Oops

Mainsail tear. Anyone know where I can score a patch kit?

Tear is about 20" long. I believe it tore against something when I was rolling it up.

Just has to last until Christmas ... hint hint.



http://i90.photobucket.com/albums/k...112643_8771_zps75cfa566.jpg?t=1409666656

Try SailRite.com. They sell individual supplies (including sail patch tape) as well as sail repair kits (such as http://www.sailrite.com/Sail-Canvas-Repair-Kit-in-Waterproof-Box-Right-Palm)

For that size (and shape) tear, however, you may want to find a sail or canvas shop that can sew on a patch for you.

Regards,
Eric

Thanks Eric. Can you "sew" stuff on that monofilm or do you have to laminate?

The best way to repair the sail would be to replace the entire panel. Short of that, however, you can sew a pentex patch over the tear. I'd avoid adhesive sail repair tape. You need something that will take the full wind load. Any further strain on the tear will split the sail entirely. Mylar laminates, when they fail, tend to fail explosively.

Regards,
Eric

Mylar laminates, when they fail, tend to fail explosively

I was hoping you wouldn't say that That laminate is looking a bit tired.

It's a 10 year old sail, and I doubt anyone would be willing to replace the panel and stand by their work. Or, maybe I'd get a picture of the rest of the sail exploding and only have that one panel still there

I'm hoping that because it most likely tore against something while furling (and not because of wind/loads) maybe a patch will hold it until I drop cash on a new sail.

I second the notion of taking it to a sail loft. There should be plenty of them around you and they'll be able to make the repair in a snap and without hesitation. It's what I would do.

Okay, I'll reach out to the manufacturer rep who's loft is in Sarasota, so not too far away..

After he stops laughing we'll see what he suggests.

The good news is that you appear to have a bias-cut sail with the tear running along the warp of the fabric. That means it will be easier to patch without degrading the shape of the sail.

A fellow Isotope skipper tore his mainsail shortly before the National Championship this year. He has a radial-cut sail and his tear crossed multiple panels. The patch, although strong enough, altered the camber shape - badly.

I had sewn myself a new mainsail this year so I loaned him my older main (which is still in good shape and I keep as a spare) with the caveat that if he won with it, I'd auction the mainsail off on eBay afterwards. Fortunately (with the help of my lucky hat), I manged to eek it out ahead of him so I get to keep the sail.

Good luck,
Eric

Rainstorm=Insurance claim

hey slim, I may need you for Miami-Key Largo this coming winter...

I sense you need a deck ape to pull strings?

Short answer,

that is what insurance is for.

Long answer,

that location is pretty lightly loaded. Any sail maker could cut in a window and it would look like it has always been there.

maybe, but I've got winches (with an "I"), so probably someone to help me not hit the bottom at arsnicker... or the bar.