I ordered a new main and jib for my 28 O"Day from North's, Annapolis office. The sails were hard to raise and lower, but sailed fine, and I was charged for an insignia that didn't get installed. North's solution for the insignia was not a refund which I requested, but rather that they would send we the decal and I could install it myself. I didn't think this was such a good deal...ie. not what I paid for...but agreed to it, only to discover that the insignia was considerably smaller than the original. (15 inches instead of 24 inches.) In the process of working out my insignia problem, I discovered that the sail slides on the original main sail were 5/8, and North made the new main with 3/4 inch slides. This was why it was binding up in the mast track. I returned the sail to Annapolis and North applied the correct size insignia, and replaced all but the top sail slide. When I asked for an explanation for this, I was given no real reason. The salesman tried to make it sound as though this was all my fault. Additionally, I was promised several North hats for my troubles and this has also not happened. Even a call to the V.P. produced no results. They may make nice sails but once they got your money, "forget-a-bout-it".
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NO NORTH SAILS FOR ME
HI DENNIS SORRY TO HERE ABOUT YOUR PROBLEM.iNEED A NEW MAIN SAIL FOR MY C30 . iCANT TAKE THE CHANCE IT MITE NOT SHOW. WINTER HAS BEEN LONG ENOUGH. ITALKED TO A MAN ABOUT AUSED SAIL. IT LOOKED OK FOR $250 ITS GOT LOTS OF LIFE IN IT. OWELL MAYBE NEW SAILS NEXT YEAR BUT FROM ANOTHER SAIL MAKER. GOOD LUCK JOHN
HI DENNIS SORRY TO HERE ABOUT YOUR PROBLEM.iNEED A NEW MAIN SAIL FOR MY C30 . iCANT TAKE THE CHANCE IT MITE NOT SHOW. WINTER HAS BEEN LONG ENOUGH. ITALKED TO A MAN ABOUT AUSED SAIL. IT LOOKED OK FOR $250 ITS GOT LOTS OF LIFE IN IT. OWELL MAYBE NEW SAILS NEXT YEAR BUT FROM ANOTHER SAIL MAKER. GOOD LUCK JOHN
Maybe It's the Annapolis Location?
I had a very different (and much more positive) experience with North Sails, but their Manasquan, NJ location. I was looking at roller furling and modifying an existing head sail and wound up discussing it with Ron LaNeve of North Sails in NJ. Ron was very helpful in discussing the pros and cons of various units, installation options, sail modification options (luff pad vs. no luff pad, etc.) all without any pressure to buy from NS. I eventually settled on the Harken unit and NS gave me a great deal on the unit and sail modifcation. When the installer I had originally arranged for backed out at the last minute since he was overcommitted, NS installed the unit as well for a very reasonable fee. All of the work was well done and on time. Maybe the problem you had is the Annapolis location, or maybe I just got lucky. Tom FitzGibbon s/v Plan B
I had a very different (and much more positive) experience with North Sails, but their Manasquan, NJ location. I was looking at roller furling and modifying an existing head sail and wound up discussing it with Ron LaNeve of North Sails in NJ. Ron was very helpful in discussing the pros and cons of various units, installation options, sail modification options (luff pad vs. no luff pad, etc.) all without any pressure to buy from NS. I eventually settled on the Harken unit and NS gave me a great deal on the unit and sail modifcation. When the installer I had originally arranged for backed out at the last minute since he was overcommitted, NS installed the unit as well for a very reasonable fee. All of the work was well done and on time. Maybe the problem you had is the Annapolis location, or maybe I just got lucky. Tom FitzGibbon s/v Plan B
Communication
Remeber the old line that goes something like this, good service you tell 10 people, bad service you tell 50 people? With the advent of the internet, these numbers have exploded geometricaly. Companies need to maintain an awareness of this fact since bad news travels so fast. It is just so much easier and wiser to make the customer whole in most instances.
Remeber the old line that goes something like this, good service you tell 10 people, bad service you tell 50 people? With the advent of the internet, these numbers have exploded geometricaly. Companies need to maintain an awareness of this fact since bad news travels so fast. It is just so much easier and wiser to make the customer whole in most instances.
Thanks for the warning
I was looking at a 110% jib for my 380.........North is definetly not going to get a shot!!!! thanks. people need to post issues such as this to keep othere sailors from frequenting those merchants
I was looking at a 110% jib for my 380.........North is definetly not going to get a shot!!!! thanks. people need to post issues such as this to keep othere sailors from frequenting those merchants
Why not just order your sail from the web site?
