Sail Repair

[Gary]

Did something real stupid and careless yesterday and caused a about a 4 ft tear in my main. Bought some whipping twine, a needle set and some repair tape today. If anyone could offer some advice, tips, etc. would be very much appreciated. The sail has some age but would like to get a little more use before investing in a new sail. Thanks much....Gary

 

[justin - o'day owners' web]

I'm not a sail repair expert, so hang in for more information - but I would contribute this thought: the temptation is to put a lot of stiches into the patch. Be careful - if the stiches are too close togther it will actually weakend the patch by perforating the sail. I've learned from painful personal experience!Justin- O'day Owners' Web

 

[MArk]

Hand Stitch

Gary,If you're not going to use a machine (which I would recommend for the size and shape of your repair), then you may find some useful information in the article linked below.You might also give Covacevich's a call to see what they would charge.Covacevich Yacht & Sail 336 Bayview Av, Biloxi, MS 39530 Phone: (228) 436-6401Happy sails *_/),MArk

 

[James]

Try a local sail loft

I have not had an experience with this for my own boat (O'Day 23) but I crew on a J-37 and we have had a number of sail failures - typically rips and tears. I have been very suprised when the skipper returns with the sail the next week and it has been repaired for $25 or $50. It looks like new until we (his expert crew!) do something stupid again.So I would recomend a quick call and see what a local loft will charge, you might be pleasantly suprised - you might also get a quote for a new sail at the same time and start that dialog to find the right sail at the right price.Good luckJames