I've been looking to purchase a new mainsail. To date I've received a number of quotes. One quote was from HongKong Sails,. Does anyone have any information or comments on the quality of their sails......???
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Jeff D.
Tasker
I measured a suit of sails for a friend's ketch and he ordered Rolly Tasker sails. They were well made and fit very well. They claim to use only American materials and run a very large loft, I think in Thailand. With computer cutting these days it really boils to to how well the handwork is done and material. In pricing a new main for my boat, the Doyles on this site were just slightly more expensive, around 10% and I don't know where they are made. Have some features I like, such as webbed on slugs. Some sail companies use overseas lofts and only act as middlemen (Sailwharehouse). I think it all depends what the primary use of your boat is. If it is racing, then I would purchase locally if possible. Let them measure and recut as needed. If I was doing long distance cruising, I would probably opt for a loft that specializes in that type of sail. Day sailing and weekends I would go with a cheaper sail. Should last 10 years, probably longer than you will own the boat. Make a list of what you want in a sail and see which one comes closest to your wish list and get quotes for having it made your way. Good luck
I measured a suit of sails for a friend's ketch and he ordered Rolly Tasker sails. They were well made and fit very well. They claim to use only American materials and run a very large loft, I think in Thailand. With computer cutting these days it really boils to to how well the handwork is done and material. In pricing a new main for my boat, the Doyles on this site were just slightly more expensive, around 10% and I don't know where they are made. Have some features I like, such as webbed on slugs. Some sail companies use overseas lofts and only act as middlemen (Sailwharehouse). I think it all depends what the primary use of your boat is. If it is racing, then I would purchase locally if possible. Let them measure and recut as needed. If I was doing long distance cruising, I would probably opt for a loft that specializes in that type of sail. Day sailing and weekends I would go with a cheaper sail. Should last 10 years, probably longer than you will own the boat. Make a list of what you want in a sail and see which one comes closest to your wish list and get quotes for having it made your way. Good luck
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Jack Tyler
No, but Rolly Tasker...
...is another source you might consider. Originally an Aussie loft, he moved offshore to Singapore some years ago. Cruising sailors who've visited the loft and purchased sails on their way thru have described the loft as state-of-the-art, cutting is CAD-driven, handwork is excellent and also emphasized due to the low labor cost. FWIW I purchased a mizzen staysail from them 2 years ago - an inexpensive, simple sail in relative terms - to see what I could get for my money, and it was good value. OTOH I would encourage you to think twice about purchasing a sail as important and with as many measurments, fittings and importance to your sail plan as a mainsail from an offshore firm. Many people do and many of them end up happy with the results, but what do you do when there's a misunderstanding? To whom do you take the sail when you find they did something with which you disagree? What about a warranty problem (e.g. failed fitting)? Moreover, careful shopping will produce excellent domestic sails at competitive prices with local servicing at least possible via domestic shipping. I also hate to give up a proprietary dacron cloth with which I've had good success in order to buy a sail made from a cloth about which I know little. And there are many dacron cloth choices available to a given loft. If still interested in Far East sail lofts, I'd encourage you to search for some sailing BB's in Australia, as they would be inclined to purchase from that source moreso than U.S. sailors. Jack
...is another source you might consider. Originally an Aussie loft, he moved offshore to Singapore some years ago. Cruising sailors who've visited the loft and purchased sails on their way thru have described the loft as state-of-the-art, cutting is CAD-driven, handwork is excellent and also emphasized due to the low labor cost. FWIW I purchased a mizzen staysail from them 2 years ago - an inexpensive, simple sail in relative terms - to see what I could get for my money, and it was good value. OTOH I would encourage you to think twice about purchasing a sail as important and with as many measurments, fittings and importance to your sail plan as a mainsail from an offshore firm. Many people do and many of them end up happy with the results, but what do you do when there's a misunderstanding? To whom do you take the sail when you find they did something with which you disagree? What about a warranty problem (e.g. failed fitting)? Moreover, careful shopping will produce excellent domestic sails at competitive prices with local servicing at least possible via domestic shipping. I also hate to give up a proprietary dacron cloth with which I've had good success in order to buy a sail made from a cloth about which I know little. And there are many dacron cloth choices available to a given loft. If still interested in Far East sail lofts, I'd encourage you to search for some sailing BB's in Australia, as they would be inclined to purchase from that source moreso than U.S. sailors. Jack
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David Foster
Local Sailmaker
If local sailmakers are available, consider the service they offer. The local Doyle loft met the lowest price among this site, and other makers, and gave substantial additional value: A visit to the boat to inspect my old sails. Consulting on a multi-year strategy to select and deliver new sails for our planned use. Coordination with a local rigger to mount a new spinnaker halyard on my mast, and provide all the required rigging. Walk-in service and advice while implementing the sails, and learnin how to use them. I found these services to be worth more than a 20 percent lower price. And I have enjoyed my sailmaker's introduction to the local sailing scene, and conditions. David Lady Lillie 2000: New Partial Full Batten, loose-footed main, and Asymetrical Spinnaker with sock. 2001: New 110 Genny.
