Trim Foot and Sealing with Tape

[BobBill]

I would like to trim the foot of a new Dacron Sail...long story...and due to location, no way to a loft. Anyone ever trim Dacron and seal the edge using heavy duty adhesive tape? What I get for living in small community inland.

 

[The Q]

The foot of a sail often has a High tension on it as you pull in the Outhaul. I can't see it working, without over sewing the tape. I'm also assuming it's a loose footed Sail. However if I was to try it I'd use spinnaker tape ( easily available on Amazon)

 

[gggGuest]

You can get stronger self adhesive tapes than nylon spinnaker tape. But the big question is whether you can leave the corner reinforcements untouched or not. Trimming back an over generous foot round ought not be too bad, but reworking the corners is a serious job.

 

[BobBill]

Thank-you for help. I good soul on SA suggested a needle and the thread to use with our old, steel geared, Singer. He also suggested I move the tack grommet (cringle) in tact and sew into new point. Sounded like a plan.

Yes, GGG, I located some heavy duty, sticky tape also, as you noted.

Will use current clew in place. This particular application is a stop gap while new sail is being sewn. Loose footed with near zero outhaul tension, save to hold down to boom in place, so not expecting serious grief. I really only want to keep the Dacron happy along foot and have a functional tack cringle.

Thanks again.