For those of us who live life afloat, finding good gear at the right price is a top priority. That's why we shout to all about the good stuff, and thankfully less often, warn of being taken. Here are the facts - you judge.
Jack and Jude have sailed nearly 150,000 NM since 1973, many of those aboard a vessel called Banyandah, meaning "Home on the Water," a vessel they built themselves when they were kids.
Needing a new mainsail to explore the treacherous Fjords on New Zealand's South Island, we sent out specs to several sail makers. Three came back with similar good prices, only one offered a good track system for full length batten at a fair price, so they got the order.
But we did not get what we ordered.
1/ We did not get the size of sail agreed.
2/ We did not get a headboard as specified.
3/ The slides were installed incorrectly - against the track maker's advice.
4/ The attachment points are very weak, small and not designed for heavy use.
5/ The edges are simple fold over, weak and not designed for heavy use.
We have created a website of photos that clearly shows how poorly made this sail is. Have a look.
When we asked for our money back, the man wrote this to us: (copied and pasted)
You just want money, you are not an honest man.
You are using extortion to try to get a free sail.
Also I did the math and you could not have sailed as many miles as you claim.
Are we out of touch? Is this considered a heavy duty cruising mainsail today?
Jack and Jude have sailed nearly 150,000 NM since 1973, many of those aboard a vessel called Banyandah, meaning "Home on the Water," a vessel they built themselves when they were kids.
Needing a new mainsail to explore the treacherous Fjords on New Zealand's South Island, we sent out specs to several sail makers. Three came back with similar good prices, only one offered a good track system for full length batten at a fair price, so they got the order.
But we did not get what we ordered.
1/ We did not get the size of sail agreed.
2/ We did not get a headboard as specified.
3/ The slides were installed incorrectly - against the track maker's advice.
4/ The attachment points are very weak, small and not designed for heavy use.
5/ The edges are simple fold over, weak and not designed for heavy use.
We have created a website of photos that clearly shows how poorly made this sail is. Have a look.
When we asked for our money back, the man wrote this to us: (copied and pasted)
You just want money, you are not an honest man.
You are using extortion to try to get a free sail.
Also I did the math and you could not have sailed as many miles as you claim.
Are we out of touch? Is this considered a heavy duty cruising mainsail today?