Sail Repair Secrets - 5 Tips to Improve Your Hand Sewing
- Use a High Quality Needle The best hand needles for sailors are forged from cast steel and feature reduced edges, triangular points, and long eyes for easy threading. ...
- Pre-Punch Holes in Thick Applications In really thick assemblies, use a standard awl to pre-punch holes in the fabric for your needle to slide through. ...
- Avoid Tying Knots Knots can abrade over time and fall off causing your stitches to unravel. We recommend avoiding knots altogether. ...
- Try Using a Speedy Stitcher The Speedy Stitcher is a sewing awl that makes quick and easy work of seaming repairs. ...
- Use Flat, Waxed Twine for Seams
How do I clean a sail?
- Lay the sail cover out on a flat clean surface, wet the Sunbrella with fresh water, spray Fabri-Klean onto the surface, and scrub with a scrub brush then rinse clean.
- Turn over and repeat on the other side. ...
- If mold stains remain, mix a solution of 1 cup of 5% chlorine bleach and 1 cup of Fabri-Klean into 1 gallon of warm water and stir.
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How to install and repair a shade sail?
Install. Now you have to connect the fixing accessories with mounting points, and ensure they are all tightly secured and faced towards the middle of the sail. Check if they are secured several times, and only then move onto lying the shade sail out and start the installation. Connect the corners of the sail to the fixing points.
How to shorten a sail?
The crew this season is comprised of:
- Glenn Shepard, captain
- Daisy Kelliher, chief stew
- Gary King, bosun
- Marcos Spaziani, chef
- Colin MacRae, chief engineer
- Gabriela Barragan, 2nd stew
- Ashley Marti, 3rd stew
- Kelsie Goglia, deckhand
- Tom Pearson, deckhand
How do you fix a tear in a sail?
Often the best approach to repairing large tears on laminate racing sails is Ultrabond (hot glue) band-aid patches with minimal to no sewing required. If the yarns are fully severed, then new cloth of the same or similar style and weight will need to be applied in order to make a proper repair.
What stitch is used for sails?
zigzag stitchSewing sails with a zigzag stitch is the preferred method as zigzag stitches distribute the strain across standard overlapping sail seams better than straight stitches. Zigzag stitching also contains the raw edge of a seam better given its wider sewing path.
How do you fix a sail on a sailboat?
8:2921:29How to repair a sail - Yachting Monthly - YouTubeYouTubeStart of suggested clipEnd of suggested clipYou just wrap it around a couple of times fiddly getting it through the slides. And about 12 milMoreYou just wrap it around a couple of times fiddly getting it through the slides. And about 12 mil webbing is good for doing this because it fits through most of the most sales slides that you'll find.
How do you repair a nylon sail?
0:222:29Using Dacron Sail Repair Tape or Insignia Adhesive ... - YouTubeYouTubeStart of suggested clipEnd of suggested clipTo do a more permanent repair it's necessary to use a Dacron in a similar weight of your sail nowMoreTo do a more permanent repair it's necessary to use a Dacron in a similar weight of your sail now and just use seamstick. And then sew around the perimeter.
How do you hand stitch sails?
2:578:55Hand Sewing a small tear in a Sail. - YouTubeYouTubeStart of suggested clipEnd of suggested clipCome through leaving about three four millimeters each side then I go through. This thread again andMoreCome through leaving about three four millimeters each side then I go through. This thread again and we are beginning to create this sort of chain. Effect which is well reasonably.
Can you sew sails with a regular sewing machine?
You can use a household grade sewing machine as long as your seams don't get too bulky. You should use polyester thread for the needle and the bobbin thread. Talk to the good people at the local fabric store they can guide you.
How do you service a sail?
If your sail is bigger than your work surface, work on a small section at a time. While it's still wet with the soapy water, lightly scrub the sail all over with a soft brush, paying extra attention to the seams, batten pockets, and stains. Thoroughly rinse with clean water (soft if possible). Hang the sail to dry.
How do you sew a sail on a sewing machine?
2:177:13Steps to Sewing a Sail Kit from Sailrite - YouTubeYouTubeStart of suggested clipEnd of suggested clipThis Genoa is being sewn with a 4-point zig zag sewing machine you could use a standard zig zagMoreThis Genoa is being sewn with a 4-point zig zag sewing machine you could use a standard zig zag sewing machine you would just have to apply two rows of stitches down each seam.
