Sail Rigging Tape can be an important part of Sailing Gear. Sometimes I feel like a beginner when it comes to some things about sailing. Rigging tape is one on those items I’ve seen sailors use on their boats, but have never known where to get it. So I asked my Nacra buddy who used a lot of tape all over his boat, why, and where can I pick up some.
He sent me to electrical isle of my nearest big hardware store. When it comes to why, he had a couple of ideas.
First, to make sure that nothing comes undone. A sort of insurance policy against some part of the rigging becoming unpinned or undone.
Second, sometimes when things get crazy you might find yourself bumping into some of the Sail Rigging. I can tell you from experience, that is no fun.
What does my friend recommend: Scotch Brand 35 White Vinyl Electrical Tape. Comes in 3/4″ X 66′ for around $4. That’s a lot of rigging tape for about 6¢ a foot
Below are pictures of the electrical tape.
Is this the best kind of tape to use? probably not, there are many tapes out there that are specifically made or adapted to sailing. I have seen rigging tape on Amazon. Land ‘N Sea Tape Rigging Self Adhesive. This looks like really good stuff, but as price comparison, this tape is about $12 for 25 feet of tape. I am sure this is not Apples for Apples but you get the idea. Price and application is one of my considerations because I sail on a cheep (I will admit it) budget.
What do you use for Sail Rigging Tape? Please share with our readers your ideas and make a comment below, we want to hear from you. -Terry
I have been looking for some good marine tape. Do you know if there is anywhere else I can buy this tape besides West Marine?
Hi Roger, go to Lowe’s or Home Depot or someplace like it and get the 3M tape, like it says in the article.
“$1.29 per foot on sale right now” I really need to get myself some for my sails. It`s so important to have this type of stuff and to be honest I usually buy it from Home Depot. The good thing about buying it online is the fact that you can get it cheaper!
I never knew there was such a thing as sail rigging tape.
Not that hardcore of a sailor, but enjoy the site and the gear reviews.
Sail rigging tape is one of the smaller details you just don’t think about until you really need it. Thanks for the comment Lucy.
what are your thoughts about 3 M white medical tape? the type you use on bandages, etc? it is water proof and impervious and woven…will it stretch enough?
Never tried it, but not sure it will stretch enough. If you try it, or maybe someone on here has tried it before, let us know. It will be interesting to hear if it works.