If local sailmakers are available, consider the service they offer. The local Doyle loft met the lowest price among this site, and other makers, and gave substantial additional value: A visit to the boat to inspect my old sails. Consulting on a multi-year strategy to select and deliver new sails for our planned use. Coordination with a local rigger to mount a new spinnaker halyard on my mast, and provide all the required rigging. Walk-in service and advice while implementing the sails, and learnin how to use them. I found these services to be worth more than a 20 percent lower price. And I have enjoyed my sailmaker's introduction to the local sailing scene, and conditions. David Lady Lillie 2000: New Partial Full Batten, loose-footed main, and Asymetrical Spinnaker with sock. 2001: New 110 Genny.
Just get the facts.
Lee: Be sure you know what you are getting. When you get a quote from ANY body, get all the facts. You need to know the brand, make and weight of the cloth. They type of thread they are using. The number of stitches (double, triple etc). You want to find out about reef points, head boards etc. There are numerous ways for a sailmaker to cheap out on a sail. You may not know the difference on a new sail but you WILL know the difference in 3 to 5 years when you need to start redoing things. A good quality sail can last for 8-12 years, it is worth spending the money ONCE to get what you want so it lasts. Shop around and talk to the lofts, you can learn a lot. Also local sailmakers usually know your sailing area and can give you ideas.
Lee: Be sure you know what you are getting. When you get a quote from ANY body, get all the facts. You need to know the brand, make and weight of the cloth. They type of thread they are using. The number of stitches (double, triple etc). You want to find out about reef points, head boards etc. There are numerous ways for a sailmaker to cheap out on a sail. You may not know the difference on a new sail but you WILL know the difference in 3 to 5 years when you need to start redoing things. A good quality sail can last for 8-12 years, it is worth spending the money ONCE to get what you want so it lasts. Shop around and talk to the lofts, you can learn a lot. Also local sailmakers usually know your sailing area and can give you ideas.
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Wilkie
New Mainsail
Have you tried Doyle Sails? I just purchased a Main and Jib for my 336 made out of square weave... They are beautiful.. Never had sail as flat...You will find them a little more expensive but from my experience well worth it.. try www.doylesails.com
Have you tried Doyle Sails? I just purchased a Main and Jib for my 336 made out of square weave... They are beautiful.. Never had sail as flat...You will find them a little more expensive but from my experience well worth it.. try www.doylesails.com
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Bob Camarena
I agree with David- Go Local
You might save a few dollars by not going local, but unless everything goes perfectly, the service you'll get from a local will be worth the difference. Especially in a boating-rich area like your's there should be many local options.
You might save a few dollars by not going local, but unless everything goes perfectly, the service you'll get from a local will be worth the difference. Especially in a boating-rich area like your's there should be many local options.
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Bob Todd
Cruising Direct...
for aboat 30' or under. A division of North Sails with a loft in Annapolis. www.cruisingdirect.com Link to my web page below. Cheers, Bob
for aboat 30' or under. A division of North Sails with a loft in Annapolis. www.cruisingdirect.com Link to my web page below. Cheers, Bob
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Phil
Buying a new main
Check this site, www.thesailwarehouse.com. I've bought two sails from them. They are both Rolly Tasker sails and are excellent quality and price. They were hundreds less than the next lowest quoted price.
Check this site, www.thesailwarehouse.com. I've bought two sails from them. They are both Rolly Tasker sails and are excellent quality and price. They were hundreds less than the next lowest quoted price.
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Justin - O'day Owners' Web
I'd go brand name
I'd go either with a top flight local loft or with one of the good networked lofts. My mainsail is Doyle - I purchased it here, at a very competitive price. It has all the top drawer goodies and construction methods. By all means check out North, Quantum, etc. I would stay away from the discount guys - there's a reason they're less expensive. Flame suit on. Justin - O'day Owners' Web
I'd go either with a top flight local loft or with one of the good networked lofts. My mainsail is Doyle - I purchased it here, at a very competitive price. It has all the top drawer goodies and construction methods. By all means check out North, Quantum, etc. I would stay away from the discount guys - there's a reason they're less expensive. Flame suit on. Justin - O'day Owners' Web
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Bob Howie
3rd vote for The Local Guys
I've been sailing for more than 35 years and, for those of you who have heard this mantra before please excuse me, but you can't really go wrong by going local. Listen to what David C. and Steve D. say; do your homework. But, I have bought lofts full of sails over the years and my local guy here in Houston, well, I'd put his work up against just about any one of the brand names. By the way, that guy's name is Ed Christie and he runs C&C Sailmakers in Houston. Never a problem, always ready to help, can walk right in and ask questions and get direct, honest answers, great prices and even greater service after the sail, er, sale. In the Baltimore area there's bound to be lots of really good sailmakers; pick one of them, stay with them, develop a relationship with them outside the confines of the purchase and you'll be quite satisfied over money well spent.
I've been sailing for more than 35 years and, for those of you who have heard this mantra before please excuse me, but you can't really go wrong by going local. Listen to what David C. and Steve D. say; do your homework. But, I have bought lofts full of sails over the years and my local guy here in Houston, well, I'd put his work up against just about any one of the brand names. By the way, that guy's name is Ed Christie and he runs C&C Sailmakers in Houston. Never a problem, always ready to help, can walk right in and ask questions and get direct, honest answers, great prices and even greater service after the sail, er, sale. In the Baltimore area there's bound to be lots of really good sailmakers; pick one of them, stay with them, develop a relationship with them outside the confines of the purchase and you'll be quite satisfied over money well spent.
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