You guys are dwelling on something you don't even need to talk about. If you were ordering your sails from the web site you could bitch at the sailmaker and the staff at Sailboat Owners too. Check out their prices and the delivery and see what they have to offer. Remember the website guarantees your satisfaction. I guess with North sails *you don't get no satisfaction*.
You guys are dwelling on something you don't even need to talk about. If you were ordering your sails from the web site you could bitch at the sailmaker and the staff at Sailboat Owners too. Check out their prices and the delivery and see what they have to offer. Remember the website guarantees your satisfaction. I guess with North sails *you don't get no satisfaction*.
Buying Sails through sailboatowners.com
Hey Guys - I ordered a new mainsail for my Catalina through this site last summer. Nice full-batten sail, great shape, love it. Doyle may not have the racing hype North does, but they are premier sails. When you call Karissa, she'll send you a measurement sheet with some information to collect to get reef points correct and so on. Took me about twenty minutes to do. I got my sail inside 5 weeks - and I ordered in July! For what its worth - I was really happy about the whole thing. YMMV, Justin - O'day Owners' Web
Hey Guys - I ordered a new mainsail for my Catalina through this site last summer. Nice full-batten sail, great shape, love it. Doyle may not have the racing hype North does, but they are premier sails. When you call Karissa, she'll send you a measurement sheet with some information to collect to get reef points correct and so on. Took me about twenty minutes to do. I got my sail inside 5 weeks - and I ordered in July! For what its worth - I was really happy about the whole thing. YMMV, Justin - O'day Owners' Web
and Justin forget to mention that Doyle
provided the sails for Ocean Planet. The 60 footer that is going to be doing some of the wild around the world single handed racing. You can check it out on the Lat 38 Website posted below.
provided the sails for Ocean Planet. The 60 footer that is going to be doing some of the wild around the world single handed racing. You can check it out on the Lat 38 Website posted below.
Before you rule them out
Guys, North has been around awhile and I don't think they did that by ticking people off. This could have been a bad salesman. I have had bad salemen in just about everything I deal with. The product is good the saleman bad. I would send a message to North that maybe they should observe this salesman and ask if this is policy. Don't get me wrong, I have no ties with North. It just sounds as thought with one bad experience, everyone is willing to say blah on North. r.w.landau
Guys, North has been around awhile and I don't think they did that by ticking people off. This could have been a bad salesman. I have had bad salemen in just about everything I deal with. The product is good the saleman bad. I would send a message to North that maybe they should observe this salesman and ask if this is policy. Don't get me wrong, I have no ties with North. It just sounds as thought with one bad experience, everyone is willing to say blah on North. r.w.landau
Buying Sails
On sailboats, one of the most important pieces of gear is your sails! The sails power the boat and make it perform the way it does. When making a large investment as in buying sails, I think you should get the best sails you can afford! Price is'nt everything! Sometimes though you have to balance your budget and your expectasions. Again buy the best you can afford! I have never bought sails over the web and I can't vouce for the quaility of the many online saillofts. I'm sure many do a good job! I would recommend doing your homework to make sure you are getting what you want and that it fits your needs (and boat)! In the same respect just because you buy from a local loft doe'snt mean that you will get great sails or service either! When I buy sails I want to talk personaly with the sailmaker.I want them to measure everything and I want to also convey to them exactly what I want the sail to do. You know your boat and it's handling characteristics so tell them. In response the sail maker should have local knowledge of the area you sail and be able to build a sail to handle the local extremes. I believe it is a waste of money to buy cheap just to save money.Cheap sails loose thier shape quickly and you will be buying new sails again! Buy Quality When You Can! I also believe when you buy a sail you are also buying service! I hate to see companies that once they have your money they don't know you anymore. Unfortunatly I have heard this about North Sails before also. This site is a great resource in that you can find out about many good and not so good products and services! Thanks for the information!
