“As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases at no additional cost to you”
Did your sail suddenly rip at sea, leaving you stranded?
Well, we know how nerve-wracking it can be when dealing with uncertain situations, especially life-threatening ones. So, in this article, we promise to show you how to use a sail repair tape. Of course, it won’t work wonders on your sail, but it should be able to get you to the nearest port.
By now, you should know better and always be prepared for unexpected circumstances at sea because help is often far. As a sailor, you should have a ready-to-use sail repair kit when you travel. This kit should consist of a sharp pair of scissors, sail repair tapes, sail repair needles, threads, twines, and adhesives.
Like the Boys’ Scout catchphrase says, “BE PREPARED!”.
What Is a Sail Repair Tape?
Sail repair tapes refer to adhesive tapes that are used to hold broken sails together temporarily. They come in different sizes and are made from a variety of materials. So, to choose the right one for your sail, you’ll need to consider your sail type and the extent of the damage.
What are the Types of Sail Repair Tape?
There are common types that work well with most sails; these include laminate and polyester. There are also versatile sticky-back tapes available; you can opt for them on your first buy; they include; Dacron wave leech tape, Spinnaker, and Kevlar. Other types are Vinyl, Canvas, Ripstop, and Rubber.
We’ll give a brief description of select tapes to help you know the difference.
All sticky-back tapes work with soft material sails. They are resistant to Ultraviolet rays, so drying them under direct sunlight won’t be an issue. The trick is for the tape to be stronger than the sail.
Dacron Wave Leech Tape
This tape has an adhesive to seal rips along the sail’s luff. It’s the most dynamic of all the sail repair tapes, and it works with every material. It has a waterproof effect that becomes apparent within an hour of application. This narrow tape is perfect for holding polyester sails.
Laminate Sail Tape
The laminate sail tape is a 3 inches wide tape that doesn’t work well with polyester. Use this tape as a supplement for Dacron. When you seal a tear with laminate tape, sew around the edge for extra strength.
Mylar Sail Tape
Since this sail tape boasts of a low-stretch technology, it is capable of withstanding light wind. It also holds sails with weak films like fiber firmly.
We wouldn’t advise you to use it long-term. It’s suitable only as a temporary fix. So, the best thing to do as soon as you reach a port is to find a sailmaker to make a permanent stitch.
What Is a Sail Repair Tape Used For?
A sail repair tape is an adhesive used for emergencies at sea. Some of which include covering small holes and long tears across the luff or leech.
Imagine cruising with a broken sail, sounds risky, doesn’t it? Well, a sail repair tape will help in reducing that risk.
To carry out its duty effectively, the repair tape needs to be made of a material of a higher strength than the sail material. You can layer it, but don’t overwhelm the spot to the point of being chunky! Also, you should know that despite their potency, adhesive tapes can handle only low-stress zones.
A Step-by-Step Analysis on How to Use A Sail Repair Tape
Applying a repair tape to a damaged sail is easy. You can complete the process in these three steps;
Step One: Dry the Sail
Before you start to work on the sail, wipe it clean of grease and grime. A slimy surface is a bad combination for an adhesive. Clean it with water or by rubbing alcohol – methylated spirit is good.
Always ensure you use a fresh cloth to wipe the surface dry.
Step Two: Measure the Length Of The Tape
You’ll notice that the tape comes with a cover on the back to preserve the adhesive. Without removing the protective covering, measure the length of the damage, then use a sharp pair of scissors to cut double the size you need.
Once you do that, fold the tape into two equal parts and cut it. Each of the tapes is for the two sides of the sail.
Step Three: Repair Your Sail
Place the tape on the repair spot still with the protective cover. Lift one corner of the tape (this depends on your dominant hand), then gently place the sticky edge on the sail. Peel off the cover underneath the tape while you smooth the sticky part over the hole.
Apply pressure while you stick your tape and make sure there are no air bubbles. Then, flip your sail over and repeat the process. Taping both sides is for reinforcement.
Watch this video for visual instruction on how to repair your sail with tape.
Conclusion
Learning basic sail repair procedures is like knowing first-aid treatment. You can never be too prepared when on the sea.
One sail repair tape we recommend for every sailor is the Better Boat. It is an Amazon Bestseller with a length of 3 inches and a width of 30ft. We are sure you’ll love this universal fit vinyl tape as it’s flexible, thick, and waterproof.
So, the next time you get stranded with a broken sail, don’t panic! Instead, follow the three steps – Clean, Measure & Repair, and you’re good to go.
P.S: Interested in the Best Sailing Foul Weather Gear? Check out this guide here!
