JSI Sails - any opinion?

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Jan 5, 2009
40
Hunter 28.5 Lake Lanier
Does anyone have an opinion of JSI Sails?
I'm considering a mainsail and a 130 genoa for an '86 Hunter 28.5.
 
Jun 4, 2004
844
Hunter 28.5 Tolchester, MD
I'd start by talking to several local sailmakers about how you intnd to sail and what you need. Then you will know what to price and may have run into someone who's expertise is worth the difference in a low cost 'mail order' sail; and of course, have the sailmaker measure the rig for the best fitting sails for your money. You will hopefully enjoy better sails a long time after you've forgotten the few extra bucks they will probably cost.
 
Dec 2, 1999
15,184
Hunter Vision-36 Rio Vista, CA.
I would be sure that I got quotes from a few sailmakers (including SBO). When you get the quotes find out about the type/weight of cloth. Not all cloth is created equal. There are also many ways for a sailmaker to cheap out on a sail (thread, hardware, rope etc). When you look at a finished sail they MAY not look much different, but you may find out how different they are in 4 or 5 years.

You also want to be sure that every one of the quotes contain the exact same specs (loose footed, number of reef points, tell tails). Many of the offshore sailmakers farm out their cutting and sewing. While many of the major sailmakers have lofts offshore, they are typically their own lofts with their own people. The offshore companies may have difficulties making anything special other than a basic sail. You also want to be sure that you get the cloth that you were quoted & paid for.
 
Sep 6, 2007
324
Catalina 320 Gulfport, Fl
Got a 125 from them last year

they came and measured the boat and placed the order. I am very happy with the sail and saved about $400. off what others wanted. Also have cockpit cushions made from them....excellent!
 
Jan 5, 2009
40
Hunter 28.5 Lake Lanier
For those interested here is a couple of excerpts from my email conversation with Josh at JSI. I don't think he would mind, they should probably put a lot of this information on their web site. It sounds like a quality setup to me:

"Our sails are made from high quality premium Dacron's. We use a
medium to medium firm finish material to deliver the best overall
shape holding and long life durability. Our Sails are designed
right here in our 26,0000sq. ft. production facility. We utilize
the designer and the real time 3D design programs of our parent
company Doyle Ploch Sails. Meaning your sails are being designed by
our designer with over 38 years of sail design expiernece. The
loft floor is located just steps outside of my office door and the
sail designer is just a few more steps away something very few
companies can say about there operations. Plus you have the
ability to call up and speak to any one of our kowledgeable staff
all of whom have been in the marine industry and working with us for
over 5 years and many of whom have been with us for 20 years. All
of our sails come complete with tell tales, sail bags, Leech and
foot line, and a 3 year Guarantee at no additional charge. "

"The New Mainsail that I have quoted you is a 6.53 oz. Premium Dacron for low stretch and longevity. To greatly increase durability and to provide extra control of the mainsail trim I have quoted the top two battens full length. This system gives you the most shape control and reduces the fatigue of the sail cloth by reducing the fluttering that normally occurs during maneuvers. As you requested I have included one reef point and a few other options that can be removed if you would prefer to not have them. These options are a Cunningham and the Hunter Insignia at the top of the sail.

SPREADER patches on the mainsail would run an additional
-snip-

The Genoa that I have quoted you uses a slightly lighter 6 oz. Premium Dacron for easier filling and better drive in lighter airs while still being more than sufficient in big breeze. I have quoted the Sail at 135% this gives you the best overall performance while still allowing for de-powering in big breeze. I have included a UV cover and a foam luff for roller reefing. The foam luff helps to roll the sail at the same speed from top to bottom and reducing load wrinkles while roller reefed.

Mainsails have tell tales up the leech and the genoa will have tell tales up the luff. All sails are constructed to our meticulous standards and will be througjly inspected before leaving our shop."

A very similar quote from NorthSails came it at a LOT higher price point.
 
R

rayhighwind

JSI Sails

I just recieved my 135% furling jib. Everything appeared as it should. No skipped stitches. Leather lined loops for the head and tack. Some hand stitching. This sail is made overseas at a Doyle certified shop that uses Challenge brand sail cloth for their sails. They made it to fit a CDI #6 furler that I also purchased through them that will be drop-shipped to me in the spring. About 17 big ones for everything (inc furler#6BB).
 
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