On sailboats, one of the most important pieces of gear is your sails! The sails power the boat and make it perform the way it does. When making a large investment as in buying sails, I think you should get the best sails you can afford! Price is'nt everything! Sometimes though you have to balance your budget and your expectasions. Again buy the best you can afford! I have never bought sails over the web and I can't vouce for the quaility of the many online saillofts. I'm sure many do a good job! I would recommend doing your homework to make sure you are getting what you want and that it fits your needs (and boat)! In the same respect just because you buy from a local loft doe'snt mean that you will get great sails or service either! When I buy sails I want to talk personaly with the sailmaker.I want them to measure everything and I want to also convey to them exactly what I want the sail to do. You know your boat and it's handling characteristics so tell them. In response the sail maker should have local knowledge of the area you sail and be able to build a sail to handle the local extremes. I believe it is a waste of money to buy cheap just to save money.Cheap sails loose thier shape quickly and you will be buying new sails again! Buy Quality When You Can! I also believe when you buy a sail you are also buying service! I hate to see companies that once they have your money they don't know you anymore. Unfortunatly I have heard this about North Sails before also. This site is a great resource in that you can find out about many good and not so good products and services! Thanks for the information!
It really depends...
On the sailmaker/Loft you choose. North makes great sails, however, many times, the sailmaker is the root of the problem.
On the sailmaker/Loft you choose. North makes great sails, however, many times, the sailmaker is the root of the problem.
North Sails ARE YOU LISTENING ?!?
I will REALLY think twice (three times) before using North Sails. Just as someone said earlier that they "hate to see companies that once they have your money they don't know you anymore. Unfortunatley I have heard this about North Sails before also."............. If all us sailors referred back to this instance when dealing with the sailmakers then we will get a better product...DO NOT LET THE DEALERS DO THIS...Lets stick together and refuse the attitude from marine manufufacturers "that's what you get and we are all the same so don't expect better".... The best way to start is with a mini-boycot of North Sails and let them know why.....WE WANT A GOOD PRODUCT FOR A FAIR PRICE.....and when we are not happy we will not sit by and tolerate inferior products/service.... Hit them where it counts or they won't change
I will REALLY think twice (three times) before using North Sails. Just as someone said earlier that they "hate to see companies that once they have your money they don't know you anymore. Unfortunatley I have heard this about North Sails before also."............. If all us sailors referred back to this instance when dealing with the sailmakers then we will get a better product...DO NOT LET THE DEALERS DO THIS...Lets stick together and refuse the attitude from marine manufufacturers "that's what you get and we are all the same so don't expect better".... The best way to start is with a mini-boycot of North Sails and let them know why.....WE WANT A GOOD PRODUCT FOR A FAIR PRICE.....and when we are not happy we will not sit by and tolerate inferior products/service.... Hit them where it counts or they won't change
North Sails
North Sails has had a few lawsuits in recent years over patent infringement with Sobstad Sails. I think they lost but appealed??? Anyway last I knew Tom Whidden was the president of the company. Tom as tactician for Dennis Connor is probably known to all of you. He recently published a book on sail design but I haven't read it. Perhaps he could be invited into this forum to respond to these negative feeling about his company and present a plan for improvement. At the least he should be offered the opportunity for an explanation (excuses?). Dave
North Sails has had a few lawsuits in recent years over patent infringement with Sobstad Sails. I think they lost but appealed??? Anyway last I knew Tom Whidden was the president of the company. Tom as tactician for Dennis Connor is probably known to all of you. He recently published a book on sail design but I haven't read it. Perhaps he could be invited into this forum to respond to these negative feeling about his company and present a plan for improvement. At the least he should be offered the opportunity for an explanation (excuses?). Dave
North stood behind my sails
I purchased a new main and 150 Genoa from the Toronto loft. The genoa is a laminated radial cut furled sail. Both sails arrived on time with all that I ordered and a follow-up call by the loft. After my first season, I noticed mildew on the UV strip of the genoa. I made several phone calls and sent several e-mail messages to the Toronto loft and to the North Cloth headquarters. It took some time, but North Cloth cleaned the sail at no charge, something they didn't have to do for this type of problem. Yes, I would buy from North again. I would have to think twice about a laminate though. Straight Dacron may have dried better and prevented the mildew. Ken Palmer, S/V Liberty
I purchased a new main and 150 Genoa from the Toronto loft. The genoa is a laminated radial cut furled sail. Both sails arrived on time with all that I ordered and a follow-up call by the loft. After my first season, I noticed mildew on the UV strip of the genoa. I made several phone calls and sent several e-mail messages to the Toronto loft and to the North Cloth headquarters. It took some time, but North Cloth cleaned the sail at no charge, something they didn't have to do for this type of problem. Yes, I would buy from North again. I would have to think twice about a laminate though. Straight Dacron may have dried better and prevented the mildew. Ken Palmer, S/V Liberty
North Sails, Atlanta
Granted, the loft here is small. But my dealings with them have been excellent. A few weeks ago we had a storm with 60+ winds. Who knows how, but my jib unfurled, and the luff edge of the sail flailed on the shroud and was shredded. Although it is a Catalina Sail our North loft picked it up at the boat, and repaired it for $80. Most people I know who have dealt with this loft have been very happy. So, maybe it is as R.W. said, you had a bad rep. Talk to the Senior mgt of that loft and suggest the rep find employment elsewhere.