What kind of thread is used for sail repair?
Polyester is the most common choice for outdoor applications. Perfect for sail and canvaswork, polyester thread has high strength and stretch control, stability in sunlight (UVR) and resistance to needle heat, abrasion, saltwater and mildew.
Does sail tape work?
Tape works best in areas that don't flog-jib leaches are a tough application. Among adhesives, many hold, but there is no comparison in terms of making a fast strong, flexible repair: Dr. Sails is the leader. Polyurethanes and G-flex will work temporarily, but the result is much stiffer and epoxy is vulnerable to UV.
What tape works on nylon?
Tenacious Tape is an ultra-strong repair tape useful for making quick, peel-and-stick repairs to nearly any piece of outdoor gear. It sticks to nylon, polyester, vinyl, rubber, neoprene, polyurethane leather, canvas, and plastic surfaces.
How do you do herringbone stitch?
0:002:04Herringbone Stitch - YouTubeYouTubeStart of suggested clipEnd of suggested clipAnd take a small back stitch and pull through and now I'll cross over that stitch as I head back upMoreAnd take a small back stitch and pull through and now I'll cross over that stitch as I head back up to the top line. And pick up a small back stitch of fabric.
How do you sew a Dacron?
1:042:08Dacron Tape - Used for Sails & Canvas Projects - YouTubeYouTubeStart of suggested clipEnd of suggested clipThe Dacron tape is basted in place with double sided seamstick to hold it down flat prior to sewing.MoreThe Dacron tape is basted in place with double sided seamstick to hold it down flat prior to sewing. The perimeter of the tape is sewing.
What is a speedy stitcher?
The Speedy Stitcher® Since 1909. The Speedy Stitcher® Sewing Awl, is a hand tool that can be used to sew any heavy material. It's a helpful tool to have around the house, farm, workshop or any place where leather, canvas or vinyl has to be sewn or repaired.
What material is used for sails?
polyesterThe most popular sail materials are synthetic such as polyester and Kevlar. These fibers are woven and manufactured in many different ways, as modern sail making techniques have made it possible to adapt synthetic fibers to both high and low-stress environments.
How to stitch a sail by hand?
The process is really simple. Firstly, make one pass to stitch on one set of diagonals as well as to the opposite direction and then fill in the other set. This can be applied in case you are following an existing zigzag stitch. Moreover, the sailor’s palm will facilitate you in order to force the needle through the fabric, and pliers will help you pull the needle through it. Remember to melt the ends of each knot with a lighter to prevent any loosening, as well as try to make tight stitches to ensure a strong repair. Buy a Sail Repair Kit From Amazon
What happens when you use slab reefing on a sailboat?
Most of the time, when a sailboat uses its slab reefing it will subsequently wear out the webbing attachments to the tack rings. Therefore a failure of the webbing connection to the mainsail luff slides will be caused. As I’ve mentioned before, the most practical and easy solution to this is to be equipped with twine, a webbing, a needle, and a sailor’s palm. In case you don’t have the correct size of webbing, then Spectra cord can attach a slide fairly well.
Can you use dacron tape on sails?
You can use a Dacron patch for almost everything except spinnakers. Dacron can even stick to many laminate sails on the film side, but not on some resin-based and silicone-covered sails. In addition, dacron tapes come in different forms of thickness rolls and you can also buy larger sheets. Naturally, sails are not flat and they’re made up of panels that create depth. However, due to its design, when the surface you lay it on is flat it might pose you a problem. So do some temporary tucks and folds in the cloth, but away from the rip, and try to keep it flat. So, be patient and follow the below-mentioned procedure:
Who is Peter from Better Sailing?
Peter is the editor of Better Sailing. He has sailed for countless hours and has maintained his own boats and sailboats for years. After years of trial and error, he decided to start this website to share the knowledge.
Can sharpening a spinnaker damage it?
Spinnakers: Anything sharp can damage the spinnakers. Especially near the boom, so check that everything is taped up. Also, spinnakers tend to get caught between the shrouds and above the spreaders so consider closing off this gap with a bungee.
