Threads & Tapes
Sewing Threads & Tapes
Section titled “Sewing Threads & Tapes”Standardized specifications for sailmaking threads and reinforcement tapes used across all sail types.
1. Thread Specifications
Section titled “1. Thread Specifications”Polyester Thread (Standard)
Section titled “Polyester Thread (Standard)”High-tenacity bonded polyester thread. Standard for the majority of sail seams, reinforcements, and finishing.
| Size Code | Tex Weight | Needle Size | Application |
|---|---|---|---|
| V-46 | Tex 45 | #14-16 | Spinnakers, light code zeros |
| V-69 | Tex 70 | #16-18 | Small boat sails, UV cover hem, spinnakers |
| V-92 | Tex 90 | #18-20 | Standard for mainsails/headsails < 40ft |
| V-138 | Tex 135 | #21-23 | Heavy duty, corner reinforcements, boats > 40ft |
| V-207 | Tex 210 | #24-26 | Superyacht sails, heavy webbing, corner rings |
Properties:
- UV Resistance: Good (polyester has natural UV stability, though less than PTFE).
- Strength: High tensile strength per diameter.
- Abrasion: Excellent.
PTFE Thread (UV Resistant)
Section titled “PTFE Thread (UV Resistant)”Expanded PTFE (Polytetrafluoroethylene) thread, commonly known by brand names like Tenara® (Gore) or Helios (Coats).
| Material | Brand Names | UV Resistance | Application |
|---|---|---|---|
| ePTFE | Tenara, Helios | Immune | UV Covers, leech/foot tapes, awnings |
Key Features:
- Lifespan: Outlasts the fabric it is sewn into. Unaffected by UV, acid rain, or salt.
- Cost: Significantly higher than polyester.
- Usage: Mandatory for UV Protection Strips and recommended for leech/foot tapes on furling sails that live on the mast/forestay.
2. Reinforcement Tapes
Section titled “2. Reinforcement Tapes”Tapes used for edging, heavy-duty reinforcement, and load path distribution.
Webbing Tapes
Section titled “Webbing Tapes”| Type | Widths | Material | Application |
|---|---|---|---|
| Polyester Webbing | 25mm, 40mm, 50mm | Hi-Tenacity PES | Corner rings, tack loops, jacklines |
| Tubular Webbing | 25mm, 50mm | PES | Soft shackles, high-chafe areas |
| Dyneema Webbing | Various | HMPE | Ultra-high load corners (Race) |
Edging Tapes
Section titled “Edging Tapes”| Type | Widths | Material | Application |
|---|---|---|---|
| Dacron Tape | 2” - 6” (folded) | Polyester Stick-back | Leech/Foot edging, luff tape covers |
| Insignia Tape | Various | PSA Polyester | Draft stripes, numbers, minor repairs |