Hi,
Admittedly, I'm part of that influx of new sailors that saw a summer of restricted COVID travel as an opportunity to pursue purchasing my first sailboat, an '88 Hunter 26.5, this past May. This forum has been invaluable for information as was a combination of youtube videos and books I used to learn how to sail. I come seeking your advice again. I believe my mainsail is original to the boat and is in dire need of replacement. I have sought out 3 quotes. They are all offering a very similar product; cross cut, dacron, 2 full battens, 1 reef point, same size. The material seems to be the biggest differentiator between them but I have no idea which material is the best, or if it even matters. All have their own marketing claims, hoping someone may be able to offer some advice.
1) North Sails: Material: NPc NorDac, 1 full batten, 3 partial, cheapest option, most involved in terms of asking me questions and willing to go measure the boat.
2) Doyle: Material: 6.62 HA, 2 full battens, 2 partial, hasn't asked many questions but they do have a local loft. Middle of the road cost.
3) Quantum: Material: Contender Supercruise 6.4, 2 full battens, 2 partial, most expensive option, loft is a little further away, they come highly recommended from peers however.
For background, I mostly day sail now but I want to start taking weekend trips. I don't race right now but I do like some speed on the water. Can't spend top dollar, these are all in my range, under $2k. If you need any additional information, just let me know! Any advice is greatly appreciated! Thank you!
Admittedly, I'm part of that influx of new sailors that saw a summer of restricted COVID travel as an opportunity to pursue purchasing my first sailboat, an '88 Hunter 26.5, this past May. This forum has been invaluable for information as was a combination of youtube videos and books I used to learn how to sail. I come seeking your advice again. I believe my mainsail is original to the boat and is in dire need of replacement. I have sought out 3 quotes. They are all offering a very similar product; cross cut, dacron, 2 full battens, 1 reef point, same size. The material seems to be the biggest differentiator between them but I have no idea which material is the best, or if it even matters. All have their own marketing claims, hoping someone may be able to offer some advice.
1) North Sails: Material: NPc NorDac, 1 full batten, 3 partial, cheapest option, most involved in terms of asking me questions and willing to go measure the boat.
2) Doyle: Material: 6.62 HA, 2 full battens, 2 partial, hasn't asked many questions but they do have a local loft. Middle of the road cost.
3) Quantum: Material: Contender Supercruise 6.4, 2 full battens, 2 partial, most expensive option, loft is a little further away, they come highly recommended from peers however.
For background, I mostly day sail now but I want to start taking weekend trips. I don't race right now but I do like some speed on the water. Can't spend top dollar, these are all in my range, under $2k. If you need any additional information, just let me know! Any advice is greatly appreciated! Thank you!