Where to buy new main sail?

[KevinC_Mac26S]

The wife doesn't know it yet, but she is buying me a new mail sail for Xmas.

So I thought I would see if I could some suggestions on where to shop and where not to shop, as well as ideas on anything I should be looking for (full batons, etc.) to get the most out of the new sail.

Mac 26 S, mostly lake sailing w/ some coastal sailing.

 

[KevinC_Mac26S]

Also, I'm not racing.

 

[James2502]

I am in the same boat as you except I am getting rid of the roller furler and going with hank on sales. I have learned that there is a lot to compare besides price. Have you tried BWyachts.com

 

[timebandit]

How about here at home?
http://shop.macgregorowners.com/detail-sails.htm

 

[Capt. Kermie]

I bought my new mainsail for my 26M called a 'Musclehead' or 'Fathead' from these guys and am quite happy with it. They carry a full line of sails for alll MacGregor models but that Musclehead is one fine sail.
http://www.kellyhansonmarine.com/apps/webstore/products/category/40474

 

[KevinC_Mac26S]

Thanks to all who have responded so far.

I'm still looking for as much advice as possible, especially on what to look for in a good sail.

 

[highdesertM26]

I just got a roller furling jib from Kelly Hanson. I ordered it on Tuesday and it got here Saturday (I'm in NM and they're in CO). The sail looks good and the price was by far the best around. I don't know how the sail compares to some of the pricier lofts, but I'm sailing a 1993 Mac, so I don't need a sail that cost half as much as my boat. They can confirm if they have the sail in stock if you call or email them.

 

[Freedom77]

In response to your comment on pricier sails. Sailmakers stay in business making a good product. If they don't word of mouth will shut them down. You don't need to go to Hood or North to get a good sail at twice the price. All my after market canvas, including my chute, was purchased from Centurion Sails in Huntington Beach and they have held up for 30+ years. Fair Winds and full Sails...

 

[Sumner]

............. Sailmakers stay in business making a good product. If they don't word of mouth will shut them down. You don't need to go to Hood or North to get a good sail at twice the price............

We bought a new loose footed main with full battens and a roller furler that is radial cut from Martin at Sommerset Sails after Bob who had a Mac recommended him. We have only used them a few days now, but really like them over our old sails. They were only a couple hundred more total than the cheapest sails I found and have features that we thought were worth the small increase in price considering how many years we hope to use them over.

We are using a blue sunbrella on the boat that is darker than the more common pacific blue you see and we ordered some of that and sent it to Martin and he used it on the furler for the wrap that covers the sail when it is furled in and sent us the leftover pieces. That was a good deal and now the furler matches the rest of the items on the boat that Ruth has done.

We would order from him again. We also got the CDI for just a tad more through him.

c ya,

Sum

 

[Justin_NSA]

Does anyone really need 2 reef points? I seldom use my single reef point and I sail in windy Kansas! I have partial battens as well

If i were ordering a new mainsail I would ask for a loose foot as well as the luff.
I'm torn between minimizing the overhead weight vs getting a heavier dacron, full battened sail.

 

[Sumner]

Does anyone really need 2 reef points?....

Martin talked us into one reef point and Bob said he was happy with one when he got his sail. The one is where the high one was on the stock sail. Do you call that one the first or the second. I always called it the second, but after reading other posts in the past I'm not sure what the right nomenclature is??

Martin said that if we weren't happy to send the main back and he would put in the second one at no charge.

On the stock sail when we did reef we always went to the high one anyway right away. I don't think we will get the second one.

I put in single line reefing back to the mast and with the sailpack/sail cover and lazy jacks it seems to work easy, well and fast.

I'm also hoping that the travler will help us if it is getting time to reef and give us another option.

c ya,

Sum

 

[Freedom77]

Double reef points are like umbrellas. You'll miss them when you need them most. I've doulble reefed on more than one occasion ocean and lake. Also have a storm jib. Fair Winds and Full Sails...