New mainsail
- Thread starter galliob
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Rich, thanks for your note. Sail loft that we took the main to for repair advised that we should consider getting a new main instead. Checking around for competitive quotes, discussed with folks at Sailcare and they offered a very good deal. We still need to get back down to Annapolis to talk with the folks who advised us to replace the main which they said was essentially worn from many years and exposure.
Reasons to pick a local sailmaker
We have had great advice on what to buy, visits to our boat to assess our old sails condition on our boat, and quick correction of minor issues throughout the 13 years we have worked with our sailmaker.
Not saying this is the only way to go, just saying put a realistic value on the advice, support and fast service a local sailmaker can give. An example:
When he realized we were serious cruisers, and racing was off the table, our sailmaker recommended an asymmetric spinnaker instead of the usual huge genny for us. We have spent 2,500 hours sailing/motoring Lady Lillie, our '77 h27, on the Great Lakes over the past 13 summers. Because it is so effective in light wind (with more than twice the sail area of our original 135 genny) and because it has the right shape on beam and broad reaches when a genny loses its shape, we have spent about 500 of those hours sailing instead of motoring. For us, sailing is so much more joy than motoring, that his advice has to be valued in the thousands of dollars - far more than any price differential on acquisition.
In addition, we usually have a 110 genny on our roller curler. This is just the right sail for the 15 to 20 knots winds that we often see at some time in any cruise. We watch boats around us struggling with excessive heeling and weather helm from their giant gennies, while we are well balanced, and staying close to hull speed with our 110.
These are some good reasons to choose a local sailmaker.
We have had great advice on what to buy, visits to our boat to assess our old sails condition on our boat, and quick correction of minor issues throughout the 13 years we have worked with our sailmaker.
Not saying this is the only way to go, just saying put a realistic value on the advice, support and fast service a local sailmaker can give. An example:
When he realized we were serious cruisers, and racing was off the table, our sailmaker recommended an asymmetric spinnaker instead of the usual huge genny for us. We have spent 2,500 hours sailing/motoring Lady Lillie, our '77 h27, on the Great Lakes over the past 13 summers. Because it is so effective in light wind (with more than twice the sail area of our original 135 genny) and because it has the right shape on beam and broad reaches when a genny loses its shape, we have spent about 500 of those hours sailing instead of motoring. For us, sailing is so much more joy than motoring, that his advice has to be valued in the thousands of dollars - far more than any price differential on acquisition.
In addition, we usually have a 110 genny on our roller curler. This is just the right sail for the 15 to 20 knots winds that we often see at some time in any cruise. We watch boats around us struggling with excessive heeling and weather helm from their giant gennies, while we are well balanced, and staying close to hull speed with our 110.
These are some good reasons to choose a local sailmaker.
Quantum. Great customer service quality products. You get what you pay for. There are cheaper. If you want someone to come, measure, ft your boat, bring it and put it on to make sure it fits, continue to check on your satisfaction, quality workmanship , made in South Africa not Hong Kong. Good choice of materials.
Dave
Dave
I've had good experiences with Bacon the company in Annapolis that I bet your dealing with If they say your main is worn out it's probably gone if it was some one else next time your in Annapolis take to them for a second opinion and they have a huge sail loft or make a great sail it also supports your local Maryland economy take your quotes with you and work them down on price
i bought a new main and jib last year from sailcare. They did a great job and the price was very competitive.
All, thanks for your recommendations. After much thought, I believe it does make sense for me to use someone local. Now I am faced with a choice between UK or quantum. I'd appreciate any feedback on one vs the other, although I've seen a couple of replies recommending Quantum and limited or none for UK.
Sail prices and product quality are just all over the board! We offer quality Doyle sails from a loft with over 35 years of experience and an outstanding reputation for excellence in design, quality and value:
http://shop.hunterowners.com/detail-sails.htm?cart=13613158263307249&bid=1580&next=2
$2185
http://shop.hunterowners.com/detail-sails.htm?cart=13613158263307249&bid=1580&next=2
$2185
We had a new main for our 35.5 made up by Doyle two years ago. It fit perfectly and gives us great performance. Price with very competitive with others lofts that we contacted.
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