Need New Sails (Panama City FL) Loft?

[beej67]

Well, probably don't need them, but I've finally got enough cash squirreled away to where I can afford them. Never bought sails before, could use some advice.

Boat's in Panama City Florida, I'm in Atlanta Georgia. I've used a sail loft up here for some repair work before, just off of Lake Lanier, just restitching and whatnot. Couple guys told me that to buy new sails, though, I need a sail loft near the boat, so they can take measurements / etc. That true? Anyone have any recommendations in the panhandle?

I own a Pearson 323. Looking to buy a new main and one or two headsails.

edit: going back and reading my post, I see this website has hotlinked the word 'sail' with some online stores. Do you guys have pretty good experiences buying sails online? Any horror stories?

[NOLAsailing]

You're not that far away from New Orleans and I would HIGHLY recommend two of our neighborhood sail makers. They are both among the best sailors on the Gulf Coast and are fantastic sail makers. They are certainly far better than the online "white triangle" sellers you'll find online. I would encourage you to at least call and find out what they can do for you. If you find yourself this way picking up sails, give me a call - I'll bring you racing or cruising for making the drive and for giving your business to either one of these guys.

Benz Faget with North Sails:
1716 Lake Ave
Metairie, LA 70005
(504) 831-1775

Dave Bolyard with Ullman/West Wind Sails:
1350 Orleans Street, Suite D
Mandeville, LA 70448
(985) 626-5638

[artbyjody]

You have a common boat - most lofts will have on record your sail plan & dimensions...

Just be wary - its now the start of the sailing season, so expect a deposit down, and waiting 3 or more months for delivery...regardless if you do it by mail or local loft...(that was my experience last year buying all new sails bought in march - got them in June)...

Personally, I prefer local when I can...because one can drop by and inquire status etc...

[beej67]

Thanks for the replies so far. I wouldn't mind so much going to New Orleans to get sails if I lived in Florida, might make a fun round trip on the boat actually, but living in Atlanta, working in engineering, wife works in construction, it's rough even getting down to the boat at all, much less LA. I'll definitely keep it in mind, though.

While I'm at it, my current sails are cross cut (and almost 30 years old) .. are these new fangled tri radial sails worth the extra cost?

[artbyjody]

It'll depend on your sailing habits...

I got North's X-10 Kevlar Sails - 1. the look 2. the deal I made put them 20% over Dacron...3. the Dacron sails I had were still good condition... But on the C-27, the BBQs hanging off the stern counter-acted any speed increase...

However, in light air - the new sails worked better - mainly because the hold shape better...

Life Expectancy for composites varies but most are only 3 years, and also - UV - when not sailing covering them up is a necessity as they will break down quicker and they absorb more heat than dacron...

Talk with several lofts...they'll explain the advantages and disadvantages of each of the composites, the cuts etc.... North Sails, Doyle, etc - visit all the websites and read ...lots of good info on the major players sites so even if you go local - you already have base information....

[maboyer]

Try Saber Sails in Ft. Walton Beach, Florida
also, there is a loft or 2 in Pensacola, FL

Also, if your boat is 'standard', then try North Sails

Good Luck

[camaraderie]

beej...the cross cuts are still recommended for cruising but th tri-radials give better performance and cost more. Here's an article on the two types.
Cross-Cut vs. Radial Sail Construction

FX sails here carry stock sails of the 2 types for your boat. Pricing as follows:

MAINSAILS

Inshore Cross-cut Mainsail $1219.00 Inshore Tri-Radial Mainsail $2015.00 Offshore Cross-cut Mainsail $1544.00 Offshore Tri-Radial Mainsail $2267.00 Pentex Club Racing Mainsail $2206.00

HEADSAILS

Inshore Cross-cut Headsail $1678.00 Inshore Tri-Radial Headsail $2849.00 Offshore Cross-cut Headsail $2131.00 Offshore Tri-Radial Headsail $3161.00 Pentex Club Racing Headsail $3407.00

They also give another 10% if you buy multiple sails at the same time.

[wchevron]

anyone have any experience with hood sails. we did some work for them a while back but i never see them advertised anywhere.

[beej67]

Thanks for the replies, and especially for the link explaining the differences.

I don't race, I cruise. I do three or four day hops out in the Gulf pretty regularly. I do sail in inclement weather, where sail durability gets to be an issue. In high winds I usually just furl the headsail and go with a main only. My current main has two reefing points, so I'll want that in the new sail as well, likely.

Seems like my "chief concerns are longevity and economy, but not necessarily precise sail shape" ..so I'll go with cross cut Dacron for the main. Might go with radial for the jib.

My current main is partially battened. I've always thought it might be worth it to get a fully battened mainsail (I get envious of how well some other boats with their new fangled fractional rigs can make to windward, hehe) ..any experience between partially and fully battened mains to share? What's the drawback of full battens?