3-4" hole in my Jib, any suggestions for repair?

After a pretty intense sailing ( spent more time upside down then actually sailing.....lost my entire steering assembly....) session I had my sails drying in my garage. Next day I go to put them away and I find a 3-4" hole that some varmit made! These sales were in great condition and are from 1978. Luckily, its close to the edge so I can get a sewing machine on it, unfortunately I dont have a sewing machine. Whats my best option for repair? If i dont fix it until spring break I can get my sister to sew it, but I would like to use it ASAP.

Actually, having the damage at the edge of the sail is not a good thing. The highest loads are around the perimeter of the sail, the body of the sail sees lower loads. As far as repair, would need to know more details on the specific location of the damage, but as a minimum, you would want to patch with at least the same number of layers of cloth as were existing. A problem with repairing really old sails is that when you stitch a new piece of sail cloth to an old piece, it has a tendency to create a hard spot that may just cause the existing material to tear right next to the repair.

You may be able to do the repair by carefully hand stitching in a patch. It can be done reasonably well for at least a temporary repair. But I wouldn't even consider using adhesive repair tape alone. It's not going to be strong enough without stitching to hold it in place.

Your best bet is probably to take the sail to an experienced sail repair shop. If it's a simple repair, it shouldn't cost too much.

sm

Send your sail to Morrelli performance sails, It won't cost much and you will have a good sail again.

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Bodhisatfa

On my old 16 I had serveral holes caused by incorrect strorage and just sent the sail off the North Sails in Vancouver Canada. They did a great job of sewing patches over the holes which lasted for years, the only thing was the color was off as the old sail was faded and the new patch was nice and bright.

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06 getaway -- always remember, man with both feet in mouth have no leg to stand on.

Estimated price to ship and repair?

I do mast covers, sail bags and minor reinforcements along the sail seams with a machine I got from Walmart.

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Happy Sailing,

David

Here is the location. Where can I buy the fabric needed for the repair? My sister has a nice sewing machine so I think I will give this a try next time I head near her place. What kind of thread is best and how many layers should I use?

Called the local Hobie dealer and they said it could be fixed for about $50, I just need to find time to drop it off.

I have a complete sterring asmby. for a 16. Let me know if you need one. Located near Trenton, NJ

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Thanks but I actually built my boat from 2 different boats so I had an another steering assembly sitting around. My back half looks like a ying yang symbol now with black/white rudders and silver/black anodized castings!