I need to get a new mainsail for our recently purchased 1975 O'day Mariner, and I would appreciate any feedback regarding experience others have had with the various sailmakers. We will be sailing the boat for pleasure, not racing, but I want a pretty good sail. We are on Lake Champlain in NY, next largest lake in the US after the Great Lakes, and we can get some pretty stiff wind here at times. Is there much difference in the quality from one sailmaker to another? Any comments and advice would be appreciated. Hal
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They're All Good
I went through the same evolution when I purchased my spinnaker (a Doyle). All of the sources you've named are reputable places to get cruising sails. Since you're on L. Champlain, you might contact the local Doyle guy, who is right in your neighborhood. You also might want to google sail brokers and find a dealer in new and used sails. The listings usually have the sail's condition, and may be quite a bit cheaper. Good luck!
I went through the same evolution when I purchased my spinnaker (a Doyle). All of the sources you've named are reputable places to get cruising sails. Since you're on L. Champlain, you might contact the local Doyle guy, who is right in your neighborhood. You also might want to google sail brokers and find a dealer in new and used sails. The listings usually have the sail's condition, and may be quite a bit cheaper. Good luck!
Best Deal for quality
Hal, Get a quote from Peter at Bluepelican. He had some sails made up for friends and they were happy with price and quality. He has a very good surce in Hong Kong. bluepelicanmarine@sbcglobal.net He has an excellent reputation and has a store at Grand Marina in Alameda CA.
Hal, Get a quote from Peter at Bluepelican. He had some sails made up for friends and they were happy with price and quality. He has a very good surce in Hong Kong. bluepelicanmarine@sbcglobal.net He has an excellent reputation and has a store at Grand Marina in Alameda CA.
I've bought new sails from
North, Air Force, and Scott and thought they were a good value. I've bought used sails (from brokers like Bacons, Sail Wharehouse, Atlantic Sail Traders, and others) made by Hood, Doyle, and UK and they, too, were made with good quality. But when thinking about a new sail, first think about what your price range is for the sail. Then think about what you need in terms of fabrics, types of battens, reef points, cunningham and other features. Once you have this matrix in your head, go to a local office of a national loft and discuss it with the most informed person you can find there. Their job is not only to make sails, but to make sails that fit your needs, your boat, and your budget. Even if you don't decide to buy the sail from that loft, you will have learned a lot and be a better informed buyer wherever you buy the sail.
North, Air Force, and Scott and thought they were a good value. I've bought used sails (from brokers like Bacons, Sail Wharehouse, Atlantic Sail Traders, and others) made by Hood, Doyle, and UK and they, too, were made with good quality. But when thinking about a new sail, first think about what your price range is for the sail. Then think about what you need in terms of fabrics, types of battens, reef points, cunningham and other features. Once you have this matrix in your head, go to a local office of a national loft and discuss it with the most informed person you can find there. Their job is not only to make sails, but to make sails that fit your needs, your boat, and your budget. Even if you don't decide to buy the sail from that loft, you will have learned a lot and be a better informed buyer wherever you buy the sail.
I've spoken with the Doyle fellow here
and he said they don't make the Mariner mainsail themselves; they get them from Super Sailmakers and he just referred me to their website. Thanks for the feedback. I do have a configuration in mind and I've emailed a few sailmakers - waiting for quotes. Hal
and he said they don't make the Mariner mainsail themselves; they get them from Super Sailmakers and he just referred me to their website. Thanks for the feedback. I do have a configuration in mind and I've emailed a few sailmakers - waiting for quotes. Hal
Most sails
are made in Hong Kong (or somewhere else) today, by virtually all of the major sailmakers. So the biggest factor in sorting them out is which sailmaker best understands how you want to use the sail and is able to come onto your boat and precision measure for it. See which of your local reps are willing to do that.
are made in Hong Kong (or somewhere else) today, by virtually all of the major sailmakers. So the biggest factor in sorting them out is which sailmaker best understands how you want to use the sail and is able to come onto your boat and precision measure for it. See which of your local reps are willing to do that.
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