Purchasing Sails

[Crusty Ol Salt]

After a winter storm destroyed my head sail I need a replacement.

Where do you by your sails? Online or a local sail loft?

What is the benefit(s) of the one you use?

 

[jssailem]

Sail loft... North Sail has been my go to loft. Nice folk. Good service. Measured my boat and then provided a suit of sails that work well, and were acceptable to my budget. Saved a bit with winter purchase. Objective is to reach out when they have gaps in their production schedule to fill.

 

[Crusty Ol Salt]

Sail loft... North Sail has been my go to loft. Nice folk. Good service. Measured my boat and then provided a suit of sails that work well, and were acceptable to my budget. Saved a bit with winter purchase. Objective is to reach out when they have gaps in their production schedule to fill.

I would prefer to do a local purchase. Get them to do the measurements. That way "I" cannot mess that up. keeps the money in the local economy too.

 

[mikeracca]

I have talked with a couple sail lofts, and the one I felt the best about was Precision Sails. They are not too far from me in BC Canada but they seemed the most comprehensive. They also had no problem discussing the various differences in their sails, and also me wanting sails for my MacGregor 25 wasn’t an issue. I did run into one loft that didn’t want to make sails for my Mac due to how “cheaply made” my boat was. I would suggest calling around and see how the shops make you feel talking to them.

 

[DougM]

I have used Latell in Deltaville mostly for sail maintenance and have been pleased with their service. They do business as Evolution Sails in Hampton. It may be worthwhile to check them out.

I have purchased Sails from North in the past, mostly when I was racing and would probably do so again

 

[jssailem]

I would prefer to do a local purchase. Get them to do the measurements. That way "I" cannot mess that up. keeps the money in the local economy too.

Marcus, I totally agree with your thoughts of a local purchase. That is what I did.

As you look into the world of sailmaking you will discover a lot.

There are

• sail lofts with skilled sail makers who buy raw materials and assemble a sail in their loft. For example here in the Pacific NW we have Hasse & Company "Port Townsend Sails". I visited the loft and loved the product and people. Carol and her crew are recognized as building the best offshore cruising sails anywhere. The quote I got for a main sail was $8500.
• There are lofts like North Sail (home office Milford, CT) builds sails 7 facilities across the globe. They have 150 lofts all over. You closest being in Annapolis MD. With a sail maker you are buying into the design and skills. As I shared the Loft in Seattle treated me well and I got a quality product on my boat for around $2600. It is the level of quality and performance that fits my sailing plan. There are others like Doyle Sails or Quantum that operate in a similar fashion.
• Another method of acquiring sails is more self service. Smaller shops with skilled team, often active racers, who will measure your boat or take your stated measurements, order the sail to be built in off shore manufacturing plant. Perhaps add something or repair something when the sail is delivered and then ship the sail to you. Often offering exceptionally favorable prices having cut out the middle guy.

You will also find a blend of the above. My suggestion is to ask for several quotes. Visit the sailboat shows and talk to the folks offering sails.

I'm sure the Hasse main sail would have been exceptional. If I was going to make long passages across big oceans, I would not hesitate to invest in her sails. North enabled me to get 3 quality sails that provides me a complete set of sails. They fit the boat and the conditions I intend to use them.

Visit a local loft to see if you like the fit. This is like kicking the tires when you go looking for a new car.

When you find that combination of fit and price. Go for it.

 

[PaulK]

We like buying locally as well. Our advantage is that there are many lofts near here. UK, Z Sails, North, Quantum and Doyle are all within about 40 miles, and there may be others as well.

 

[sail sfbay]

...........Where do you by your sails? Online or a local sail loft? What is the benefit(s) of the one you use?

Local sail loft for mainsail and jib reason is they will take all the necessary measurements, guarantee fit up, install the sails and you can discuss/agree on the construction details including material, weight, rows of stitching, build level (e.g., cruising/offshore), clew ring type, etc. and provide a detailed build sheet.

 

[Apex]

@sail sfbay <<<AGREED. Buy local. In addition the local loft will often provide less expensive repairs and adjustments, so in the long run, even if more costly up front, you can more than make that up. AND you can develop a relationship for more knowledge sharing.

 

[sail sfbay]

.......... local loft will often provide less expensive repairs...........AND you can develop a relationship for more knowledge sharing.

Other advantages why I use a local sail loft for mainsail and jib replacement.

 

[JamesG161]

My new main sail , which is in-mast furling, was installed by a local loft.
The maker said to me, as he installed it with a little help from me...

You bought 2 things...
1) the new sail
2) and me to help you anytime there is a problem.

Jim....

 

[jssailem]

Paul that is almost like cheating. You’re in one of the hearts of great sail making.

 

[Sanfelice]

I would suggest the first thing you do is evaluate how you utilize your boat, racing, cruising, day sailing etc.. Buying North 3D sails for day sailing is overkill.

Ask your sail loft where their sails are manufactured. You will find that the majority of sails are manufactured overseas. For example North sails are manufactured in Siri Lanka ( 3D sails in Nevada ). Doyle sails in New Zeland, Tasker in Thailand etc.. Many local sailmakers buy Klts and sew them together. For the most part, the name brands use quality materials. I have used lofts where the sails were made here in the States (Mack) and overseas and was satisfied with both. I would also look into the sails available on the is web site. Also, google reviews of various manufactures, there are lofts that have issues with deliveries.
Good luck in finding a sail which which meets you needs.

 

[BigEasy]

Pros & Cons to each. If I were racing seriously, I would want a custom suit of sails to fit the boat as best as possible.
I have the original Neil Pryde sails on my production boat. Neil Pryde has refined the sail design over time for the mainsail furling system. Improvements including thinner battens, lower profile pocket design and closures, as well as improving the tack to better fit the furler.
When I replace my mainsail, I will likely use Neil Pryde because they are more familiar with the initial problems and evolution of design mods for trouble free operation. I don't think that a local loft would have knowledge of the problems and improvements that have been incorporated into the sail, over the years. Just saying.....

 

[Crusty Ol Salt]

Local it is.

Now it is time for some leg work.

 

[garymalmgren]

Well. I have no local. The last sailmaker in Japan closed shop a few years ago.
So, I'm going the offshore route.
I did this with Lee sails in Hong Kong 35 years ago,
Am using a different maker now.
Naturally, I am very happy with the price.

The requirements for self measuring is quit simple.
At the first stage when I supplied H.J.E P measurements.
However it became much more detailed after that.
All of the (multitude of ) options come with graphics and visuals to cross reference.
I.E. Batten pockets, aluminum or composite headboard, You know what I mean.

I have measured everything 3 times and am still crossing my fingers.
Any mistake from here on will be mine.

say a little prayer for me.

gary

 

[jssailem]

It will turn out ok. If. It exactly as needed ask them to make it right.

 

[Dalliance]

Quantum Sails through their local loft. They also store, inspect, clean and repair my sails as needed each winter, which I think is just as important as where you buy them.

 

[kappykaplan]

Quantum Sails through their local loft. They also store, inspect, clean and repair my sails as needed each winter