I have a two part question I need some expert advice with. The Genoa on my 1992 Macgregor 26S that I use to furl is about 5 years old and is in very good shape. It also has the furling cover sewn into the sail. The previous owner (God rest his soul)spray painted 4 huge stripes in the sail. Two are pink and two are black. No idea why, unless he wanted to be seen from 10 miles away. Does anyone have an idea what I can use to get the paint off, or if I can paint over it. Pink is not my color. I am also adding stainless ball slugs to my main. I planned to put SS grommets to shackle the slugs. How many should I put? Sailrite has a screw on plastic shackle that does not require a grommet. Does anyone know if one works better than the other. I would appreciate any advice, thanx
Who spray paints a sail?
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Hey Mac, where to start?
Let's start with the shackles. I used the Sailrite screw-on shackles with grommets. Never had a problem with hanging up, which is why I went that way. I bought them from Sailrite when they were in Columbia City, IN. Was nice to be able to visit them back then. The paint, oh my. I suggest you call a few sail cleaners and ask them how much they'd charge to look at it. It may be a fabric paint which I have no idea hw to answer you. I do know you don't want to use solvents. you may be close for painting over it. There is always Minnies or a used sail loft, replace it maybe. Do call Sailcare and ask their advice. I know they are far behind in their work this Spring but ask their advice before you go forward. They can clean them, repair them and re-resin the sail for a very good price. Let us know how this turns out.
Let's start with the shackles. I used the Sailrite screw-on shackles with grommets. Never had a problem with hanging up, which is why I went that way. I bought them from Sailrite when they were in Columbia City, IN. Was nice to be able to visit them back then. The paint, oh my. I suggest you call a few sail cleaners and ask them how much they'd charge to look at it. It may be a fabric paint which I have no idea hw to answer you. I do know you don't want to use solvents. you may be close for painting over it. There is always Minnies or a used sail loft, replace it maybe. Do call Sailcare and ask their advice. I know they are far behind in their work this Spring but ask their advice before you go forward. They can clean them, repair them and re-resin the sail for a very good price. Let us know how this turns out.
Maybe
Silk screen companies use fabric paints in many colors. check them out. Also, I've used vinyl paint for restoration products on Folboats, auto and aircraft interiors, etc. with good results, even over fabrics like cotton canvas, nylon, wool and NRV. When dry it is still flexible, waterproof and tough. I have not however used it on Dacron. You might ask the companies that make it for advice. Can't recall any names, but the last vinyl paint I bought was at an auto parts store years ago. Worth checking out locally, or perhaps JC Whitney. Even if all you find is black.... that seems more seaworthy than pink.
Silk screen companies use fabric paints in many colors. check them out. Also, I've used vinyl paint for restoration products on Folboats, auto and aircraft interiors, etc. with good results, even over fabrics like cotton canvas, nylon, wool and NRV. When dry it is still flexible, waterproof and tough. I have not however used it on Dacron. You might ask the companies that make it for advice. Can't recall any names, but the last vinyl paint I bought was at an auto parts store years ago. Worth checking out locally, or perhaps JC Whitney. Even if all you find is black.... that seems more seaworthy than pink.
I painted mine
I painted an 8' Irken logo on my main with SEM Color Coat (purchased at an automotive paint store). It will outlast the sail by many years. An overcoat of a darker color may be your best option.
I painted an 8' Irken logo on my main with SEM Color Coat (purchased at an automotive paint store). It will outlast the sail by many years. An overcoat of a darker color may be your best option.
Is Red on your pallette?
Mac, if you decide to paint over the pink stripes I'm thinking a red might cover the pink with the least effort. Might look pretty good actually. Steve
Mac, if you decide to paint over the pink stripes I'm thinking a red might cover the pink with the least effort. Might look pretty good actually. Steve
New technique?
Hey, Nevada Bob, Do you always fly your jib that way? I bet it's a lot easier to tack. Yes, the logo is cool.
Hey, Nevada Bob, Do you always fly your jib that way? I bet it's a lot easier to tack. Yes, the logo is cool.
Huh?
"Do you always fly your jib that way? I bet it's a lot easier to tack." Easier to tack than what? What would be easier is a little help. The genny takes two hands and there is seldom one left over for the tiller. Gets exciting in heavy air, but all the sailing pix I have were taken on calm days. Most folks are confused by the logo, but Zim fans get a kick out of it.
