Hi folks, have done a search, but not seen anything that directly answers my question. The damage pictured is on a sail I just bought. Knew it was there so no issue there.
I'm thinking it doesn't need attention: the film is deformed but there's no tear or crack. But if it does need repair of some kind what would you do?
Give it a wipe clean so theres no salt on it and use some clear selotape just in case and you'll never see it.
Yeah, while mono dents are annoying, an actual panel replacement might turn out worse. Clean and tape.
Yes tape it. What happens is the sail gets crinkled as the mast flexes in the wind. Eventually the tear lengthens.
Select to expand quoteSparky said..
Have you tried a really hot iron?
I am joking.
That is closer to the truth than you may realise ... it is possible to thermo-form the dent, but you do need to be careful.... too hot and it melts. Note that thermo-forming will make the area slightly more brittle (but that shouldn't be an issue for flat-areas).
Lay the sail out on something flat (but not scratchy) such as a deck; if laying on grass, use a chopping-board under the dent.
Boil some water; while still really hot, pour the water over the dent.
Using your fingers to "smooth out" the dent (you may need gloves); I wouldn't suggest using a tool as I haven't found one that would be suitable (maybe a roller ?).
Repeat on both sides at least twice; you should see a noticeable difference, but it wont disappear completely.
After a few attempts you will get a feel for how hot the water needs to be - I use boiled-kettle-to-dent of less than 60 seconds.
Select to expand quotemathew said..Sparky said..
Have you tried a really hot iron?
I am joking.
That is closer to the truth than you may realise ... it is possible to thermo-form the dent, but you do need to be careful.... too hot and it melts. Note that thermo-forming will make the area slightly more brittle (but that shouldn't be an issue for flat-areas).
Lay the sail out on something flat (but not scratchy) such as a deck; if laying on grass, use a chopping-board under the dent.
Boil some water; while still really hot, pour the water over the dent.
Using your fingers to "smooth out" the dent (you may need gloves); I wouldn't suggest using a tool as I haven't found one that would be suitable (maybe a roller ?).
Repeat on both sides at least twice; you should see a noticeable difference, but it wont disappear completely.
After a few attempts you will get a feel for how hot the water needs to be - I use boiled-kettle-to-dent of less than 60 seconds.
I had an old sail I experimented with. I did actually try a moderate heat iron through layers of cloth, it did kind of work to flatten things but left it a little brittle and was left with a number of smaller dimples rather than one large one. Maybe you could do this very carefully, then tape it.
Agree with all the above but would add - whilst it doesn't need strengthening, it is ideal to patch it just in case.
Just taping it won't work as tape won't follow the curves well, sand and crap will get under and then its a mess. Really needs a sticker or a stickyback sailcloth patch much bigger than the dent (20cm square ish..?)
Can't really tape something with that much deformation, it needs to be flat.
I'd cut out that one square, just inside the threads, then I'd apply clear gorilla tape on both sides, nice, flat, and strong.
Very similar to what M-a said.
Select to expand quoteSparky said..
Have you tried a really hot iron?
I am joking.
Mate don't joke I'll believe you!
thanks for the replies all- will try some hot water then tape (have some sail repair tape here).
I'll throw my method in there for you
I will add I'm an expert at falling into my sails
I seem to do it most times I sail
I would put plenty of high grade clear tape on one side, then flip sail over and carefully heat gun the other side with accurate short doses, have a damp cloth on hand to cool heated area and to press film back flat against adhesive tape.
It will shrink and settle flat with care and patience
After you are happy it's the best it can be apply clear tape to area and then flip sail back over and again to replace the tape on the other side.
End result should have permanent clear tape over the area on both sides of sail. This will cover any chance of original film getting brittle from shrinkage in coming years
Best tape I have ever used is Bear clear ALL WEATHER specialty tape ( available at Bunnings)
Surface must be clean and tape works best if you don't lap it over the top of itself
Good luck with it
Select to expand quoteSparky said..
Have you tried a really hot iron?
I am joking.
ha ha ...i was going to suggest a hair drier ...i think i'm not joking 
...they use it to shrink corners on window tint ..
other wise a beer sticker on each side 
