Packing up yesterday I noticed a small tear (40-50mm) in section of mono, but I would imagine that it won't stay small for very long. I think it occurred as I was taking the sail off the mast, so there must have been a weak spot.

Questions:
1. Will Mylar sail tape stick and hold on monofilm to allow some additional use?
2. Any sail repairers recommended in TAS, preferably in the north, but I'll be in Hobart next week if only available in the South.
3. Whilst at it, would it be worth/feasible to replace mono panel with X-Ply for more durability. Weight is not really a big concern at my level.

Cheers,
Mort

Hello
Give me a ring if down south.
I do the sail repairs for the crew.
Cheers Damien 0409854754

Sam's Sails in Launceston does the repairs for us northerners, that is, if the repairs mean unpicking and re-sewing. For the more usual 'middle' cuts - when you just poke something through the sail, most of us also keep a heap of 'sticky back', and I would think that it would stick to anything - mono film included.

I wouldn't worry a great deal about it. Duct tape fixes most of these little problems. If you could see some of my old sails!!!

Thanks for the responses. Sounds like a temporary repair will be the go for now.
Geoff, by "sticky back" do mean something like the stuff you cover books with? I've got some mylar sail tape, but it doesn't seem real sticky on the mono.

I guess a vinyl sticker either side would probably also do the job, but rumchaser's quick and dirty solution might be the go in the short term.

Damo, I'll give you a call when the tear becomes terminal

Cheers
Mort

Sticky back is also known as ripstop/ insignia cloth.
It is what is often used for sail numbers or trimming edges of sails where sewing is not needed.
All windsurf sails use it in their construction. Around the batten pockets, clew , foot and head.
It is cloth like in appearance and sticks on, available in many colours
You can buy it at local sailmakers.
Also you can but a clear monofilm tape from marine shops.

I bought a metre (square) of black from Sam's Sails - it cost about $40.00, and will probably last me the balance of my entire inwdsurfing career. Very handy to have lying about though.

Building further on the recent question, a slight mishap today.

Sticky back!

Ive done this damage to a few of my sails Mort, rig sail as you
normally would , clean damaged area with Turps , then add Gaffa Tape .
Doesnt look pretty but works a treat .

Wash with fresh water then clean with methylated spirits. Lay sail flat on a clean floor. Carefully join tear precisely along tear line with small pieces of masking tape, turn over and apply Mylar self adhesive over damaged area; "sticky back" Turn back over, remove masking tape and apply sticky back.
With a large tear like yours a helper is a must to apply the sticky back.

Looks like Sticky Back it is then Geoff!
I've ordered some yellow sticky back tape for future minor occurrences and Sam's Sails has it on the roll 1500mm wide for about $50/m (sold in 0.5m increments).

Thanks Essedon, I've just patched another sail with Gaffa and it held in 25knots on the weekend. Colour matched might be slightly more classy.

Thanks for the tips Relic. Stabilising the tear with masking tape makes good sense.

She'll be good as new! (well maybe not, since its a circa 2007 sail, but was going strong prior to this).

just so you know, a full panel replacement in monofilm of about the size you showed is $100-$150.
for home repairs....yes definitely use metho ( not turps) and sail unrigged and patched up as Relic explaied.

Thanks for the advice all. Repair completed ready to go.





A bit of sticky back either side, a little bit of trim with some spinnaker tape and ready to go...
Not perfect, but should see the season out


I now know why Seabreezers suggest always carrying a spare downhaul line. Temporary repair after a crash.

Any suggestions on straightening an aluminium boom? I've lost about 30cm of adjustment (been like it for ages, but limits the next smallest sail size).


Cheers,
Mort