Opinions Neil Pryde Sails
- Thread starter JRacer
- Start date
I have Pryde sails, original equipment on my 323. They are typical OEM sails average cut, and overall reasonably well made. I would say that they are ok as cruising sails, but probably not for racing. I would imagine that if you worked directly with one of their local lofts and knowing the conditions where you sail, they could provide you with a reasonably good set of sails to meet your requirements.
Our First 36.7 has a set of performance Dacron cruising sails, a roachy main and a rolling 110% jib with vertical battens.. While not as nice as our racing sails, they are great for day to day sailing, and we chew up any other 'white sail' boat on Lake Superior going upwind. They are well built and durable.
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No to Neil Pryde
I bought my B393 in 2004. It came with OEM Neil Prude sails. After the first season the UV on the genny was coming off as if it were painted on. I spoke to NP and was told that was the way it was! That the sails were built to a price point for Beneteau and that was it. They also said if I wanted better sails they could make me an excellent set of sails for a price!
Two season ago I got new sails from Mack Sails in Florida. It was a joy dealing with a local loft and the service was great, so are the sails.
I bought my B393 in 2004. It came with OEM Neil Prude sails. After the first season the UV on the genny was coming off as if it were painted on. I spoke to NP and was told that was the way it was! That the sails were built to a price point for Beneteau and that was it. They also said if I wanted better sails they could make me an excellent set of sails for a price!
Two season ago I got new sails from Mack Sails in Florida. It was a joy dealing with a local loft and the service was great, so are the sails.
I'll add a point to say there were NOT the OEM delivery sails that NP makes for Beneteau... we deleted those as an option and upgraded before delivery.
I'm on my second set of Neil Pryde sails, I was very happy with my OEM Classic full-batten sail, but shopping around at the Annapolis boat show. After talking with Bob and Tim (owners) I decided that:
- I liked working with them - very customer focused. We had many conversations about what I liked and what I did not in the OEM.
- They were willing to make changes and improvements to my OEM sail to get me an improved sail at little additional cost.
- The price - it was outstanding.
- Bob Pattison designed the original sail, wrote the tuning guides and knows my boat like no other sailmaker.
- The sail arrived on time, and on price, and was expert installed by the local rep - Bruce Empey. A no-nonsense, old-school pro.
The 423 group has well documented problems with the NP UV cover disintegrating after 2-3 years, including mine. Instead of spending the $1k for a new sunbrella cover I opted to upgrade to a new North Dacron sail.
My 343 genoa sun cover started disintegrating after a year or two . Contacted NP. Shipped them the sail and they fixed. Price would have been cost of shipping except I opted for sunbrella cover for a few bucks more ~$100.
I am still on original sails but they are getting a little worn. Likely to go back to NP.
Joe
I am still on original sails but they are getting a little worn. Likely to go back to NP.
Joe