new sails

[mike dryver]

we are getting ready to start replacing our sails they are orig. 1979 g.S. 37 and starting to loose their shape and have seen better days. still in servicable condition but, i feel the new sails will be easier to handle and give better speed. so my querry is can i get some input from the forum on their experiences and where you all got your sails and the best prices. i'm not looking for high performance sails just good rugged cruising sails that will last a long time. double reef main, four battens, ect. looking for a smaller genoa than stock, as i have a almost new extra gen. that was given to a previous owner and never used.
regards mike

[PBzeer]

My suggestion would be that you contact a local (if you have any) loft and work with them on outfitting your sails. A good loft will not only go over your sailing habits, what you want in a sail, etc., but will thoroughly measure your rig to ensure a proper fitting sail. That won't be the cheapest route, but it can pay dividends over the long run.

I bought my new main from the Doyle loft in Seabrook, TX (Houston) and was very impressed with their work. We designed a sail made for my style of sailing, with the things on it I needed, and none I didn't. Buying a StackPack, they also installed everything, as well as following up after the installation. I could have spent less, but I feel I got an excellent value, as well as an excellent sail.

Regards,

[Sailormon6]

I just ordered a new main and genoa from Cruising Direct, a subsidiary of North, and their price was almost half that quoted by one of the major lofts. The sailcloth used is the same dacron used by North. You can choose from all the popular options, and can have them cut for optimum performance or for cruising. They claim that they're the same sail that you'd buy from North, but they don't measure your boat for you, and they won't go sailing with you and show you how to use them. You have to measure your boat yourself, but they provide a form with instructions, and, although it's a little time-consuming, it isn't difficult. If you have any questions about the measurements, ask the company rep. to explain them.

This is a good season to order sails, because many sailmakers offer off-season discounts. Also they usually offer a good discount at the boat shows.

[paulk]

PBzeer has the right idea. The big guys want to sell you a set package. They have an "off the shelf special cruising sail" and an "off the shelf special racing sail" that they are happy to sell you. Their volume may enable them to price these sails competitively. A local guy may know that winds in the summer, when you sail, never get much above 10 knots. He'll build in extra roach to provide more drive because of this. He'll listen when you tell him you sail with just your two children and your wife, and perhaps suggest a taller jib, rather than a longer one, so that it's easier to tack. His prices will be competitive, because otherwise he's out of business. He'll also be there for any repairs or adjustments that you need later on. We purchased a "Big Guy" racing genoa at one point that was an inch or so too long on the luff. They didn't want to hear it. It was apparently our fault for having a bow fitting set up with a closed ring welded next to the base of the forestay, instead of an open hook. (Tell it to TPI - it's the way the boat came from them, new.) When I took the jib back to the "Big Guy" (an hour's drive when there's no traffic, and this was not one of those times) they took about a week to "fix" it by replacing the tack snapshackle with a smaller sized one. The smaller snapshackle wasn't up to the load of the winched halyard and distorted, bending the release pin bent ever so slightly and making it difficult to open and shut.

When we needed a new main four years ago we went to Z sails, a local loft in Stamford CT. We talked, they listened. We're happy. People still ask if it's a new mainsail - it looks that good and has held up that well. You may also want to check out how well they listen in the sail loft here at SailNet.

[sailingdog]

Often, the smaller lofts will be slightly higher on price, but more than make up the price difference with an attention to detail and level of customer service that the larger lofts are unwilling to match. Often, going with the lowest price gets you a product or service that you will not be happy with. This is not always the case, so YMMV.

[T37Chef]

First of all, I'll be curious if I get slapped for reviving a "old" thread or using the search tool correctly. (SD that ones for you )

I am seriously looking at installing a roller furling unit. So I have some decisions to make in regards to sails:

I currently have a 155 Genny, 110 Jib, and Storm Sail. All hank-on of course. I am thinking to have a luff tape added to the existing 155 and maybe UV strip as well. The sail is approx 6 years old and seems to still hold its shape well, very well in fact. And considering it is stored below decks when not in use, it should have a longer life than a furled sail? Right? I also know that hanked on sails are cut different than ones designed to be furled. How noticeable of a performance loss factor do you think cutting the old sail for the furler will do?

Then in a year or two have a new sail built keeping the current as a back up.

I have already contacted a loft in Annapolis, but am soliciting others recommendations please... I also have heard some good things about Cruising Direct Sails as mentioned above. Anyone's experiences and comments welcome...

[sailingdog]

T37Chef-

Eight months is more dormant than stone cold dead... If the sail isn't UV-damaged and is still in good shape, it may be a good investment to have it recut to fit the furler. However, the luff will probably need to also have a foam or rope padding added to help the sail retain its shape when roller-reefed. You really should add a UV-protection strip to the sail if you're going to roller furl/reef it. I don't think you'll have all that much a performance hit.

As for lofts.. it might also be wise to contact some of the smaller lofts in your area, since they often have excellent customer service, and can give you more personalized service than a mail order or bigger loft can, at a small price premium.