Treating Sails with Sail Kote

[Dockhead]

I need to treat my mainsail with Sail Kote so that it rolls up more smoothly in my in-mast furling system.


Anyone have any tips on how to do it? Should it be sponged on? Or sprayed?



I guess it would be desirable to wash the sail first?


Grateful for any tips.

[Dockhead]

No one with any experience with this?

[a64pilot]

What did the sailmaker recommend?

[Sailmonkey]

With fear that I’ll sound like thomm......

I’ve never treated a sail for a large boat, but have tried both the sponge and spray method on beach cat spinnakers.

The sponge method covers more throughly, you get an opportunity to really soak the fabric.

The spray method works, but I’ve found it leaves some areas with the sailkote beading on the sail rather than being forced in.

[Kenomac]

Ask the guy who made your sails.

[Dockhead]

Originally Posted by a64pilot

What did the sailmaker recommend?

You're one step ahead of me --


I did write to him first of all. He must be on vacation, because he hasn't answered. Then I posted on here.


I'm going to try to get my sails professionally washed next week. They don't show any dirt -- miraculously after so many miles -- but I'm sure there is plenty of salt which ought to go. I think Plan A will be to ask the sailmaker who is washing the sails, to put on the Sailkote.



Meanwhile I now see that you either sponge it on or spray it on. I guess that's not rocket science, but the bigger problem is I guess the sail really does need to be washed first.

[Markhunter1097]

Hi Dockhead, I would have sprayed 1000’s of sails with mclube sailkoteplus over the past few years. Considering the cost of it, I don’t think a sponge would be best as you would use too much. Best bet would be to use a pressurised weed sprayer, of a small diy paint gun. Thin coat and spray close to the sail.
Best option is to get it professionally sprayed, dolphin sails in the uk do it
If you get it done you will be amazed at the difference.

[thomm225]

Originally Posted by Sailmonkey

With fear that I’ll sound like thomm......

I’ve never treated a sail for a large boat, but have tried both the sponge and spray method on beach cat spinnakers.

The sponge method covers more throughly, you get an opportunity to really soak the fabric.

The spray method works, but I’ve found it leaves some areas with the sailkote beading on the sail rather than being forced in.

I used the spray can method on my spinnaker before races on the Nacra Inter 17R, but I'm sure it was a much smaller sail than what DH has

Jim Young Sailing