Just finished my first season of sailing. I need to purchase a new genoa for a 1995 Catalina 270LE. Any suggestions about cost, quality, manufacturers? All input would be greatly appreciated. Regards, Greg
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GN
I shopped around last month and asked the same question. A lot of good advice must be in the archives. For me the best bargin was Crusing Direct. They had sails for my 27' in stock and shipped 2nd day air [n/c} for that instant gradification. If I had a boat that was more or less one of a kind I would go with a local sailmaker to get the proper fit but seeing how my boat {and yours} are very popular models I was comfortable getting a set of sails off the shelf. There are probably better built sails out there but for the money, my needs and instant deliverly I was happiest with Cruising Direct. Ask for Sven Rand 888-424-7328 Good Luck, Jack PS. The sails made a huge difference in preformance
I shopped around last month and asked the same question. A lot of good advice must be in the archives. For me the best bargin was Crusing Direct. They had sails for my 27' in stock and shipped 2nd day air [n/c} for that instant gradification. If I had a boat that was more or less one of a kind I would go with a local sailmaker to get the proper fit but seeing how my boat {and yours} are very popular models I was comfortable getting a set of sails off the shelf. There are probably better built sails out there but for the money, my needs and instant deliverly I was happiest with Cruising Direct. Ask for Sven Rand 888-424-7328 Good Luck, Jack PS. The sails made a huge difference in preformance
local loft
Hello, About 1 year ago I was in the market for sails (main and genoa) for my 1986 Newport 28. I don't know much about sails. I contacted a number of places, both mail other and local lofts. The mail order places were the cheapest, but a local loft was able to come to my boat and measure it, talk to me about my requirements and then deliver very nice sails. The price difference between mail order and local was not that large. I was very happy with my choice. BTW, I bought a set of UK Halsey sails from the loft in City Island, NY, The salesman was Tom Nye and I am happy to recommend him. Barry Barry Lenoble Curragh, 1986 O'day 35 Mt. Sinai, NY lenoble@optonline.net
Hello, About 1 year ago I was in the market for sails (main and genoa) for my 1986 Newport 28. I don't know much about sails. I contacted a number of places, both mail other and local lofts. The mail order places were the cheapest, but a local loft was able to come to my boat and measure it, talk to me about my requirements and then deliver very nice sails. The price difference between mail order and local was not that large. I was very happy with my choice. BTW, I bought a set of UK Halsey sails from the loft in City Island, NY, The salesman was Tom Nye and I am happy to recommend him. Barry Barry Lenoble Curragh, 1986 O'day 35 Mt. Sinai, NY lenoble@optonline.net
Be sure that everything is equal.
Greg: Be sure that every quote you get is for exactly the same material (brand & product) and the same hardware. There are many ways for these offshore sail lofts to cut corners.
Greg: Be sure that every quote you get is for exactly the same material (brand & product) and the same hardware. There are many ways for these offshore sail lofts to cut corners.
Went with the local guy
I bought new sails for my Oday 23 last summer. After reviewing the online options, I went with my local sailmaker. I have read here and on other sites about many folks who were both delighted and horrified with their on-line sail buying experiences. My local guy was definitely more expensive; about 35% more. But he came to my boat to measure for the sails, and he delivered and installed them when they were done. It gave me comfort to know who was making them and that I could call him to find out how things were going. In addition, I get the ability to call him anytime with questions, concerns, or warranty issues (not there have been any). He also gave me great deal on a mainsail cover. I recommend Clark Bassett at Kappa Sails in Westbrook, Conn.
I bought new sails for my Oday 23 last summer. After reviewing the online options, I went with my local sailmaker. I have read here and on other sites about many folks who were both delighted and horrified with their on-line sail buying experiences. My local guy was definitely more expensive; about 35% more. But he came to my boat to measure for the sails, and he delivered and installed them when they were done. It gave me comfort to know who was making them and that I could call him to find out how things were going. In addition, I get the ability to call him anytime with questions, concerns, or warranty issues (not there have been any). He also gave me great deal on a mainsail cover. I recommend Clark Bassett at Kappa Sails in Westbrook, Conn.
Phil
I am usually very conscience about recomemding a business other than yours on your site. When I was shopping I did contact your sails/sale department {among other sail lofts} about my needs but to be honest I didn't recieve a reply. Perhaps I slipped through the cracks. I answered the referral question honestly and without malice but if I owe you an apology I offer it. Anyway, I thought you would like to know why,in the case, I shopped elsewhere. sincerely, Jack PS That instant gradification is really what sold me. Hope you don't mind the feed back. Jack
I am usually very conscience about recomemding a business other than yours on your site. When I was shopping I did contact your sails/sale department {among other sail lofts} about my needs but to be honest I didn't recieve a reply. Perhaps I slipped through the cracks. I answered the referral question honestly and without malice but if I owe you an apology I offer it. Anyway, I thought you would like to know why,in the case, I shopped elsewhere. sincerely, Jack PS That instant gradification is really what sold me. Hope you don't mind the feed back. Jack
Absolutely no apology neeeded!
There are a zillion lofts out there and they're all have various strengths and weaknesses. I think it's great that we get so many well-documented accounts who is good and why. That's the kind of resource we want to have. If anything I owe you an apology! I'm appalled that we didn't get back to you. It could have been a slip up on our end, or a mangled email, garbled cell phone voice mail, etc. (You'd be amazed at how many voicemails we get from cell phones that are all static.) Regardless, I'm sorry we didn't respond quickly and we'll do better next time. ph.
