Hi All, CaptVR here, Check your thrift stores and sewing machine repair shops. I bought a 30 year old Kenmore sewing machine basic zigzag that was totally serviced with metal gears for $65. with a 60 day warranty. I had a 65' schooner. We did a Sunbrella dodger, rain catcher, bimini, and after a huge storm had to make a new main staysail 500 sqft of 6oz material. That machine did it all with no problems at all, the main drawback, it does not have a walking foot, and on heavier, bulky work, it is hard keeping even stitches. We started doing a lot for others, and I popped for the zigzag Sailrite. A world of difference, and you do get professional results. With the Kenmore, stitches looked very good, but the $400. machine just excelled, everything looked like it came from the sail maker... The Sailrite will also go thru all sail material and leather. So if your just doing it for yourself, shop around, a good used machine will do the job. If you have some extra bucks, get the Sailrite. While cruising, we found it easy to make $4-$500 dollars for a days work restitching someone else's canvas, and sails.