online sail purchase

tjl · #1 (**permalink**) 07-13-2011

I'm thinking of a new asymmetric spinnaker and the cheapest option seems to be online purchase - does anyone have experience, and was it good or bad? From my googling, it seems many sails are made in China irrespective of the whether ordered online or from a local loft - have I got this right?

fryewe · #2 (**permalink**) 07-13-2011

Good quality cloth cut by digital machines and sewn with good quality thread by Asian seamstresses and sold by a reputable US national sailmaker is a winning combination for a quality sail at a good price. I bought my asymmetric and a new main this way from North Sails (I am affiliated in NO way with them). Took only six weeks from order to delivery. Seamstresses were NOT Chinese, but from a smaller SE Asian country. North currently has a promotion...twenty five percent off if you send them an old sail for recycling...in a box provided and shipping label provided by them.

Melbournian · #3 (**permalink**) 07-13-2011

We ordered our asy spinnaker from UK Halsey. He was fantastic. We had to get it delivered to PV, Mexico and the tax there is horrendous!! Yup we got bitten once. Anyway, UK got it flown out of Tjiuana and it didn't cost us a cent on tax. It worked beautifully and the price was cheaper then NS. It was just the right size for a 42ft with only 2 persons. BTW, I am not afflilated to them. Just a very happy satisfied customer. Can't complain with the service, price and quality.

jackytdunaway · #4 (**permalink**) 07-13-2011

i had great success with FX sails. They were very helpful, easy to get on the phone even on saturday and delivered as promised.

TSchwarck · #5 (**permalink**) 07-13-2011

I ordered a new jib from Kelly-Hanson 10 months ago and still haven't received it yet. Now I'm trying to get my money back.

SVCarolena · #6 (**permalink**) 07-13-2011

FYI - Just checked the North website and the discount is 20% if you send your old sail, not 25%. Another source is National Sail Supply in Florida. One of our best contributors, Maine Sail, has given then a strong thumbs up (search the threads). I believe the sails they sell are Rolly Tasker. Only downside to online ordering is that you will need to provide the measurements yourself.

aeventyr60 · #7 (**permalink**) 07-13-2011

I have used Lee Sails out of Hong Kong several times. Great price, quality, service and on time delivery. Contact Helen Fung in Hong Kong. There may be a local agent near you. I have no affiliation with lee sails.

weinie · #8 (**permalink**) 07-13-2011

Quote:

Originally Posted by TSchwarck

I ordered a new jib from Kelly-Hanson 10 months ago and still haven't received it yet. Now I'm trying to get my money back.

I had major issues with Kelly Hanson... They sent me the wrong size sail and would not refund my money despite saying for weeks that they would. Ended up with the BBB lowering their score to a C after all that. I got most of my money back but not all.

tjl · #9 (**permalink**) 07-14-2011

Thanks for the quick responses, and it seems all good except for K-H. I am also taking into account the delivery cost as I am based in Sydney Australia and the delivery cost varies greatly for all suppliers The cheapest asymmetric I have found so far is i-sails, and I am still looking for info on quality etc.

Hartley18 · #10 (**permalink**) 07-14-2011

Tjl, fist off, welcome to Sailnet! There are a couple of others here from up your way. Post something in the Introductions section when you get a moment.

If money is tight (and it sounds like it is) have you considered 2nd-hand? Look here: Spinnakers