FX SAILS - Are they decent?

[US25]

I'm thinking about ordering a new mainsail from FX Sails, linked through Sailnet. I'll probably get the standard Dacron Inshore Cross-cut, but I'm seriously considering the Tri-Radial laminate to match my headsails. The prices are right, ($750 and $1250 respectively, with 2 reef points), but I'd like to hear some opinions on their quality and customer service, as well as Dacron vs laminate. Thanks.

[CharlieCobra]

I'm curious as well.

[jamescarey]

I have picked up a '76 O'Day DS II. The sails are 22 years old not having reef points and are still useable. I have for over a year so far.

I am planning to pressure test solo sailing blue water on the boat by going to Owatacha Lake in AR, the end of this month and live on board for a week sailing solo. The lake is clear water up to 5 mi wide and just short of 45 mi long. There are multiple islands and fiords to explore. The lake is one of 3 in the nation which is so clean it has fresh water jelly fish and Striped Bass.

To do it, I have purchased a new set of FX's (inshores) a Main and a 100% Jib. The Mail will be double reefed. The old sails will be back ups. The old Head sail is a 135% Genoa. I figure if the old sails show life when that old, the new will last as long as I will have the boat before retirement.

If I enjoy this week of sailing as a live aboard on a boat with a place for a bed roll and a porta potty head, I will look at picking up a 30-40 ' cat in 5-6 years....

Good luck in your sail search.

[vardaman7]

Are you referring to Lake Quachita in the Hot Springs area? If so you might be off on the length. It's a beautiful lake with lots shoreline but the locals might not know what a fiord(?) is. They will probably call it a cove. Do you like dueling Banjo's?

[Waymar83]

I think alot of us are interested in the FX Sails. Somebody on this board must be using them?

[Brezzin]

Before FX it was airforce sails At least that's what Sailnet affiliated with. I'm assuming it's the same since Bill James worked for Airforce and Now FX. I bought Loose footed main for my old H33. I thought it was will made. And after a couple of seasons it still had a good shape even though I probably abused it more than I should have. I can't say more than that because I sold the boat. I didn't want to pay big $$ for a "Named" sail on a 20 year old cruising boat. I would buy again. In fact I just got a quote on an Asym from FX.

[Mary51]

I got a new dacron jib for a Cheoy Lee OS 31 and am very happy with it. I've used it in place of a much larger jib, but it's so much better that it gives me a LOT more power.

Mary

[Waymar83]

thanks for responding guys, very useful!

[NCountry]

Hmmm. I might check my facts on that lake. I pretty familiar with a lot of lakes in Arkansas and that doesn't sound like any of them. There are several that may be fairly long but I don't think any of them are 5 miles wide.

[blt2ski]

Air force sails still exists, as part of the PO's of sailnet, at there new online site equal to this one. I suppose it is possible some of the AF folks went to work for whom ever started FX, or left AF to go to FX.......my guess is they are, and have been seperate all along!

Most folks that I know, have gone with North. A few other top end sail companies also. One fellow I know went with Cruising Direct. He is happy, but mostly cruises, and does race his J37 reasonably well. He is doing better with the new dacs, but boat should be faster overall than it is. It could also be the other stiff he has on board too!

Marty