Hi everyone, and thanks for reading. We're replacing the headsail to our 92 Hunter 27 and I'm really not sure who to go to. What sailmaker should I contact for a solid but inexpensive sail for our boat? Top quality is not so much an issue, but avoiding a 'rip off' is. Thanks so much for helping a novice Heath, first mate
replacing headsail
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Most sail lofts...
have +/- 3 different grades of sails. a general sail... the cheapest crusing sail... middle price range Racing sail... the most expensive, exotic laminates You will have to do some homework. Probably not many sail lofts in Kentucky... so you will be doing this on line... or over the phone. You are lucky... in the fact that your sail measurments on on a computer and readily available for a quote. Get some quotes on line... Hood, Doyle, UK, North. There are many small lofts that do good work. Bohndell, Hallett, Fortune.. here in Maine.
have +/- 3 different grades of sails. a general sail... the cheapest crusing sail... middle price range Racing sail... the most expensive, exotic laminates You will have to do some homework. Probably not many sail lofts in Kentucky... so you will be doing this on line... or over the phone. You are lucky... in the fact that your sail measurments on on a computer and readily available for a quote. Get some quotes on line... Hood, Doyle, UK, North. There are many small lofts that do good work. Bohndell, Hallett, Fortune.. here in Maine.
You have lots of options
for headsails that are not "too expensive." Like Rich states, many reputable sail makers have different grades of sail products, all at different prices. I happen to like Air Force Sails for headsails and find their quality/price balance meets my needs. I have also had excellent luck in buying used headsails over the years from Bacons, Sail Wharehouse, and on e-Bay (although you've got to be very careful buying a used sail sight unseen online). Bacons and Sail Wharehouse will let you return a sail, for any reason, usually within two weeks as long as it's in the same condition you bought it. Postage is on you. I currently have an Air Force 150 genoa on my H28.5 that I bought used -- it was used twice by a fellow whose boat sunk -- that cost a third of what a new sail would cost. There are bargains out there if you know what you want and do the research.
for headsails that are not "too expensive." Like Rich states, many reputable sail makers have different grades of sail products, all at different prices. I happen to like Air Force Sails for headsails and find their quality/price balance meets my needs. I have also had excellent luck in buying used headsails over the years from Bacons, Sail Wharehouse, and on e-Bay (although you've got to be very careful buying a used sail sight unseen online). Bacons and Sail Wharehouse will let you return a sail, for any reason, usually within two weeks as long as it's in the same condition you bought it. Postage is on you. I currently have an Air Force 150 genoa on my H28.5 that I bought used -- it was used twice by a fellow whose boat sunk -- that cost a third of what a new sail would cost. There are bargains out there if you know what you want and do the research.
Get somebody local
I just picked up my new mainsail and 135% genoa from Doyle/Boston in Point Edward, Ontario - These guys ship sails all around North America and beyond and have been fabulous. I'm just about jumping out of my skin waiting to try these things out. While I'd love for you to use them - The real point I want to make is the excercise I went thru before deciding on them - I got all kinds of quotes from the big guys (North, Uk, Lee, Quantum etc.) - but 90% of the stuff they sell based on price is coming from the far east - the real deals were back in January where the could order and then ship by container - The absolute best experience I had was spending two hours back in late November with Spike and Brad Boston - who spread out my existing sails and spent the time with me to see what I had and what I really needed!!! - It's not just all about the money - although they could compete with anyon's prices So make sure you get to spend some time with someone - If they won't give you an hour when your going to spend a grand or two - go someplace else!
I just picked up my new mainsail and 135% genoa from Doyle/Boston in Point Edward, Ontario - These guys ship sails all around North America and beyond and have been fabulous. I'm just about jumping out of my skin waiting to try these things out. While I'd love for you to use them - The real point I want to make is the excercise I went thru before deciding on them - I got all kinds of quotes from the big guys (North, Uk, Lee, Quantum etc.) - but 90% of the stuff they sell based on price is coming from the far east - the real deals were back in January where the could order and then ship by container - The absolute best experience I had was spending two hours back in late November with Spike and Brad Boston - who spread out my existing sails and spent the time with me to see what I had and what I really needed!!! - It's not just all about the money - although they could compete with anyon's prices So make sure you get to spend some time with someone - If they won't give you an hour when your going to spend a grand or two - go someplace else!
