How to Replace a Sail Window

X-HT-200694

Has the window in your sail seen better days? Is it hard to see through or cracked after years of abuse from wind, water and pollution? This short video tutorial will show you how easy it is to replace your sailboat's clear vinyl window. Our DIY experts will show you how. Let's get started.

Materials List:

Plastipane 20 Gauge 54" Vinyl Window Material – #283201
Seamstick Basting Tape for Sailmaking & Vinyl – 1/4" #20306 or 3/8" #659
Tex 90 (V-92) Natural UV Bonded Polyester Thread 4 oz. (1,350 yds.) – #106386
Insignia Adhesive Backed White 54" Fabric – #945111
Ripstop 0.75oz Red 60" Nylon Sailcloth – #955
Ripstop 0.75oz Green 60" Nylon Sailcloth – #953

Tools List:

Sailrite^® Canvas Patterning Ruler – #107040
Grease Marking Pencil Yellow – #111002
Scratch Awl Yellow – Item # 235411
Gingher^® 8" Scissors Right Handed – #19104
Sailrite^® Ultrafeed^® LSZ Walking Foot Sewing Machine – #311602
Yardstick, Pencil

Cutting out your existing sail window

We will show you the proper techniques for cutting out your existing sail window and inserting a new one. And best of all, we show you how to do it without compromising the quality of your sail or causing any sail performance issues. First, you’ll trace the circumference of your new window around the old one — your new window will be slightly bigger to account for the seam allowance needed. You will sew in your new window, and then cut out the old one. Never cut out the old window first.

For this project, you’ll need a sheet of new vinyl window material, Seamstick basting tape, thread, new sailcloth, adhesive-backed insignia and, of course, a sewing machine that can handle sail repairs. We recommend the Sailrite^® Ultrafeed^® LSZ Walking Foot Sewing Machine for its zigzag stitch and walking foot in a powerful and conveniently portable size.

With just a handful of supplies from Sailrite^®, you’ll be on your way to having a beautiful-looking, clear sail window in no time! Be sure to check out the other blogs in our Sail Repair category if you have any other parts of your sailboat that need repairs.