Recommend a sailmaker?

[buck_br]

I need a new set of sails for my Irwin 23. Just for casual cruising, no racing. My first set has lasted 37 years. Any recommendations for good quality at a reasonable price?

Bonus question: Irwin has been out of business for years, and I'm curious as to who made the original sails. There's a red arrow on the tack of the mainsail and on the sail bag. Anyone know the maker?

 

[Alan]

I believe you'll find the red arrow logo insignia is from JSI Sails.

Your sails may have lasted 37 years but I'm dead certain they haven't held their shape. And shape is the key factor in sails. Sail cloth construction has come a long way. Many cloth types are available to choose from and each has its pros and cons.

 

[JerryA]

My friend has a Irwin 23, and at the boat show last night, the Doyle guy suggested their new mylar sails for his. 10% more than dacron, or so he said.

JerryA

 

[chuckwayne]

We've been very happy with our Doyle sails, especially our cruising laminate main;very light weight, but holds it's shape beautifully-no stretch, even in a blow. well worth it

 

[Blitz]

Ditto on Doyle

 

[Warren Milberg]

I think the arrow on your sails indicates Johnson as the maker. For a new suit of sails for crusing, I like FX sails. I think they are currently offering a winter discount. Contact Bill James there and discuss your needs with him and negotiate a price below their online sail quoter. See http://www.fxsails.com/quoter/index.php

 

[buck_br]

Thanks. So it would be a mistake to send my old sails for the new sails' dimensions?

 

[buck_br]

Thanks for the steers on JSI/Johnson. I'll bet that's correct: they and Irwin both were located in St. Petersburg.

 

[David in Sandusky]

Consider a local sailmaker

Pick one you trust who has reasonable prices. (No harm in getting quotes from several lofts.) In my experience, the value of advice and support over the 10 year life of a sail far outweighs the savings from ordering from a distant loft.

 

[Barnacle Bill]

I think Irwin was built in Largo Florida right near the Morgan factory too. But, no matter, you can go to any local sailmaker to take care of your needs. Might as well find someone close to your home or sailing area for good service. The brand name sailmakers like Doyle, North, Quantum, Sobstad, UK, etc. are great sailmakers, but you can probably find a loft that is not such a big name and save a little money as long as you are not going for high tech sails, etc. North lofts probably wouldn't build a set of cruising sails for your boat, but would racing sails and they would direct you to North Direct, which is their discount sail option. But, you pay for what you get. It depends on whether you are sailing coastal bigger waters or inland, etc. as to the type and weight of sails you need, but I think an important thing to consider is a sailmaker close by who can problem solve for you, measure your boat for the best fit, and be there when you need help. Even if you buy sails from across the country, you will need a sailmaker close by to do repairs down the road, so might as well see what they will build a decent set of cruising sails for you without having to pay the premium for the big boy names. That's my 2 cents.