Shopping for New Sails

[entmejia]

I received a small amount of unexpected hobby money, so I thought I would shop for new sails and post the results. The sails that came with the boat are McKibbin sails, which are probably older than my 2001 boat. I wanted a new mainsail and hank-on jib, so I used the sail plan in the owner's manual as a starting point, as well as the sail makers info on the U.S. Spars site (model 170mast and 160 boom for my boat) and actual measurements. I'll probably take the opportunity to change out the downhaul, topping lift and reef lines too.

I obtained quotes from 6 or 7 online sources. Cost was a key factor because I'm cheap. The lowest price quote was half the cost of the highest. The lowest price for the greatest number of features was from PS in their Bluewater Cruise line. I read the negative reviews and BBB complaints from several years back. However, my experience so far has been positive. Calls were returned, and they had the specs for the boat available and emailed me the sail plan diagram they were using. I made a few minor tweaks (no racing numbers, add clew slug) and selected the four payment no interest pay plan.

So, now the sails are ordered, and I'm hoping the remainder of the transaction will progress as smoothly. I'll update this post with delivery times and pictures when installed.

 

[Crazy Dave Condon]

All sail lofts have books with recorded measurements for each of the boats, therefore, not really necessary to search but it is good as some lofts do not have those books. Some will ask for the old sails to be sent to get a better look at the sail lengths.

As for materials, hardware and equipment to make the sails, basically they are all he same. It comes down to price like you said but I also was very concerned as to the quality and service as I have run into sail lofts that did not perform well.

Everyone will make suggestions as to the sail lofts which is good but I would prefere to stay with a good one who will deliver on quality and most important service regardless of the price. And one place to start is with this forum store as there are many who have been pleased and pricing is in line not to mention their service.

However, if you ever want to find out about a business, many folks forget there is the Better Business Bureau or BBB and you can go on line to find out how that company is doing.

 

[entmejia]

Thanks Dave and Inarathree - that was the same intel I found out on manufacturers as well. There are some really good local lofts around here too, such as Schurr, but I couldn't really justify the expense for my fairly low cost boat. Thanks again for the input - this board is a great resource, as always.

 

[Crazy Dave Condon]

Like I tell everyone, do your homework. Sometimes cheap can also mean issues too. enuff said as I include service and backup into the equations as well.

 

[Stu Jackson]

Dave's right

http://forums.catalina.sailboatowners.com/showthread.php?p=1167071&highlight=sails

 

[tom flatley]

so I may need some sails for a H19-2. have no idea where to start looking. any suggestions?

 

[chuckwayne]

how about right here on SBO?

 

[tom flatley]

sounds good- Are you in Portland Me? I'm in Rangeley. have never purchased sails before. What are available? How much are they? what kind of sails?

This is not for racing. 90% will be on lakes in the Western Mountains.

Are there different qualities of sails that you make?

I am coming from a position of ignorance

tom

 

[Crazy Dave Condon]

Tom;

SBO or this site's store is the official place for Hunter parts and they can do a great job for you. Experienced and good pricing you will find there.

 

[rimaadams]

I bought my sails from Judy B Sails. I interviewed several sailmakers before settling on her sails. They are Hyde sails made in the Philippines. I couldn't be happier with them.

 

[Huntemupbob]

I also bought from Judy B. Work great for me also.

 

[Jackdaw]

Everyone should note that there are three major factor that go into to the sail cost of production:

1) Raw Labor cost
2) Sail complexity - complex cuts, battens, reefs, headboards. 2x or 3x stitching takes time.
3) Sail cloth cost

Most people forget or don't understand that dacron cloth comes in MANY types, weights and qualities. The range in cost form best to worst is almost 3x. Its also very easy to cut corners when they know the buyer is probably getting their first set of new sails.

When sails are cheap its for a reason, and probably one you can't see. No such thing as a free lunch.

 

[Crazy Dave Condon]

Jackdaw;

Good advice sir

 

[twodzusfittings]

"All sail lofts have books with recorded measurements for each of the boats, therefore, not really necessary to search but it is good as some lofts do not have those books"

So do all or do all not have them? I'm confused.

 

[Huntemupbob]

Not all lofts have data bases. Also I agree that there is a vast difference in quality AND cost of sails. Only you can decide if superior quality is worth a premium price to you. A lot of people buy the "cheaper" sails and are perfectly satisfied. If you race,go the best quality you can afford,otherwise you will wonder if it's the sails fault you don't win.

 

[twodzusfittings]

How can I identify what % my current furling jib is? Would there be a registration or makers document sewn into the sail or is it a matter of measuring and calculating how much more the sail extends past the 90 degree angle? Am I correct in assuming that the additional length past the 90 degree would then be % of the right angled 100%?

 

[SFKjeld]

I also bought from Judy B. Work great for me also.

I did shop around. Went with JudyB too. Great product, price and customer service. Even delivered ahead of schedule. Don't know why folks go anywhere else.

 

[Crazy Dave Condon]

When all said and done, cloth and machines are the same but the way they are made and customer service is the key. I like SBO as they do a good job and back up what is made at a reasonable price. Jackdaw hit it on the nailhead so it will be up to the individual where to buy but SBO is the official site and with a former Hunter Marine employee on the site, that is a major plus as well.