Hey All, I'm fixing my old Oday 23 up and I think it needs a new set of rags. Any suggestions on the best place to get new sails? I'm strictly cruising on the lake down here in TN.
Where shoudl I buy new sails for my Oday 23
- Thread starter Bobbystone
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for small boat cruising, you do not need terribly expensive sails. With that being said, quality does matter (you do not want to buy a new sail in 3-4years) I have done business with 2 lofts via web sites (National Sails in Fla who sell Rolly Tasker sails and FX Sails in SC) Thje Tasker's are a little lower in quality but for the 23 (I bought them for my 22) they should be good. I went with FX sails for my 28 because they are great with customer service and delivered my cruising/racing sails quickly with a very affordable price tag!!! With that being said, nothing beats a local sail maker who can come down to your boat, measure for himself and check to make sure they fit well. However you do pay more for this convienence.........
for small boat cruising, you do not need terribly expensive sails. With that being said, quality does matter (you do not want to buy a new sail in 3-4years) I have done business with 2 lofts via web sites (National Sails in Fla who sell Rolly Tasker sails and FX Sails in SC) Thje Tasker's are a little lower in quality but for the 23 (I bought them for my 22) they should be good. I went with FX sails for my 28 because they are great with customer service and delivered my cruising/racing sails quickly with a very affordable price tag!!! With that being said, nothing beats a local sail maker who can come down to your boat, measure for himself and check to make sure they fit well. However you do pay more for this convienence.........
Went local
When I bought new sails for my 23 a couple of years ago, I went with a local sailmaker rather than one of the internet guys. The internet providers were uniformly cheaper, but like mike c says, it was great to have the sailmaker come to my boat, measure, deliver the finished sails to my boat, bend them on, and then show me how to get the most out of them. Also, I had someone local I could call with questions ("how much longer until they are done?!"), and someone I can complain to if there are ever any problems. Check out the local guys before you buy over the internet. There is always the possibility that you could have problems, no matter who you buy from. However, if you go with the local guy, you can show up at the loft to straighten things out. Much better than trading emails or long distance calls. Don't forget, some of the internet lofts have a US office, but they may contract out the actual sailmaking to a foreign loft. I am wary of getting a question answered accurately with that set up; I really don't want to think what would happen if you had to return the sails for any reason. I have read accounts from sailors completely pleased with the internet sailmakers and their customer service, as well as some horror stories. I thought it was worth the extra money to go local.
When I bought new sails for my 23 a couple of years ago, I went with a local sailmaker rather than one of the internet guys. The internet providers were uniformly cheaper, but like mike c says, it was great to have the sailmaker come to my boat, measure, deliver the finished sails to my boat, bend them on, and then show me how to get the most out of them. Also, I had someone local I could call with questions ("how much longer until they are done?!"), and someone I can complain to if there are ever any problems. Check out the local guys before you buy over the internet. There is always the possibility that you could have problems, no matter who you buy from. However, if you go with the local guy, you can show up at the loft to straighten things out. Much better than trading emails or long distance calls. Don't forget, some of the internet lofts have a US office, but they may contract out the actual sailmaking to a foreign loft. I am wary of getting a question answered accurately with that set up; I really don't want to think what would happen if you had to return the sails for any reason. I have read accounts from sailors completely pleased with the internet sailmakers and their customer service, as well as some horror stories. I thought it was worth the extra money to go local.
I used local
and am VERY happy. I talked to him beforehand and he suggested that I wait until january when he gives a 10% discount since that's a slow time for him. I ended up with a 120% jib on a roller furling per his suggestion and I couldn't be happier. He came out and measured the foretriangle and within a week had it all finished. We met at the boat and he gave me a hand putting it on the foil. Fit perfect. Now I take my sails to him every year to have him go over them and make any repairs. He only charges me for the mainsail which isn't his, the jib is free. I'm thinking I want him to make up either a code zero or an asymetrical for me this year. I would strongly suggest finding a local sailmaker and getting to know him/her. They will quickly become your best friend. www.southsailsflorida.com
and am VERY happy. I talked to him beforehand and he suggested that I wait until january when he gives a 10% discount since that's a slow time for him. I ended up with a 120% jib on a roller furling per his suggestion and I couldn't be happier. He came out and measured the foretriangle and within a week had it all finished. We met at the boat and he gave me a hand putting it on the foil. Fit perfect. Now I take my sails to him every year to have him go over them and make any repairs. He only charges me for the mainsail which isn't his, the jib is free. I'm thinking I want him to make up either a code zero or an asymetrical for me this year. I would strongly suggest finding a local sailmaker and getting to know him/her. They will quickly become your best friend. www.southsailsflorida.com
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