What to do if your slider is broken?
If the slider has broken, it’s good to have spares on board. These can be snapped on with a pair of pliers, or shackled. Failing that, use some loops of 12mm webbing to sew it on. Make sure that the slider has the same stand off the mainsail as the other sliders so it takes an even amount of load.
How to stick a patch on a sandpaper?
To stick on the patch, peel the backing off one edge, then gradually work the rest of the patch on, being careful not to introduce any creases. Glue works with heat and pressure, so give it a good hard rub once you’re done and this will help it to adhere. Repeat the process on the other side too.
How to stop a slide from jamming?
Stitch along the side of the loop, not across the middle, so that the slide can articulate fully which will stop if jamming. To finish, tie a loose knot in the thread, then split the end of the thread and pull apart to slide the knot tight against webbing.
Can you break a mast slider?
It’s easy to break mast sliders, particularly if the kicker gets left on during reefing. Some boats attach the slider above a reef point with bungee, which can snap rather than damaging the sail or slider. If the slider has broken, it’s good to have spares on board.
Can you use sail repair tape on a pontoon?
Don’t use sail repair tape – PSA adhesive backed sailcloth is much better than standard sail repair tape and it comes in large areas. Clean any salt off and dry the sail, then put it on a flat surface – the deck, pontoon, or a wooden board.
Can you wear a batten through a pocket?
Battens can wear through pocket ends; a plastic pocket end can be bolted through the sail to secure. Leechline cleats also need replacing occasionally, so carry spares, and bolt rather than rivet them on. A Velcro clew strap can also help take leach loads and prevent tearing.
What tape to use for repairing sails?
Instead, use rip-stop nylon tape, basically the same thing as stickyback Dacron except that it’s made from nylon. Be warned, though: rip-stop nylon does not have the same adhesion as Dacron, and usually also needs to be sewn. You can also use stickyback Dacron for repairing laminated and molded sails.
How to store sewing machine needles?
The smaller bag should include: Keep the needles in a tight container wrapped in a cloth that has been lightly soaked in sewing machine oil.
What stitch holds a patch in place?
Strait-line stitching is the easiest and will hold the patch in place just fine. Sure a zigzag will look more professional, but it’s all going to be pulled apart again anyway after you get the sail to a sail loft. Sometimes when repairing a seam you can follow the original zigzag holes and repair the sail that way.
Can you use stickyback on a sail?
You can use stickyback for repairing any Dacron sail and as a quick fix for spinnakers, although it’s not a good idea as a long-term repair on the latter, because Dacron is not compatible with nylon and will form a hard spot in the sail that could end up ripping over time.
Can you use double stick tape to hold seams?
When you do so, you can either use double stick tape to hold the seam or tape in place, or you can use a stickyback patch to hold it all in place while you hand stitch with a needle and thread. In terms of the kind of stitching you need to do, it doesn’t really matter.
Can you heat a sail to bond?
However, the bond will be much better if the sail is clean and dry, and even better if you are able to heat the patch once applied—use a hair dryer or leave the sail in direct sunlight—since heat will soften the adhesive and cause it to bond better .
Can you use epoxy to repair sails?
You can also use epoxy for a really good bond. There is nothing difficult about repairing your own sails. Like most everything in sailing, a little common sense goes a long way. Good preparation, a little patience and a good sail repair kit are all that you need. pinterest-pin-it.
How to repair a sail?
If you need to repair a sail yourself there are a few things you'll need: a clean, dry sail, a flat surface and patience. If you're sailing in fresh water you can dry the sail with paper towel or a micro-fiber towel. If you're in salt water rinse the sail well first.
What to do if your sail is tearing?
If it tears like paper it's time to bring the sail to your sailmaker to see if it can be repaired, or if it must be replaced. Of course, if there is a tear in the sail or cover you'll want to get it fixed properly so you can sail with confidence next year.
Can you use tape to repair a sail?
Low-load sails like spinnakers or areas of the sail in the body of the sail should n't require much tape for an effective repair. Use light sail repair tape for spinnakers, making sure not to create any addition puckers in the sail. A cutting board or floorboard can be helpful to get a flat surface to work on.
Can you sew repair tape on a sail?