"Do you always fly your jib that way? I bet it's a lot easier to tack." Easier to tack than what? What would be easier is a little help. The genny takes two hands and there is seldom one left over for the tiller. Gets exciting in heavy air, but all the sailing pix I have were taken on calm days. Most folks are confused by the logo, but Zim fans get a kick out of it.
Huh ??
Nevada City Bob, Do you have a tiller tamer or something like that? I used mine for tacking believe it or not when I needed to let go for that winch up. Enlighten me please on "ZIM", I'm of that older baby boomer generation and this one went clear over my fat head. Steve Paul
Nevada City Bob, Do you have a tiller tamer or something like that? I used mine for tacking believe it or not when I needed to let go for that winch up. Enlighten me please on "ZIM", I'm of that older baby boomer generation and this one went clear over my fat head. Steve Paul
tamer good, rounding up bad
Tiller tamer is on my short list; along with a depth finder, working jib, compass and VHF. I'm still not sure what jib technique Ed is referring too as being easy to tack. Invader ZIM is an Emmy winning (2001) cartoon from Johan Vasquez formerly seen on Nickelodeon. It has achieved a bit of cult status and though I discovered it after it was off the air, I've got all the episodes and am a huge fan.
Tiller tamer is on my short list; along with a depth finder, working jib, compass and VHF. I'm still not sure what jib technique Ed is referring too as being easy to tack. Invader ZIM is an Emmy winning (2001) cartoon from Johan Vasquez formerly seen on Nickelodeon. It has achieved a bit of cult status and though I discovered it after it was off the air, I've got all the episodes and am a huge fan.
Removing paint
This sounds crazy, but I have used oven cleaner to remove paint from fiber glass (old boat names on the stern) without damaging the glass, but on a sail, who knows. But you could try it out on a scrap of dacron material that you had painted. Good luck, or try painting over the pink!
This sounds crazy, but I have used oven cleaner to remove paint from fiber glass (old boat names on the stern) without damaging the glass, but on a sail, who knows. But you could try it out on a scrap of dacron material that you had painted. Good luck, or try painting over the pink!
Oven cleaners a good idea-hazards ?
The majority of oven cleaners available are sodium hydroxide or potassium hydroxide. These are very caustic to the skin so please wear eye protection and good gloves when handling these things. I would recommend fixing (neutralizing) the work area with white vinegar when complete. The lye (which is what this is) will not completely wash off with just water for some time. I've imagined what this looks like and believe it could have originally been red but might appear pink after the original red was affected by the Sun. I still believe the "easy button" for this is to paint the pink red, it will cover the best with the least paint IMHO. Good luck with this. Steve I have to say I thought Pink was a little girly but my grandkids tell me Hot Pink is a Hot color today among kids.
The majority of oven cleaners available are sodium hydroxide or potassium hydroxide. These are very caustic to the skin so please wear eye protection and good gloves when handling these things. I would recommend fixing (neutralizing) the work area with white vinegar when complete. The lye (which is what this is) will not completely wash off with just water for some time. I've imagined what this looks like and believe it could have originally been red but might appear pink after the original red was affected by the Sun. I still believe the "easy button" for this is to paint the pink red, it will cover the best with the least paint IMHO. Good luck with this. Steve I have to say I thought Pink was a little girly but my grandkids tell me Hot Pink is a Hot color today among kids.
To Nevada Bob
In the pic it looks like you are backwinding your genoa. Should be on the other side of the mast. Like I said, it means you never have to tack the jib, but it may not be the fastest way to get somewhere. BTW, I sometimes tie the two jib lines together so one goes out as the other comes in. Works pretty well if you are by yourself. Tiller tamers work ok, but if you have the money get a an autohelm. I know a guy who only touches his tiller when coming into his slip.
In the pic it looks like you are backwinding your genoa. Should be on the other side of the mast. Like I said, it means you never have to tack the jib, but it may not be the fastest way to get somewhere. BTW, I sometimes tie the two jib lines together so one goes out as the other comes in. Works pretty well if you are by yourself. Tiller tamers work ok, but if you have the money get a an autohelm. I know a guy who only touches his tiller when coming into his slip.
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