There are a zillion lofts out there and they're all have various strengths and weaknesses. I think it's great that we get so many well-documented accounts who is good and why. That's the kind of resource we want to have. If anything I owe you an apology! I'm appalled that we didn't get back to you. It could have been a slip up on our end, or a mangled email, garbled cell phone voice mail, etc. (You'd be amazed at how many voicemails we get from cell phones that are all static.) Regardless, I'm sorry we didn't respond quickly and we'll do better next time. ph.
Genoa Sail purchase
Greg, We have a 94 270LE..Great Boat, are you happy with yours? Do you plan on a larger Genoa? Ken keeja1@verizon.net
Greg, We have a 94 270LE..Great Boat, are you happy with yours? Do you plan on a larger Genoa? Ken keeja1@verizon.net
Greg
There is some good advice in this thread about where to buy sails. But before deciding on who will make your next sail, give some thought to all the factors that should influence just what kind of sail you should buy. How and where you sail, together with your budget, are the basics. The answers will help you decide on what size headsail to buy, and the type of cloth and cloth weight you should buy. Dacron, for example is tough and pretty long-lasting if cared for while the laminates may give you better performance at a higher initial cost and shorter lifespan. If you have a furling system, you need to think about the types of UV protection materials and whether a foam luff makes sense. Finally, if you like to tweak your sails, do you need leech and foot control lines? Regardless of who you decide should make your next sail, it never hurts to talk to a qualified sailmaker first as they can explain a lot of things about sails that we may never think about -- until it's too late.
There is some good advice in this thread about where to buy sails. But before deciding on who will make your next sail, give some thought to all the factors that should influence just what kind of sail you should buy. How and where you sail, together with your budget, are the basics. The answers will help you decide on what size headsail to buy, and the type of cloth and cloth weight you should buy. Dacron, for example is tough and pretty long-lasting if cared for while the laminates may give you better performance at a higher initial cost and shorter lifespan. If you have a furling system, you need to think about the types of UV protection materials and whether a foam luff makes sense. Finally, if you like to tweak your sails, do you need leech and foot control lines? Regardless of who you decide should make your next sail, it never hurts to talk to a qualified sailmaker first as they can explain a lot of things about sails that we may never think about -- until it's too late.
Lee Sails
Ordered a new main from Lee sails for our 42' Cascade that we keep in HI. They had a guy in HI that works with them who came out and took meassurements and 3 weeks later had the new sail. They paid the shipping and he came out and installed it and made sure everything was as ordered. We are totally satisfied with the new sail and would use them again.
Ordered a new main from Lee sails for our 42' Cascade that we keep in HI. They had a guy in HI that works with them who came out and took meassurements and 3 weeks later had the new sail. They paid the shipping and he came out and installed it and made sure everything was as ordered. We are totally satisfied with the new sail and would use them again.
some dude named Rolly in Florida.
Rolly Tasker...Florida...best sail at the best prices. Everyone around here is buyng his sails, made in China, Taiwan.
Rolly Tasker...Florida...best sail at the best prices. Everyone around here is buyng his sails, made in China, Taiwan.
FX Sails
I bought a new main and genoa for my C30 two years ago from FX sails and really liked them. Dealing with the company was great, and the sails were top-notch. http://www.thesailstore.com/
I bought a new main and genoa for my C30 two years ago from FX sails and really liked them. Dealing with the company was great, and the sails were top-notch. http://www.thesailstore.com/
FX sails
I just bought a new genoa from fx sails, it came quik and it wonderful!!! Everyone at my marina in jealous of my sail!! (mostly the great price I got!) Good luck
I just bought a new genoa from fx sails, it came quik and it wonderful!!! Everyone at my marina in jealous of my sail!! (mostly the great price I got!) Good luck
Thanks for the Advice
Thanks all! Jack made a good point....since the catalina 270LE is a popular production boat, do most on line suppliers carry the exact size and fit as the original? Also, Is there any advantage to replacing the jib and main at the same time?
Thanks all! Jack made a good point....since the catalina 270LE is a popular production boat, do most on line suppliers carry the exact size and fit as the original? Also, Is there any advantage to replacing the jib and main at the same time?
GN
GN, I found that the replacement sails fit better. They may or may not be as good a sail but I liked the loose footed main [see archives} and the fact that I could raise the boom up higher for more headroom without the main having a pocket {belly} or excess sail. I also went from a 150% genoa to a 135%. It's much easier to tac with a smaller genoa, the boat handles better, and the visability is much improved. I may miss the 150% in light winds but when the winds are light I motor anyway. I don't know of any advantage of replacing both. Maybe you could ask the sailmaker for a discount if you order two sails. [I did} For me, I knew it was time for new sails. I think I paid $1600 for the set so it really didn't break the bank. The price included the main sail #'s, Catalina emblem, 2nd day air and tax. The 2nd day air really made me a buyer. It was the beginning of sailing season and every other sailmaker wanted 4 to 6 weeks deliverly time, I had these sails up and running by the next weekend. Best of luck with your choice, Jack
GN, I found that the replacement sails fit better. They may or may not be as good a sail but I liked the loose footed main [see archives} and the fact that I could raise the boom up higher for more headroom without the main having a pocket {belly} or excess sail. I also went from a 150% genoa to a 135%. It's much easier to tac with a smaller genoa, the boat handles better, and the visability is much improved. I may miss the 150% in light winds but when the winds are light I motor anyway. I don't know of any advantage of replacing both. Maybe you could ask the sailmaker for a discount if you order two sails. [I did} For me, I knew it was time for new sails. I think I paid $1600 for the set so it really didn't break the bank. The price included the main sail #'s, Catalina emblem, 2nd day air and tax. The 2nd day air really made me a buyer. It was the beginning of sailing season and every other sailmaker wanted 4 to 6 weeks deliverly time, I had these sails up and running by the next weekend. Best of luck with your choice, Jack
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