Granted, the loft here is small. But my dealings with them have been excellent. A few weeks ago we had a storm with 60+ winds. Who knows how, but my jib unfurled, and the luff edge of the sail flailed on the shroud and was shredded. Although it is a Catalina Sail our North loft picked it up at the boat, and repaired it for $80. Most people I know who have dealt with this loft have been very happy. So, maybe it is as R.W. said, you had a bad rep. Talk to the Senior mgt of that loft and suggest the rep find employment elsewhere.
Sail Lofts
I don't know if the system is still the same, but years ago large sailmakers would buy or contract with smaller lofts and put their names over the door. Didn't sound to much different than a car franchise. I believe that is why you get such a wide variety of opinion over customer service and quality from the same company. I have found that if you go to the corporate head quarters if you can't get an issue resolved, you have a better chance of success in achieving satisfaction. I would also chose another dealer to solve the propblem. It is amazing how shoddy performance by one deaaler will make another work harder, if for no other reson to report back to the corporate headquarters. Nothing like a little peer pressure.
I don't know if the system is still the same, but years ago large sailmakers would buy or contract with smaller lofts and put their names over the door. Didn't sound to much different than a car franchise. I believe that is why you get such a wide variety of opinion over customer service and quality from the same company. I have found that if you go to the corporate head quarters if you can't get an issue resolved, you have a better chance of success in achieving satisfaction. I would also chose another dealer to solve the propblem. It is amazing how shoddy performance by one deaaler will make another work harder, if for no other reson to report back to the corporate headquarters. Nothing like a little peer pressure.
I've Had Good Service From North Sails!
Sails are one thing that I really look after and want the best at a reasonable price. I've raced and cruised, and racked up a lot of miles under the keel. We've got a large number of national and world class lofts in the area and I've had my sails serviced by several of them, including repairs, alterations, and new sail purchases. So far we've purchased a new reefing 110, triradial 150, triradial spinnaker, full batten main, and a storm jib so we aren't new to dealing with the lofts. For the best bang for the buck and the best service and product for the money, based on who I frequented the most, has been the North loft in Seattle. Four of my five new sails were from the North loft (two from the previous owners and two from the new owners) and the storm sail was from Lidgard who has New Zealand connections. I shoped for price in conjunction with service and product and they've been very competitive and the product and service excellent. And I'm really pleased with the way the boat sails. The loft has several field technicians (salesmen) that measure the boat (more than just the rig) and discuss numerous factors that affect design and selection of components or options. This person is key and if the two of you aren't on good communication terms I can see where there can be a problem. Also, even if you communicate well, if there are customer requested changes this can screw things up no matter how good the salesman is. Several of the salesman I had has sailed with me to look at my existing sails to discuss a recut as well as sailed with the new sails I bought to ensure they fit well. Not everybody will do that but in this case I worked around their schedule and made it easy for them so they didn't have to invest a lot of time. It's also called working together. Personally, I would never blackball an organization, no matter what it was, because of one incident where I didn't know all the facts. The Seattle loft is an excellent loft and I'd go back again. In fact, I'm thinking of adding an assymetrical to my sail collection to add a particular wind angle and strength, and the North assymetrical is very high on my list. They talk about the details and I like that. A mail-order one-size-fits-all might be (is) cheaper but of the ones I've checked it's impossible to find out what area (wind speed and angle) they're designed for, not to mention a few other things. If you want custom made sails you're talking a personal experience. A big key is to find a salesman you can work together with.