National Sail
I bought a new headsail from National Sail in Florida. It's a Rolly Tasker sail made in Thailand. Just bent it on yesterday so, can't speak to performance yet but the price was great and the delivery was on time.
I bought a new headsail from National Sail in Florida. It's a Rolly Tasker sail made in Thailand. Just bent it on yesterday so, can't speak to performance yet but the price was great and the delivery was on time.
Check Atlantic Sail Traders.com
Their web site shows inventory and they might have a like new used one. Nice people who know what they are doing. Ask for Brian or Richard.
Their web site shows inventory and they might have a like new used one. Nice people who know what they are doing. Ask for Brian or Richard.
Check with your local sailmaker .....
Spring and early summer is a bad time to buy a sail as most sailmakers are inundated getting their racing customers projects finished. Late summer or early fall is usually 'slack time' and you should be able to negotiate a 'very good deal' at that time. If you are interested in 'just something triangular', there are always the offshore internet lofts ... who use 'stock' dimensions, cheap cloth, and 'stock parameters' to cut and assemble. With a local loft the sailmaker can design a sail that matches exactly how you sail, the normal rigging tensions that you carry, etc. etc. .... and if the sail is built 'off season' will probably be cheaper and better than an 'offshore' mail order job. ;-)
Spring and early summer is a bad time to buy a sail as most sailmakers are inundated getting their racing customers projects finished. Late summer or early fall is usually 'slack time' and you should be able to negotiate a 'very good deal' at that time. If you are interested in 'just something triangular', there are always the offshore internet lofts ... who use 'stock' dimensions, cheap cloth, and 'stock parameters' to cut and assemble. With a local loft the sailmaker can design a sail that matches exactly how you sail, the normal rigging tensions that you carry, etc. etc. .... and if the sail is built 'off season' will probably be cheaper and better than an 'offshore' mail order job. ;-)
If you're not a racer and just want something to cruise
around with, you might consider going used. After all, how much longer are you going to have that boat? Two-foot-itus will set in before long.
around with, you might consider going used. After all, how much longer are you going to have that boat? Two-foot-itus will set in before long.
Rolly Tasker out of Florida.
I just did some research on sails and found most of the name brands are made overseas, as is RT. My neighbor bought one last year from RT after his shredded and it looks as good, or better than my Neil Pryde sails. The stitching is triple and straight. Most are double stitched. They are also the least expensive of the dozens of places I requested quotes from. Almost all, if not all sails are computer designed. I found three programs for making sails, and most of the makers use only two of them. Trust me, they have it down!
I just did some research on sails and found most of the name brands are made overseas, as is RT. My neighbor bought one last year from RT after his shredded and it looks as good, or better than my Neil Pryde sails. The stitching is triple and straight. Most are double stitched. They are also the least expensive of the dozens of places I requested quotes from. Almost all, if not all sails are computer designed. I found three programs for making sails, and most of the makers use only two of them. Trust me, they have it down!
and there is always good old SailboatOwners.com
We feature Doyle sails at a 10% discount. http://shop.hunterowners.com/detail-sails.htm?fno=0
We feature Doyle sails at a 10% discount. http://shop.hunterowners.com/detail-sails.htm?fno=0
That's what I did!
I ordered from Doyle, got my discount, and am pleased with the sail and service.
I ordered from Doyle, got my discount, and am pleased with the sail and service.
Thanks
for that discount tip Dave. And it looks like CB Sales email is now C.B.Sails@MCI2000.com
for that discount tip Dave. And it looks like CB Sales email is now C.B.Sails@MCI2000.com
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