I need to upgrade. I have older Hunter that is in good shape, but do not want to spend half the value of the boat on new sails. Can someone direct me to the absolute rock bottom best deal on decently made sails (China, US...). I do not race and use my boat for casual sailing so please only advice on where the deals are at, no arguments for why I should buy from the expensive guys. Regards, Pete
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Jim Anzalone
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Ed Schenck
Lots of comparing took me. . .
to Lee Sails. We worked out everything via e-mail. Then, just to be sure, I sent the old jib to them. The new jib is a work of art and half the price of all the local lofts. http://www3.leesails.com/
to Lee Sails. We worked out everything via e-mail. Then, just to be sure, I sent the old jib to them. The new jib is a work of art and half the price of all the local lofts. http://www3.leesails.com/
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David Foster
Main Propulsion Units
A new main is a great upgrade. A new Doyle semi full batten, loose footed main added 1 to 1.5 knots to our speed in 15 knot winds, while reducing heel by 5 degrees! Weather helm was also greatly reduced. How much can you save going to a lowest cost supplier? The main for our '77 h27 is avialable from Doyle for $1,207 on this site. And they have an excellent reputation for sticking with us, and getting it right. Even better, I found the prices from local sail lofts (Doyle, North, and UK) to nearly match the site prices. And the local guys were willing to come out to my boat, and assess all my sails, and plan an upgrade program over several years. I ended up going with the Doyle loft in Cleveland. Finally, they were a big help in getting the rigging right, supporting my learning how to use the new sail, and I can call Greg Koski any time for advice, or questions about my sails. Nothing against the lowest cost producer. But I'll bet that the TLC of a local loft often ends up providing lower cost and better cruisign performance over the first five years. That's my opinion, anyway. David Lady Lillie
A new main is a great upgrade. A new Doyle semi full batten, loose footed main added 1 to 1.5 knots to our speed in 15 knot winds, while reducing heel by 5 degrees! Weather helm was also greatly reduced. How much can you save going to a lowest cost supplier? The main for our '77 h27 is avialable from Doyle for $1,207 on this site. And they have an excellent reputation for sticking with us, and getting it right. Even better, I found the prices from local sail lofts (Doyle, North, and UK) to nearly match the site prices. And the local guys were willing to come out to my boat, and assess all my sails, and plan an upgrade program over several years. I ended up going with the Doyle loft in Cleveland. Finally, they were a big help in getting the rigging right, supporting my learning how to use the new sail, and I can call Greg Koski any time for advice, or questions about my sails. Nothing against the lowest cost producer. But I'll bet that the TLC of a local loft often ends up providing lower cost and better cruisign performance over the first five years. That's my opinion, anyway. David Lady Lillie
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Warren
Used Sails
Since I stopped racing some time ago, I've purchased a number of used sails. These sails are typically half the price of a new sail and it is not hard to find one that is in excellent condition. I would try looking at places like Bacons, Atlantic Sail traders, Sail Wharehouse and other sail brokers. Clearly, nothing performs as well as a new sail. But if you are willing to give up just a little, you may save a lot of money on your sails.
Since I stopped racing some time ago, I've purchased a number of used sails. These sails are typically half the price of a new sail and it is not hard to find one that is in excellent condition. I would try looking at places like Bacons, Atlantic Sail traders, Sail Wharehouse and other sail brokers. Clearly, nothing performs as well as a new sail. But if you are willing to give up just a little, you may save a lot of money on your sails.
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Dan Bryant
sail warehouse
Best deals I've seen are at sailwarehouse.com. They have lots of production boat sails ready to go. I'm getting a new set from them this spring Dan
Best deals I've seen are at sailwarehouse.com. They have lots of production boat sails ready to go. I'm getting a new set from them this spring Dan
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Dan Bryant
You are not going to get the same sail......
You are NOT going to get the same sail for 1/2 the price (period). You need to make sure that when you condsider the prices that you are getting EXACTLY the same hardware, sail cloth (weight & brand), and the same dimensions. You may get a sail for half the price and you are going to probably get 1/3 the quality. You need to consider what it may cost if there are any problems. Shipping these sails may cost $30-50, if you have to pay for a couple of shipments you may loose. You can save some money with offshore sails but be aware of what they may really cost you. If you plan on keeping the boat cheap sails are very seldom a good deal. If you plan on selling the boat in a couple of years, these may be a good deal.
You are NOT going to get the same sail for 1/2 the price (period). You need to make sure that when you condsider the prices that you are getting EXACTLY the same hardware, sail cloth (weight & brand), and the same dimensions. You may get a sail for half the price and you are going to probably get 1/3 the quality. You need to consider what it may cost if there are any problems. Shipping these sails may cost $30-50, if you have to pay for a couple of shipments you may loose. You can save some money with offshore sails but be aware of what they may really cost you. If you plan on keeping the boat cheap sails are very seldom a good deal. If you plan on selling the boat in a couple of years, these may be a good deal.
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Ed Schenck
"Period", Steve?
Au contraire. I will place my Lee jib next to any North, Doyle, or UK. You pick the expert to tell me the difference. And it was less than half the North estimate. As I have written many times I bought a new main from my local North loft. And I admit to the fine service and finished product. I live in the land(NE Ohio) of diminishing manufacturing so am always reluctant to go offshore. But $1200. saved is still real money to this old working stiff.
Au contraire. I will place my Lee jib next to any North, Doyle, or UK. You pick the expert to tell me the difference. And it was less than half the North estimate. As I have written many times I bought a new main from my local North loft. And I admit to the fine service and finished product. I live in the land(NE Ohio) of diminishing manufacturing so am always reluctant to go offshore. But $1200. saved is still real money to this old working stiff.
Ed, all I can tell you...
Ed: All I can tell you is that when I have got quotes on Lee Sails from the Sail Warehouse their prices a low on a basic sail. When you change the cloth to something that the US mfg sell and start adding things like large roach, full battens, bat cars etc. their prices are very close to local lofts. No matter what anyone tells you all 6oz. cloth is the same. One of our fellow Hunter owners had a sail made by a local loft in the SF Bay area. Depending on the cloth that he selected there was several hundred dollars difference. So I agree with you that you may save money, but how much is the question. 50% savings is doubtful for the SAME sail.
Ed: All I can tell you is that when I have got quotes on Lee Sails from the Sail Warehouse their prices a low on a basic sail. When you change the cloth to something that the US mfg sell and start adding things like large roach, full battens, bat cars etc. their prices are very close to local lofts. No matter what anyone tells you all 6oz. cloth is the same. One of our fellow Hunter owners had a sail made by a local loft in the SF Bay area. Depending on the cloth that he selected there was several hundred dollars difference. So I agree with you that you may save money, but how much is the question. 50% savings is doubtful for the SAME sail.
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