Feeling lofty...which one?

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BobM

BobM

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Jun 10, 2004
3,269
S2 9.2A Winthrop, MA
Time for some sail repair. I have a fairly new North main, perhaps 2006, and a couple of the the sail slugs, which are held on by sewn on tabs need work as two slugs have broken and one was torn off. I also have a fairly ancient CD 135 genoa that needs some restitching of its sun cover or perhaps replacement of same. It is a bit blown out, but still whole. Perhaps
15 years old.

I am looking for opinions on a loft. A good friend of mine uses Doyle's in Salem, MA (I am in Northboro MA) and his opinion is meaningful. He has been alternating sails for repair/maintenance for a number of years and feels that the relationship has been worthwhile. The was and maintain a sail for what seems to be less than $100/season. I really should be doing the same and would like to build a relationship with a loft.

I used Pirhana sails in Marblehead for a repair about 5 years ago. It was a jib for a 25 footer which got unfurled and needed some significant repair. He hit me for $325 and took so long that in hindsight I should have ordered a new sail from FX, which had quoted me about $500. That makes me unlikely to go back there.

North made the main, and that is the primary reason I am considering them. Is that a good reason or not? I am a bit confused that so many of the plastic slugs failed after only 5 years, but of course they don't make those!

There are several other makers in the area. Any recommendations would be appreciated. I have to make a decision soon or else by a palm and get to work myself!
 
kenn

kenn

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Apr 18, 2009
1,271
CL Sandpiper 565 Toronto
I don't know your area, but my minimal experience with lofts around me is that the big names (North, Quantum/Evolution, Genco) were all very professional and pleasant to deal with, and I've heard good things about some of our smaller lofts as well.

I would recommend that you find the nearest loft that's got a good reputation and that you like dealing with. Your repairs aren't complex but they'd be a good test of how the loft treats you as a customer.
 
S

Steve Dion

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Dec 2, 1999
15,184
Hunter Vision-36 Rio Vista, CA.
I would check with local sailors in your area to get a level of satisfaction.

As far as your slugs, think about using metal units for the replacement. Personally I have NOT had very good luck with nylon/plastic slugs. Bainbridge makes good replacements.
 
gpdno

gpdno

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May 16, 2011
144
Watkins 27 Venice
Check out sailcare.com
I had them refurbish my mail and headsail. I was very pleased with the results.

Greg
 
T

tommays

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Oct 2, 2006
1,517
Jboat J24 commack
The Long Island north service loft is GREAT but it is the staff that makes it that way more so than north being great :)
 
RichH

RichH

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Feb 14, 2005
4,773
Tayana 37 cutter; I20/M20 SCOWS Worton Creek, MD
Most lofts that are worth their salt will at this time of year will be inundated with sail work in getting all their racing customers work finished for spring launch. This isnt a good time of year for getting any repair at the 'good' lofts; after the spring rush is always better and cheaper.

Sail slugs only last a few years and are quite vulnerable to UV destruction .... rub a bit of UV 'protectant' on them. Consider 'wire baled' slugs to replace the all-plastic slugs.
 
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