How to Make a Foredeck Sail Bag Kit

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A foredeck bag is a fantastic way to protect your sails from the elements, and by storing your headsail on the deck of your boat in a foredeck bag, you'll be freeing up some room in your sail locker as well. Sound appealing? The good news is that you can easily sew your own professional-looking foredeck bag using our Foredeck Sail Bag Kits. To learn more about this handy addition and how to sew your own with help from Sailrite®, keep reading!
Video Chapters:
  • Intro — 0:00 min.
  • Patterning Fabric — 0:56 min.
  • Adding Vinyl Reinforcements — 7:16 min.
  • Sewing the Separating Zipper — 12:07 min.
  • Creating Zipper Flap — 18:03 min.
  • Sewing Continuous Zipper & Flap — 20:24 min.
  • Adding Hook & Loop Dots — 29:21 min.
  • Adding Sailrite Logo — 33:21 min.
  • Sewing Webbing to the Circle — 35:08 min.
  • Sewing Circle to Main Body — 39:06 min.
  • Adding Side Release Buckle — 45:28 min.
  • Loading Bag — 47:20 min.
Foredeck Bag Kits Include:
  • Tape Shelter-Rite® 18 oz. 3" Black or White (Not Adhesive Backed) - We used #104223
  • Sattler® Marine Grade 60" Fabric Your Color Choice - We used #124342
  • Seamstick 1/4" Basting Tape for Canvas & Upholstery (36 yds.) - #122065
  • Tex 90 (V-92) UV Bonded Polyester Thread 4 oz. (1,350 yds.) - We used #106386
  • Lenzip® #10 White or Black Separating Molded Tooth Zipper (Delrin® Single Pull Slider) - We used #123744
  • YKK® #10 White or Black Continuous Molded Tooth Zipper Chain - We used #28212
  • YKK® #10 White or Black Style A Single Non-Locking Pull (Molded Tooth Chain) - We used #103186
  • Hook & Loop Stick On Dots 3/4" White or Black (8 sets) - We used #123205
  • 1" White or Black Polyester Webbing - We used v#100PLLWWH-FT
  • YKK® 1" White or Black Side Release Buckle Heavy Duty - We used #123456
Tools List (not included in kit):
  • Gingher® Scissors Right Hand Lightweight 8"  - #101017
  • Sailrite® Edge Cordless Hotknife 18V Package - #122177
  • Precision Cutting Blade & Foot for Hotknives - #125495
  • Sailrite® Ultrafeed® LSZ Walking Foot Sewing Machine (110V) - #311602
  • Suisei Magnetic Sewing Guide - #102983
  • Sailrite® Canvas Patterning Ruler - #107040
  • Sailrite® Clear Acrylic Ruler 6" x 24" - #102400

Why Use a Foredeck Bag?

If you prefer to cover your sails overnight or if you’d like to keep your boat in a slip without removing and stowing the headsail, you may want to consider using a foredeck bag. A foredeck bag is often made of canvas (in our case, Sattler® Marine Grade fabric) and closes around a doused headsail that is left attached to the forestay when you are not under sail. They are similar to the nylon sail bags used to store sails below deck but boast greater durability and have different openings to fit around sail hanks as they are attached to the forestay.

Our Foredeck Sail Bag Kits from Sailrite are remarkable for a number of reasons. Not only can they be utilized to properly store and protect your sail, but they’re also totally customizable. They’re available in three sizes so you can select the one that best suits your sail and boat size. Once you’ve selected a size, you can also choose from a number of rich colors made from high-performance Sattler Marine Grade fabric. Sattler fabric is ideal for foredeck bags due to its stain, abrasion, UV, mold, and mildew resistant properties to perfectly protect your sail time after time. And because it’s made of 100% solution-dyed acrylic, it will retain consistent color both inside and out!

What’s Included in the Kit?

These kits come with all the fabric and notions necessary to get started; all you need to provide is a high-quality sewing machine and basic sewing tools and supplies. When you receive your Foredeck Sail Bag Kit from us, the fabric will come preplotted for easier cutting. We recommend using the Sailrite® Edge Hotknife, as it’s the most efficient way to cut and seal your Sattler fabric while you work.

Follow along with our step-by-step video to turn this DIY into a fully functioning part of your boat. If you have any questions during the process, feel free to contact a member of our highly trained customer support staff. We’d be happy to assist you. And once you’re finished, we’d love to see photos in the comments. Happy sailing!