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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William R Watt National Capital FreeNet Ottawa's free community network
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Next, how much does stitching lengthen the life of the sails?

Not at all, but it could shorten it.


William R. Watt wrote:
shouldn't someone warn the professional sail lofts about this?


I think most of the good ones already know.


the only problem with both taping and sewing seams is the glue gums up the
needle on the sewing machine.

Why sew them if they're glued? Many sail lofts are now producing glued
seam sails... I have a ~200 Sq Ft spinnaker that I've flown in 20+ knot
winds, plenty strong.

Fresh Breezes- Doug King

Being a pathological experimenter (There ought to be a 12 step program
for people who cannot follow directions), the polytarp allows me to
economically stay in touch with my inner geekiness.