Sail Repair

[Warren Milberg]

I know that 3M4200/5200 get a bad rap here for a number of deserved reasons, but has anyone used these adhesives to seal a small patch on a Dacron sail? If so, how did it hold up? I usually sew small patches on sails that need repair, but am considering these products as it would be a lot faster and easier. The question is: does it work?

 

[jviss]

Why? I mean, why not bubble gum, bath caulk, permatex, epoxy putty, etc., etc.?

There is a self stick dacron material made specifically for sail repair for only $1.75/linear yard:

http://www.sailrite.com/Insignia-Adhesive-Backed-UV-Dacron-3

 

[thinwater]

I don't think 3M 5200 gets a bad rap per se, rather only as selant for large fittings that may require removal, since it doesn't let go easily. It's a good product, in the right setting.

I would rather sew, but I have certainly used 5200 on dingies and non-sail fabric repair and reinfourcements with good results. You have not shared a lot of detail--why adhesive is going to be better than a sewn repair--but I can imagine a few cases where it could make sense. For example, I've used it between layers where I knew I would add a gromet, to prevent tearing; worked well and out-lasted the project.

Yes, there is self-stick tape; it has its limitiations and its place in the repair bag as well. Mostly I've used it as a battle field expiendient for sun covers, torn light air sails, and worn spots on bolt ropes.

 

[Ross]

5200 is too slow curing for sail repair. But it is certainly adequate for the job. PL premium urethane caulk cures faster and is more than tenacious enough.

 

[s sauer]

Permanent sail repaair

Warren,
Other than the time required to cure 'normal' 5200, I'd expect a polyurethane sealant would be a good adhesive for dacron patches and much stronger than sail tape adhesive. Fast cure 5200 might be better; however, I've only used the old fashioned hand stitching method, with some type of all purpose glue on the edges to prevent fraying of the sail or patch materials. I believe my Mylar and My;ar / Dacron scrim racing sail seams are generally stitched and glued.

 

[caguy]

I've used the self sticking Dacron tape with the intentions of it being a temporary fix. 3 years later it is still not sewn and holding well.

 

[Chris Burti]

Warren, if you have some scrap dacron, try pvc pipe adhesive. The solvent doesn't work on all plastics and will completely disolve others if you use too much, but if it works, you can't possibly sew the patch as effectively