North Sails Vs. Quantum

[PatSul22]

I am in search of new sails for my Oday 272 and am reserching a number of brands, North, Quantum, Doyle, FX, Ullman, Mauri, etc....
For quality / price I have narrowed down between North and Quantum, I use the boat in the Great South Bay, Long Island. 0-20 kts. The Quantums are a few hundred more but if its a much better sail Im willing to spend a few extra. Does anyone have any suggestions or recomendations about either of these brands that may help my decision.

Thank you

Pat

 

[David in Sandusky]

Research the Sailmaker

I'll bet you have local lofts. If so, visit them, and meet the sailmaker. Then pick a sailmaker you trust, and who is interested in serving you, and whose prices and technology are in the range you require.

The value added of my chats with our sailmaker for years after we bought our sails was much more than any difference in prices between makers.

 

[Warren Milberg]

Good advice from David below. My last new sail was made by North and was a bit more expensive than a number of other lofts and offshore outfits. Yet the sailmaker at North travelled 75 miles to measure my boat to consider the fit above the bimini and mast pre-bend, and provided a variety of after-the-sale services that made his price very worthwhile. Go with the local guy who gives you the best feeling about you and your boat.

 

[BarryL]

Hi,

If you want a local loft, I have used UK Halsey in Long Island City. Tom Nye is a great guy. This year I bought halyards from the Mark at the Doyle loft in Huntington. He also seems like a good guy.

good luck,
BArry

 

[tommays]

The local lofts on the Island are Doyle and North both in Huntington

They both do full repiars on sight

 

[Blitz]

Doyle

I have had a very good experience with Doyle sails - believe they were out of City Island

 

[Raftco]

In my experience, being the director of a sailing program, Quantum sails are made better and stand up better to comercial use - however, they are substantially more expensive. I use North Sails for our program soley based on price and quantity of sails I need to order on a yearly basis. Generally they last about 10 years with heavy use, much more than the average cruiser. The division or loft I order from is North Sails Direct in RI, I have looked around and cannot beat their price. Pricing for our 15ft daysailor boats is around $500 a set and if I recall correctly, their price for my O'day 25 with a roller furling system came in around $1200. Here is their site, good luck! http://www.northsailsdirect.net/

I think it really comes down to what you are expecting from your sails, weight of material, racing vs. cruising, and certainly cost.

 

[Steve Dion]

Pat: Have you considered purchasing a top quality sail from this site? They have a double back up warranty. The sailmaker and the SBO both back up these products.

 

[Stu Jackson]

Everyone asks on a regular basis

You will most likely receive many specific answers from folks who are happy with their sails and will relate where they purchased them. I do not recall hearing from anyone on this board who would "admit" to not liking a sail he/she bought in the last 11 years.

In general, in answer to your ?, I have seen the following results over the last 12 years:

1. Sails bought from a far away loft: usually less expensive and generally fit "well"

2. Sails bought locally: usually higher cost, personal attention to detail by local sail maker you can talk to for adjustments and fitting, and local conditions and knowledge of sail shapes that work in your "neighborhood"

Your boat, your choice. Others will chime in with their specific "lofty" experiences.

 

[jibes138]

Stu is correct. My sails are the best. I made them myself in the last twelve years. They are known as Dave's Magic Sails. Last time I went sailing they pushed me along right to where I was going. For a smaller boat you should consider making your own, it is great fun and you'll feel proud of your work.

 

[Prime Time]

Neil Pryde

My dad recently bought a Neil Pryde main on Long Island. Excellent service. Through no fault of the local sailmaker, the sail on delivery had a flaw and no questions asked was replaced quickly.

 

[Joe]

They are both really good sails....... go with the guy you like most... it really doesn't make a lot of difference. It's not like there's a big re sale market for laminated sails. Now....... Dacron.... that 's different... in this case I'd go with North. Huge, huge reputation if you deside to sell it a few years off.

If you want to save a few bucks and you don't care about initial or ongoing service... buy from an internet company, like North Sails Direct. (cruisingdirect) You'l save 50%

 

[Smitty]

I bought a set of Quantums - laminated 150 genoa, dacron main and full symmetrical spinnaker - from Quantum 4 years ago. They're now on their 4th season and going great. I am exceptionally pleased with them and with the attention and care from the loft in Norwalk.

North and Quantum both make great sails. and dealing with a local loft and sailmaker is the only way to go. From my experience (I've had both) I like Quantum better.

-Smitty

 

[Mac Daddy]

I really like my Ullman sails, and I believe they have 30% off for spring delivery deal going on now.

 

[higgs]

Unless you are racing, it matters not.