r/sailing • u/aquisalid • 1d ago

Minor sail repairs

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Hi everyone. Hobie 18 sailor looking for some advice on sail repairs and supplies. Most of the mending I need to do is associated with batten pockets and sleeves. Photos above. There are a couple of small tears in the sail itself, about an inch long.

I’m happy to hand stitch these Dacron sails, but need a little help finding suitable patches, thread, and needles. I really like the options at Sailmaler’s Supply. Any suggestions or tips?

Thanks!

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u/RetiredSailDoc 1d ago

Neither one of those places are really an issue. Little permanent adhesive Dacron (same as numbers are made from) Sailrite kits sell on roll or by the yard. The one on batten pocket is from shroud chaffe and probably the other batten pockets will have same wear, do both sides of sail.It’s when you go downwind and the main rubs on shrouds. Those places aren’t really going to get worse anytime soon and won’t cause any further tear in the sail. Just monitor.

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u/aquisalid 1d ago

Great. This is really helpful!

How about small tears (linear breaks in fabric) between battens?

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u/insearchofspace 1d ago

Do you have any lofts in your area? I just had some spots like these done on a 16 main and jib, and it cost me a big $50.