Chinook vs Tear-Aid, Personal Experience?

mmclimbhigh · Joined: 06 Sep 2016 Posts: 42

Hey guys,

Any opinions on using Chinook Sail Repair Tape vs the Tear-Aid stuff sold by Hot Sails Maui? I also see that Chinook offers an X-Ply Repair Tape as well.

Yesterday, I tore a large gash in an X-Ply panel of 5.6 Sailworks Hucker. The sail is older and has had the window replaced already. I'm just looking to limp it through the season. No need to send it out to Sailworks (they do kick-ass repairs, btw!). The tear is in the second panel from the top.

I've searched the forum for advice, but haven't seen too many mentions of the above choices.

All opinions and smart-ass comments welcome.

Cheers!

manuel · Joined: 08 Oct 2007 Posts: 1158

http://windsurfing.lepicture.com/tips-and-tricks/

U2U2U2 · Posted: Sun May 03, 2020 9:43 am Post subject:

This has been a topic on other forums.This is my test. The “sail” material is sl500p,ultra lightweight polyester scrim.

It is now and has been placed 24 / 7/365 for over 2 years, at 6250 feet above sea level, with repair tapes.
It’s been exposed to 4 seasons, and higher UV rays.
Their are 4 different tapes, used.
Store bought clear packing tape, heavy duty packing.
Commercial, sl1000p, polyester , no black reinforcement.
Commercial repair tape, similar to above , with black strands.
Store bought house insulation tape,Tyvek.
§§§§Their is no difference in performance , durability. Some yellowing on the packing tape.§§§§
The patches were square cut, some advocate rounding the corners. Could help.
Clean the area to be patched. Heat may help adhesive,as sunshine or hair dryer, heat gun.

Chinook’s offering looks similar to what I have in bulk.
Others are available from a variety of sources.

U2U2U2 · Posted: Sun May 03, 2020 9:45 am Post subject:

U2U2U2 · Posted: Sun May 03, 2020 9:47 am Post subject:

U2U2U2 · Posted: Sun May 03, 2020 9:51 am Post subject:

To answer the question, I have not used either of those .

rswabsin · Joined: 14 May 2000 Posts: 444 Location: New Jersey

I've used Tear-Aid Type A a number of times to repair small tears in the mast sleeve and in sail windows near the edge where is meets a stitched edge. very pleased with long term performance. The nice thing about this tape is that it is very soft and stretchy so you can press it down around stitching and edges of sail fabric to really get a good fitting bond. The adhesive on the tape is excellent too - water and sand doesn't seem to get under the edges. The color is opaque - not clear. I've also used it on wear holes in batten sleeves - the kind you get from rigging on pavement. Again it worked great.

Note there is tear aid Type B too - read the descriptions carefully to get the right one for you needs. Also, you can find vary quantities and sizes on amazon too. The price is about the same no matter where you get it.

Rob