porpoise Sails, Sarasota, FL. Jib age ? ,came with the boat, a 1979 O'day 22, whose previous home was Port Charlotte, FL.
I have a sewing machine and moderate sewing skills with canvas and poly tarps.
I was thinking of using a strip of material "? kind" several inches wide"?" and folding it over the back edge of the sail. I have done a search in SBO but didn't find anything on this particular situation.
I would like some help on how to do this and any books on repair and what material to use?

Keep on sailing. David S

 

[Joe]

www.sailrite.com

 

[RichH]

http://www.sailrite.com/Tape-Dacron-5oz-White-2 (also available in other cloth weights)

http://www.sailrite.com/easearch#!&ea_q=seamstick 1/4

http://www.sailrite.com/Thread-V-69-White-Polyester-UV-1oz-350-Yds
If the sewing machine you have is a 'dressmakers' machine, I would suggest to spray/soak the sewing thread with a 'dry' teflon lubricant --- will help keep your stitching more even and consistent.

Also, check out the videos on the Sailrite website for "sail + repair"

 

[ALNims]

If you re planning to sail near coastal within sight of land or inland then maybe you can get by with repairs. But if you are planning to sail open ocean it maybe safer to replace the sails.

 

[Crazy Dave Condon]

Actually, years ago believe or not; there use to be a sailoft in the Asheville area. Not sure if it is there anymore or not. In some areas of repair, only heavy duty machines will be able to do the job. You may have to send it off for repair. Therefore, the closest loft to you is in Chatanooga, TN. I think it is Blue something.

 

[Squidd]

I doubt the little o day 22 is crossing the oceans anytime soon, so the home made repairs will probably be adequate for another seasons use...

I've done it with my home machine and gotten two years out of an old ripped up sail...

The bigger problem I see is the areas ripping "next" to the reinforcing tape, indicates the sail may be weathered or UV rotted beyond permenent repair...ie: you patch one rip and another comes along above, below, or right next to the repair...

At some point the tail starts wagging the dog..

E-Bay has deals on popular sails from time to time, some might be in better shape than the one your trying to repair, but it can be a crap shoot...I've gotten two good "useable" sails and one that was not much better than the one I was trying to replace...

Jibs are usually a good bet, they don't get as much use as the main (if they switch out with the genoa) or people switch to roller furling...

Mains are a little tougher to come by unless you have a "class" boat and a racer is changing out a "decent" sail for the latest and greatest racer material ... my last main was in that category...

 

[Squidd]

Another option is to use the material from the "worse" sail to repair the "better" sail..

Then your only in the market for one "newer" sail...