Ripped Sail! Can this Sail be fixed?????

NewportNewbie · #1 (**permalink**) 10-21-2011

Just noticed a rip in my sail....@%^&#!!!!! Anyway...can it be fixed or should I look into replacing it?

Faster · #2 (**permalink**) 10-21-2011

Repairable but the sail looks kinda 'done'.. and may not be worth putting more money into it... Just get some sail repair tape (self adhesive) and fix it for now until you're ready to replace it.

Like this: http://www.boaterbits.ca/sailboat-ha...ging/tape.html

Peas · #3 (**permalink**) 10-21-2011

I agree with Faster - the sail does kinda looks 'done'.
Maybe check out one of the online used sail lofts for something that might fit, if you don't want to spend thousands on new.

Depending on how bad the tear is on the leach, if it's a patch on the panel that's required - maybe $100 at your local loft would take care of it?

jackdale · #4 (**permalink**) 10-21-2011

Since the tear is below the spreader patch and not along a seam, I agree that the sail may be done. The loft should be able to give you an assessment and an estimate.

Is this sail on a roller furler? If it is, it should have an anti UV strip, which I do not see.

emoney · #5 (**permalink**) 10-21-2011

Is that your only jib? Sail tape is readily available at almost all chandleries. West Marine carries it. But, if it's your main working jib, and that's what is most often used, time to start shopping for a new(er) one. I'm sure there's plenty sail lofts there in Newport. I've had good luck in purchasing trade-in sails in the past, if you need to save money.

NewportNewbie · #6 (**permalink**) 10-21-2011

yes its son a furler. Its the way I got it....I took it to North Sails when the leach line ripped. They repaired it and said the sail was good for a few more seasons. That was a few months ago.

jackdale · #7 (**permalink**) 10-21-2011

Quote:

Originally Posted by NewportNewbie

yes its son a furler. Its the way I got it....I took it to North Sails when the leach line ripped. They repaired it and said the sail was good for a few more seasons. That was a few months ago.

I would guess that the torn leech is also the result of UV. A UV strip is essential and can be retrofitted.

emoney · #8 (**permalink**) 10-21-2011

You know, as an afterthought, if there's even a slim chance you're thinking of "trading up", then I'm of the opinion you'd be much better served to replaced that sail. Prospective buyers, especially those that are new to sailing, can get "turned off" a potential purchase by the fear of sail replacement. I'm sure you'll get back the cost in resale value, in that you should be able to purchase, if nothing else, a used sail for quite a bit less than a future buyer will deduct from his/her offer factoring in replacement.

pdqaltair · #9 (**permalink**) 10-21-2011

Get a strip of cloth from the local sailmaker, a sewing palm, sailmakers needles, waxed thread, a book from the library, and learn. Someday you will need to repair something in a bind, and this is a great chance to learn with no consequences. It's actually kind of fun. And done well, the repair may last years, certainly longer than the rest of the sail.

I wouldn't pay someone to fix it. The sail is long in the tooth. You'll replace it someday. I wouldn't argue against that. That sort of tear suggests weak cloth.

WDS123 · #10 (**permalink**) 10-21-2011

Newport,

a few choices ranging from very home spun to professional:

1) duct tape (get white)

2) Spinnaker tape

3) Patch using old fashioned sewing method

4) Minny's - buy old but servicable genoa for a couple hundred

5) WD Schock - buy a brand new Genoa from us.