Most sail repair tapes have very good a dhesion but you might consider hand sewing through the repair tape on each side of the tear if it is near the leech of your main or genoa. These kind of tears are a seam that has opened up, or a hole caused by the spreader punching through the sail.
Can you winterize a sailboat engine?
It's ironic that many sailboat owners will go to great lengths to properly winterize their auxiliary engine but do nothing more to the real engine of their boat-the sails-short of taking them off the boat to be stored in the basement . Sails are durable and can last a long time, but a bit of care throughout the season, and certainly at the end of the season, or a least annually for year-round sailors, can extend their useful life.
Can you use matching tape on a pulpit?
For smaller tears a single layer of tape should be adequate, but for larger repairs you'll want to use matching pieces of tape on each side. If you have a small wear hole from a pulpit or stanchion, or a small hole in a batten pocket then a single layer of tape should be fine.
Does bleaching sailcloths make them last longer?
Keep in mind that many chemicals, especially bleach, will weaken the sailcloth and dramatically reduce the lifespan of the sail.
Stitching Your Sails
Patch Repairs
- For repairs that are not on a seam, a patch fix is necessary. You can use a Dacron patch for almost everything except spinnakers. Dacron can even stick to many laminate sails on the film side, but not on some resin-based and silicone-covered sails. In addition, dacron tapes come in different forms of thickness rolls and you can also buy larger sheets. Naturally, sails are not flat …
Seam Repairs
- In order to make sure that no seams are starting to appear, try to check your sails daily. It’s not particularly hard for a seam to be unstitched, right in the middle of your voyage. So, if you see any loose stitching, put the sail down immediately, if possible, in order to get it fixed. Stitching a seam back together is a task that requires some time and attention. However, it’s much easier than de…
Patch and Glue
- Sail damage can be also caused by a tear to the sun protection on roller-furling headsails. If that happens don’t put new holes in your sail in order to stitch up the tear. This will be really time consuming. Use instead some sticky-back which definitely is an efficient and fast solution. Although you have to take the sail down and put it back up to do that, sticky-back is the answer t…
Spinnakers
- A lot of spinnakers are no longer stitched and are put together just with tape, so if you need to make a repair it’s a particularly easy task. For most repairs a sticky back spinnaker repair tape is fine. Try not to change the panel’s shape and don’t use too much cloth for the patch. This way you’ll avoid generating unnecessary loads and stress lines. Instead, use the same amount of clot…
Hardware
- One of the things that need occasional repairs on your sails is fabric. Fabric is one of the most vulnerable parts of your sails. Most of the time, when a sailboat uses its slab reefing it will subsequently wear out the webbing attachments to the tack rings. Therefore a failure of the webbing connection to the mainsail luff slides will be caused. As I’ve mentioned before, the mos…
Common Damage Areas
- Spinnakers: Anything sharp can damage the spinnakers. Especially near the boom, so check that everything is taped up. Also, spinnakers tend to get caught between the shrouds and above the spreaders...
- Spreader and Rig Chafe: When you’re sailing downwind the mainsail spends a lot of time relaxing on the rig. Keep in mind to fill your spreaders with pipe insulation. Moreover, conside…
- Spinnakers: Anything sharp can damage the spinnakers. Especially near the boom, so check that everything is taped up. Also, spinnakers tend to get caught between the shrouds and above the spreaders...
- Spreader and Rig Chafe: When you’re sailing downwind the mainsail spends a lot of time relaxing on the rig. Keep in mind to fill your spreaders with pipe insulation. Moreover, consider having extra...
- Spreader Ends: Always reinforce the sail and put smooth cages around protrusions. In addition, wrap foam around your spreader caps on long voyages.
- Bottom of the Headsail: Try to lower the halyard enough in order to reach the damaged section. Then reinforce with a sail repair tape. In case the conditions don’t favor you to do so…
Summary – How to Repair The Sails
- All this is much easier if your sails aren’t damaged in the first place. But, I know for a fact that sometimes you can’t prevent it from happening. In any case, always be alert to what is going on with the rags. Moreover, always carry a sail repair kit(link to Amazon) on board especially for long-distance cruising. Before leaving for any long trip have also a sailmaker service to check your sa…