Hi all, I just last season bought (through this site)a new mainsail for my Hunter 33 ('79). As the wife and I were taking the sails down at the end of the season I noticed a small (maybe 1/8") hole. I'm not sure how it got there although I suspect it was something on the ground as we were folding it up. Anyway, I'm wondering how concerned about this I should be. Will it "run" like a stocking? How should I repair it? Is there a glue-on or iron-on type of patch that would work? Again, it's only about an eigth of an inch right now. Thanks Ernie
Pin hole in a brand new mainsail
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Inspect it closely
if it is a round hole without having cut any fibers, don't worry about it. If fibers have been cut, then I would patch it. IMHO
if it is a round hole without having cut any fibers, don't worry about it. If fibers have been cut, then I would patch it. IMHO
Result of sailmaking process?
The process of sailmaking often involves jambing a sailmakers awl through the material and into wood decking in the loft or order to hold the length of cloth in place while it's marked or cut. Most of the time, these holes work themselves closed after use. As the previous poster noted, as long as the fibers aren't damaged, there should be not problem. If the hole is due to something else, or has damaged the fibers, you'll want to fix it. Chris
The process of sailmaking often involves jambing a sailmakers awl through the material and into wood decking in the loft or order to hold the length of cloth in place while it's marked or cut. Most of the time, these holes work themselves closed after use. As the previous poster noted, as long as the fibers aren't damaged, there should be not problem. If the hole is due to something else, or has damaged the fibers, you'll want to fix it. Chris
Chris is right, awls are used in the lay out
a hook is used to tension the sail to install the bolt rope. That hole is probably close to 3/16". There may be two or even three along the luff depending on the space the sail maker is working in. Look down near the tack on the side with out the reinforcement. You can probably find a hook hole there if it is outside the luff tape. r.w.landau
a hook is used to tension the sail to install the bolt rope. That hole is probably close to 3/16". There may be two or even three along the luff depending on the space the sail maker is working in. Look down near the tack on the side with out the reinforcement. You can probably find a hook hole there if it is outside the luff tape. r.w.landau
Superglue
If the fibres are damaged use "superglue" (isocyanate adhesive) to stop them fraying. I used it on a small tear and it worked really well. I also use this on rope ends instead of melting them. It produces a really good seal to the rope as the glue is absorbed into the rope.
If the fibres are damaged use "superglue" (isocyanate adhesive) to stop them fraying. I used it on a small tear and it worked really well. I also use this on rope ends instead of melting them. It produces a really good seal to the rope as the glue is absorbed into the rope.
The sticky tape that numbers and insignia
are stuck on with is available in white, and it will patch a small hole. Put it on bothe sides. As others have said, if the fibres aren't damaged, leave it alone and go sailing.
are stuck on with is available in white, and it will patch a small hole. Put it on bothe sides. As others have said, if the fibres aren't damaged, leave it alone and go sailing.
Moths
Must be moths, you need to use mothballs on the boat.<G> I would use a quarter-sized spot of Aquaseal (expensive) or Goop (hardware stores, way cheaper) both urethane adhesives that are strong and stay semi-flexible. Clean the sail around the spot with some alcohol or thinner first, make sure there is no dirt or salt residue on it. Put a spot of it on each side, let it dry it, forget about it. Sail repair tape sometimes sticks, sometimes doesn't. Goop or Aquaseal will last forever, good stuff to have on the boat. Just make sure to clean the threads on the tube before you screw the cap back on--you can glue the tube shut.
Must be moths, you need to use mothballs on the boat.<G> I would use a quarter-sized spot of Aquaseal (expensive) or Goop (hardware stores, way cheaper) both urethane adhesives that are strong and stay semi-flexible. Clean the sail around the spot with some alcohol or thinner first, make sure there is no dirt or salt residue on it. Put a spot of it on each side, let it dry it, forget about it. Sail repair tape sometimes sticks, sometimes doesn't. Goop or Aquaseal will last forever, good stuff to have on the boat. Just make sure to clean the threads on the tube before you screw the cap back on--you can glue the tube shut.
I thought so!...thanks
Thanks for your responses. I had a feeling that superglue might do the trick, but it's good to hear others have had good luck with it before risking it on a new sail. It doesn't appear to be made by the sailmaker. It isn't in the right spot for that.
Thanks for your responses. I had a feeling that superglue might do the trick, but it's good to hear others have had good luck with it before risking it on a new sail. It doesn't appear to be made by the sailmaker. It isn't in the right spot for that.
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