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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Sails
Hal, My 222 came through with Neil Pride sails, and one of the biggest mistakes that I made was not owning a sail cover. Even if I made up something out of Polytarp, it would have been better than nothing at all. So I wouldn't be a bit surprised that a combination of UV rays and other harmful elements accounted for their early demise. I later had two new sails made up for my boat by Thurston Sails in Bristol RI., and noticed a big difference in the boats speed and pointing ability. I also had a new sail cover made up for the Main Sail, and use it constantly. I bought the sails in 1993, and still use them today. I even had my Gennie converted over for my CDI furler. So, I'd have to say yes. If you can find a good reputable sail maker and have them make the sail up for you, you may pay a little more, but you're going to get a quality sail that will provide better performance on you boat. Joe
Hal, My 222 came through with Neil Pride sails, and one of the biggest mistakes that I made was not owning a sail cover. Even if I made up something out of Polytarp, it would have been better than nothing at all. So I wouldn't be a bit surprised that a combination of UV rays and other harmful elements accounted for their early demise. I later had two new sails made up for my boat by Thurston Sails in Bristol RI., and noticed a big difference in the boats speed and pointing ability. I also had a new sail cover made up for the Main Sail, and use it constantly. I bought the sails in 1993, and still use them today. I even had my Gennie converted over for my CDI furler. So, I'd have to say yes. If you can find a good reputable sail maker and have them make the sail up for you, you may pay a little more, but you're going to get a quality sail that will provide better performance on you boat. Joe
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