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Old 21-10-2018, 07:59   #1
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Best way to repair small hole in sail?

When taking off the genoa for the season, I noticed a very small, 1/8" hole about 6" back from the luff rope.

Haven't repaired a sail for 35 years, also that was much larger.

What is best way to repair this? Figured even though it is small, it might tear more if nothing is done? Thanks.
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Old 21-10-2018, 08:46   #2
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Re: Best way to repair small hole in sail?

For that I would go with adhesive patches, one on each side, generously sized.

Do you know what caused it?
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Old 21-10-2018, 08:51   #3
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Re: Best way to repair small hole in sail?

Quote:
Originally Posted by Suijin View Post
For that I would go with adhesive patches, one on each side, generously sized.

Do you know what caused it?


Adhesive patches, cut either round or with radiused corners, and placed back to back on either side of the tear.
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Old 21-10-2018, 08:57   #4
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Re: Best way to repair small hole in sail?

Thanks. I am assuming these are available at west marine or something like that?

Just stick on. Or do they have to be fused?

No idea what caused it. 3 year old sail, cruise just a few weeks a season, up 15 plus feet. Below spreaders.
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Old 21-10-2018, 09:04   #5
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Best way to repair small hole in sail?

They’re just stuck on.

I’ve no idea if west carries this stuff. Your local sail loft should have some, or order online, like this.

https://www.sailrite.com/Insignia-Ad...d-UV-Dacron-10
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Old 21-10-2018, 09:23   #6
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Re: Best way to repair small hole in sail?

I would recommend stitching around the edges of the tape
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Old 21-10-2018, 10:32   #7
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Re: Best way to repair small hole in sail?

i used repair tape for a small half inch tear in a spinnaker five years ago... not a problem since..
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Old 21-10-2018, 11:38   #8
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Re: Best way to repair small hole in sail?

I've never had to do this, so just following to learn something.

Would you make one side patch larger than the other so the point of flex is spread over a larger area.

Also I imagine round patches for the same purpose.
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Old 21-10-2018, 12:31   #9
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Re: Best way to repair small hole in sail?

For a small patch, we have used circles; for larger patches, rectangles with rounded corners. Clean the fabric first with meths or even acetone! and carefully put them on. They do not need stitching, ime. Only the kinds of mends where you cut out a hole, generally need stitching, in dacron sailcloth, or spinnaker cloth. The sticky-backed sail cloth (sold in colored tape for spinnakers) is VERY sticky.

Fwiw, the kind of hole the OP described sounds like the sail snagged on something, possibly when being loaded into the furler. It's too close to the luff to be normal chafe.

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Old 22-10-2018, 08:44   #10
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Re: Best way to repair small hole in sail?

Practical Sailor reviewed a few different methods of sail repair if you're interested:
https://www.practical-sailor.com/sea...=sail%20repair


(some of those articles are free some require the subscription).


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Old 22-10-2018, 09:05   #11
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Re: Best way to repair small hole in sail?

I am with JPA Cate. Clean and sticky back material.
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Old 22-10-2018, 09:22   #12
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Re: Best way to repair small hole in sail?

I’ve used “Crystal Clear Gorilla Tape” out of necessity (underway) and its held up well. Waterproof, can be applied wet, quick, easy, and available everywhere.

Gorilla ADHGGTCLR 07164000719, Crystal Clear Duct Tape, 1-Pack https://www.amazon.com/dp/B00EUGCT22..._VGFZBbWWDZZ34
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Old 22-10-2018, 13:44   #13
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Re: Best way to repair small hole in sail?

I would have some of the same kind of sail cloth, cut a pair of circular patches, and using polyurethane adhesive, put one each side and clamp the hole between two wooden blocks covered in glad wrap.

Failing that, there are repair kits one can buy. The old fashioned method was to darn it using bee's waxed flax--but these days polyester thread is OK--then when finished, varnish it with polyurethane incorporating UV protection.

Quite large holes can be patched using the proper polyurethane glue.
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