DSK ) writes:

Next, how much does stitching lengthen the life of the sails?


Not at all, but it could shorten it.

shouldn't someone warn the professional sail lofts about this?

the only problem with both taping and sewing seams is the glue gums up the
needle on the sewing machine. I cello-taped the seams of a nylon sail to hold
them togeher while I shoved them through a sewing machine and had quite a
problem with cleaning the needle. Last year I sewed a Tyvek sail without using
any tape and it looks good. I haven't tried a heat sealed polytarp sail.
Photos of the nylon sail under "Dogskiff" and Tyvek sail under "Tyvek
Sail", both under "Boats" on my website (see below).
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