SF Bay area sail loft for cruising main

[MarkSF]

My neighbour pulled into his slip with a nice new Doyle main today, which got me thinking again about replacing mine. Given the relative obscurity of my boat (Bristol 31.1), I'd like to work with a local loft. I'm sure the internet ones are fine but I'd really like to work with someone local.

Can anyone recommend one to me that won't break the bank and has good service? Is $2000 a reasonable budget for 180 sq.ft cruising main with 2 sets of reefs?

I know of, locally :

North Sails
Pineapple
Doyle
Rooster

and Leading Edge in San Mateo.

[blt2ski]

How far is San Diego? I've used the local Ullman loft, ie seattle which is a branch of the San Diego loft. I would look at the CAL sail, which is a laminate, same price, wt etc as a dacron, with WAY less stretch, similar lifespan etc. I have a 140 cruise/daysail genoa out of it, very happy with the way it sails etc. Nicer than a NorLam I have in a 110 too, way nicer than dacron sails I have seen too.

Marty

[MarkSF]

San Diego's a bit far I'm afraid! 500 miles maybe. We've got several lofts in Alameda and I suspect they're all pretty good, just looking for personal experiences.

[blt2ski]

There is a loft in Sacramento. ALtho I know nothing about that loft personally. I do like the sails, I have 4 of them.

marty

[puddinlegs]

Pineapple, but quotes from everyone. If you were in the PNW, I'd say Ballard Sails. Chances of your sail being built locally if it's a dacron main are about 0% almost anywhere you go, but the local shop will measure, get the fit right, and can make changes as necessary.

[L124C]

Larry Ellison has a wing his AC skipper got launched through the other day. He might give you a deal on that! I've used North in San Rafael, and Leading Edge in San Mateo. I highly recommend them both. I can't say that about many marine vendors.

[MarkSF]

Originally Posted by L124C

Larry Ellison has a wing his AC skipper got launched through the other day. He might give you a deal on that! I've used North in San Rafael, and Leading Edge in San Mateo. I highly recommend them both. I can't say that about many marine vendors.

I'm sure I could patch that hole in Larry's main up, no problem. Thanks for the recommendations!

[JimsCAL]

You should have no trouble getting a main for $2000. Why not get an online price from NorthSailsDirect and then get a quote from the local loft? The local loft would be taking care of any after sale issues in either case.

[Fstbttms]

Originally Posted by MarkSF

Can anyone recommend one to me that won't break the bank and has good service? Is $2000 a reasonable budget for 180 sq.ft cruising main with 2 sets of reefs?

I know of, locally :

North Sails
Pineapple
Doyle
Rooster

and Leading Edge in San Mateo.

Rui Luis of Rooster Sails died a couple of weeks ago. Pretty sure his loft is closed now. Try UK, which is right upstairs from Rooster in Grand Marina.

[MarkSF]

Originally Posted by Fstbttms

Rui Luis of Rooster Sails died a couple of weeks ago. Pretty sure his loft is closed now. Try UK, which is right upstairs from Rooster in Grand Marina.

Yes I heard about that, very sad and thanks for reminding us.