Sails are one thing that I really look after and want the best at a reasonable price. I've raced and cruised, and racked up a lot of miles under the keel. We've got a large number of national and world class lofts in the area and I've had my sails serviced by several of them, including repairs, alterations, and new sail purchases. So far we've purchased a new reefing 110, triradial 150, triradial spinnaker, full batten main, and a storm jib so we aren't new to dealing with the lofts. For the best bang for the buck and the best service and product for the money, based on who I frequented the most, has been the North loft in Seattle. Four of my five new sails were from the North loft (two from the previous owners and two from the new owners) and the storm sail was from Lidgard who has New Zealand connections. I shoped for price in conjunction with service and product and they've been very competitive and the product and service excellent. And I'm really pleased with the way the boat sails. The loft has several field technicians (salesmen) that measure the boat (more than just the rig) and discuss numerous factors that affect design and selection of components or options. This person is key and if the two of you aren't on good communication terms I can see where there can be a problem. Also, even if you communicate well, if there are customer requested changes this can screw things up no matter how good the salesman is. Several of the salesman I had has sailed with me to look at my existing sails to discuss a recut as well as sailed with the new sails I bought to ensure they fit well. Not everybody will do that but in this case I worked around their schedule and made it easy for them so they didn't have to invest a lot of time. It's also called working together. Personally, I would never blackball an organization, no matter what it was, because of one incident where I didn't know all the facts. The Seattle loft is an excellent loft and I'd go back again. In fact, I'm thinking of adding an assymetrical to my sail collection to add a particular wind angle and strength, and the North assymetrical is very high on my list. They talk about the details and I like that. A mail-order one-size-fits-all might be (is) cheaper but of the ones I've checked it's impossible to find out what area (wind speed and angle) they're designed for, not to mention a few other things. If you want custom made sails you're talking a personal experience. A big key is to find a salesman you can work together with.
North Sails New Jersey
I bought my first North Sail back in 1975, a custom spinnaker for a Chrysler 22 because of their good reputation based on my research. I have stayed with North because I have heard only a few negative comments over the years but there have been lots of positive feedback. At the 97 Annapolis boat show I met Henry Bossett, owner of North Sails New Jersey in Manasquan. He helped me choose the right asymetrical chute for a 40.5 I had just bought. Everyone really likes the quality of the shape, material and construction of this sail. Check it out in the Photo Forum. I really like the service I've received over the years (+25). Last summer I blew out the Gennaker (Operator error) but Henry repaired the badly damaged sail BETTER than new for under $300! We flew in up the Chesapeake from Bloody Point to the Key Bridge mostly wing-on-wing going DDW last weekend. Wonderful day! I am sorry North Annapolis provided poor service, missed that top slide and failed to send hats but there are other stories to be told about North Sails.
I bought my first North Sail back in 1975, a custom spinnaker for a Chrysler 22 because of their good reputation based on my research. I have stayed with North because I have heard only a few negative comments over the years but there have been lots of positive feedback. At the 97 Annapolis boat show I met Henry Bossett, owner of North Sails New Jersey in Manasquan. He helped me choose the right asymetrical chute for a 40.5 I had just bought. Everyone really likes the quality of the shape, material and construction of this sail. Check it out in the Photo Forum. I really like the service I've received over the years (+25). Last summer I blew out the Gennaker (Operator error) but Henry repaired the badly damaged sail BETTER than new for under $300! We flew in up the Chesapeake from Bloody Point to the Key Bridge mostly wing-on-wing going DDW last weekend. Wonderful day! I am sorry North Annapolis provided poor service, missed that top slide and failed to send hats but there are other stories to be told about North Sails.
North Sails - San Diego Gets My Business
Over the years I have dealt with North in purchasing several sails for my present 30T and a previous Ericson. This was after shopping several lofts and finding North with competitive prices and high quality. I have a number of sailing friends who also use North and have never heard the complaints voiced by Dennis. I have found North sails to be an outstanding buy, their service friendly, helpful and exactly as promised. The next time I need a sail I will head straight for North as my experience with them has consistently been excellent. Sounds to me like the complaints with North are with individual lofts and should not apply to the entire North organization. Does anyone really think we should start a North boycott based on what has been said here? I certainly don't think so. And, no I have no professional association with North - San Diego. I am merely a very satisfied customer.
Over the years I have dealt with North in purchasing several sails for my present 30T and a previous Ericson. This was after shopping several lofts and finding North with competitive prices and high quality. I have a number of sailing friends who also use North and have never heard the complaints voiced by Dennis. I have found North sails to be an outstanding buy, their service friendly, helpful and exactly as promised. The next time I need a sail I will head straight for North as my experience with them has consistently been excellent. Sounds to me like the complaints with North are with individual lofts and should not apply to the entire North organization. Does anyone really think we should start a North boycott based on what has been said here? I certainly don't think so. And, no I have no professional association with North - San Diego. I am merely a very satisfied customer.
I agree with Roy...
North has a stellar reputation here in San Diego. I don't think one complaint in Annapolis warrants a worldwide North boycott.
North has a stellar reputation here in San Diego. I don't think one complaint in Annapolis warrants a worldwide North boycott.
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