Hello everyone, I'm planning on replacing the original mainsail on my '87 H23 this season (It's well beyond reconditioning), and I'm looking for advice about sail lofts. I've already sent out for quotes from the "big ones" (Doyle, Pryde, Hood) and a few of the not-so-big ones (Sobstad, Haarstick, National Sails), and I've received responses from most of them; Prices range from $518 up to $981 so far. The short list so far includes National Sails (Cheapest by QUITE a bit), the Doyle sails from HOW (Nice to get original spec equipment, reasonably priced), and Fowler Sails (same loft and construction as a Pryde sail, but different name patch). All of the sails quoted on the short list are ~6 Oz. Dacron, 1 reef, partial batten sails- They're comparable, as far as I'm concerned. Sewing time and shipping costs are also comparable. Anyone have any experience with these sailmakers? Is the faux Pryde sail worth as much as $250 more than the National Sails sail, and $135 more than the Doyle? Are there any good reasons NOT to go with any of the sailmakers on my short list? Thanks for your help... --Jon Bastien H23 '2 Sheets to the Wind'
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sailmakers
It's always a good idea to get the most information from any sailmaker. You really do get what you pay for. I'd also ask about the specific dacron (they are not all the same), construction methods, etc. I'm also curious as why they are quoting 6 oz. cloth instead of something a little lighter? Find the sail and the loft you feel the mos tcomfortable with. It may cost a bit more, but it'll be worth it over time. Mark.
It's always a good idea to get the most information from any sailmaker. You really do get what you pay for. I'd also ask about the specific dacron (they are not all the same), construction methods, etc. I'm also curious as why they are quoting 6 oz. cloth instead of something a little lighter? Find the sail and the loft you feel the mos tcomfortable with. It may cost a bit more, but it'll be worth it over time. Mark.
new main
I just bought my 87 H23 last summer, but the previous owner had recently purchased a new main (in 1998) from North. It's a 4800 Dacron racing main. He paid 1047- before tax. I like the sail very much. Has 2 reefing points and some small lines in the leech for tightening the leech. Only drawback however is I wish it was cut with the foot a little higher so my boom wouldn't hang so low. If you'd like to look at specs or their quote for various sails I can fax them to you. Email me at: mikeepp@mindspring.com
I just bought my 87 H23 last summer, but the previous owner had recently purchased a new main (in 1998) from North. It's a 4800 Dacron racing main. He paid 1047- before tax. I like the sail very much. Has 2 reefing points and some small lines in the leech for tightening the leech. Only drawback however is I wish it was cut with the foot a little higher so my boom wouldn't hang so low. If you'd like to look at specs or their quote for various sails I can fax them to you. Email me at: mikeepp@mindspring.com
Not a big difference
Jon: Depending on how you look at this the cost is close. The sail *should* last for 10+ years if you take care of it. Always keep it covered when not in use. Keep it clean, rinse with fresh water regularly etc etc. Now the cost per year ranges from $51 - 98/year. I do not believe that everything is equal in these prices. What brand of cloth, are all the seams double/triple stiched etc. How they reinforce the sail, the thread and on and on. Try to get some references on these lesser known makers and look at their 5 year old products. Most of these low cost sails are being sown offshore. Is that bad? I do not know, but you know that they are not paying these people $12-15/hour to sew are they!
Jon: Depending on how you look at this the cost is close. The sail *should* last for 10+ years if you take care of it. Always keep it covered when not in use. Keep it clean, rinse with fresh water regularly etc etc. Now the cost per year ranges from $51 - 98/year. I do not believe that everything is equal in these prices. What brand of cloth, are all the seams double/triple stiched etc. How they reinforce the sail, the thread and on and on. Try to get some references on these lesser known makers and look at their 5 year old products. Most of these low cost sails are being sown offshore. Is that bad? I do not know, but you know that they are not paying these people $12-15/hour to sew are they!
Sailmaker's Unsolicited Comments
I recently had a sailmaker do a few repairs on my Pryde sails. After examining my sails, he offerred the opiniion that their construction, materials and workmanship were terrific. He was paricularly impressed with the reinforcements and the foam luff panels sewn into the Genoa (to facilitate a smooth roll-up). My Pryde assymetrical "Spanker" is also very nice and comes with parrel beads that enable the Spanker to ride up/down the furled Genny controlled by a line/block at the tack. Pretty hard to beat Pryde in my opinion. Nick, S/V Indomitable, New Orleans
I recently had a sailmaker do a few repairs on my Pryde sails. After examining my sails, he offerred the opiniion that their construction, materials and workmanship were terrific. He was paricularly impressed with the reinforcements and the foam luff panels sewn into the Genoa (to facilitate a smooth roll-up). My Pryde assymetrical "Spanker" is also very nice and comes with parrel beads that enable the Spanker to ride up/down the furled Genny controlled by a line/block at the tack. Pretty hard to beat Pryde in my opinion. Nick, S/V Indomitable, New Orleans
New Sails
I will be ordering a new Genoa today from a sailmaker, in all places, Kansas. I have checks a number of sailmakers on the east coast where I live and find the sailmaker in Ozawkie, KS to be the best choice. I am buying a 135% Genoa for my Legend 37. Their price was extremely competetive and their explaination of their methods, triple stitched, US made dacron, 7 - 7.5 once dacron sewed in teltails, window and window placement to be just what I wanted. And one of the most important items, they came hightly recommended! For me, buying a new sail is a "blind item"; like going to a dentist - you take them at their word. I recommend that you contact Brian at Sails and Sew On, saso@umacs.net for a quote. Maybe they will could help you. I will report back to the Forum once I have my new sail and report on the quality and workmanship.
I will be ordering a new Genoa today from a sailmaker, in all places, Kansas. I have checks a number of sailmakers on the east coast where I live and find the sailmaker in Ozawkie, KS to be the best choice. I am buying a 135% Genoa for my Legend 37. Their price was extremely competetive and their explaination of their methods, triple stitched, US made dacron, 7 - 7.5 once dacron sewed in teltails, window and window placement to be just what I wanted. And one of the most important items, they came hightly recommended! For me, buying a new sail is a "blind item"; like going to a dentist - you take them at their word. I recommend that you contact Brian at Sails and Sew On, saso@umacs.net for a quote. Maybe they will could help you. I will report back to the Forum once I have my new sail and report on the quality and workmanship.
Only One Recommendation...
I strongly recommend you do not get a sail with flourescent green pigment. I hear they don't stand up under pressure very well.
Signed, Still Bummed About Louis
I strongly recommend you do not get a sail with flourescent green pigment. I hear they don't stand up under pressure very well.
Signed, Still Bummed About Louis- Status