[Dog8It]

I am planning to replace my 15 yr old main and headsail and was considering NeilPryde sails from the local loft. However, I cannot find much information / reviews about it. Does anyone have any experience with NeilPryde sails? If so, how does it compare with North / Doyle sails ? I primarily cruise the Chesapeake.
Thank you to everyone in advance for your comments and suggestions.

>>>>>

Doolittle
Com-pac 35

 

[painkiller]

You should probably mention the type of sailing you do and the characteristics you're looking for in sails. Performance? Shape-holding? Durability and longevity?

All of the Beneteaus (except the First Series) come with Neil Pryde sails. My Neil Pryde sails seem fine to me (nice shape, good performance, etc.), but I don't race and I mostly daysail and weekend with an occasional longer trip. Some people say that the Neil Pryde sails provided to Beneteau may be of lesser quality than their "normal" sails, but who knows.

 

[Vasco]

My experience has not been the best with Neil Pryde. My Beneteau 393 came with NP sails. After one season in the Bahamas the UV strip started coming off the genny. Called NP, long discussion in which I explained that the UV strip seemed to be some kind of painted on stuff and was coming off. No joy, no offer to repair or replace. NP rep stated that these sails were "built to a price point for beneteau" and that was it. He did say that if I wanted something decent they could make them for me. In effect he said that the sails that came with a Beneteau were not "real" NP sails. I said they had a NP logo on them prominently displayed. Made a vow then and there never to order from NP.

 

[bubb2]

My Beneteau was built in France and came with Evstrom sails. We bought the boat new in 1999. The sails are still crisp and have a good shape to them. I am happy with Evstrom and when the time comes replace them i would go with Evstrom.

Elvstrom UK Homepage

 

[jason3317]

I can strongly recommend you call Scott Gibbs with Evolution/Renegade sails. They have an Annapolis office and their actual loft is in Easton, MD on the Eastern Shore.

I will also tell you that this loft is producing some really high quality products, for local crusiing boats in the Chesapeake all the way up to high-tech carbon string sails for TP52 racers.

Scott can be reached at 410-819-8886. Tell him Jason Smith referred you. I have no affiliation, just a happy customer.

 

[blt2ski]

Like ALL lofts, you have the "cheap" sails, and you have the quality sails! A few boats in my YC that that NP sails, luv them, and win a lot of races. BUT< they get the better to best quality sails NP makes etc. I would Consider them, even tho I went with Ullman sails for different reasons shapes and forms.

marty

 

[zz4gta]

There is no easy answer. If a sailmaker only makes crap sails, they won't stay in business. NP makes great sales. They cost a lot. So does Q, they cost a lot. North also makes good sales, they cost a lot. All of the big boys will cost a pretty penny, but they will also make you a 'budget' set as well. NP had an agreement w/ bene to make cheap sails for their boats. That's all there is to it.

 

[dave6330]

Our new (used) Pearson came with recently purchased NeilPryde Mainsail and Genny. No problems with either (so far). Both are a joy to work with. My first experience with roller furling and, being a split rig, the main is MUCH easier to handle than the one on our last boat.

good luck...

 

[Cmusicbear1]

When I bought Zephyr (1986 Hunter31) 5+ years ago, it had a 1-year old Neil Pryde main. I don't know what quality level this sail is, but it still shapes well and moves the boat easily. last spring, I was looking to buy both new main and jib and was told by 2 different lofts (Banks and an independent loft) that replacement of the main was unwarranted for 2-3 more years based on the current condition and age. I get out on Zephyr 2-3 times a month under sail both picnic sailing and weekending. To me, this seems to be good quality/performance at any price point. No matter which loft you decide to go with, make sure they make the effort to measure YOUR boat and not just make the sail from the manufacturer's sail plan.

 

[Dog8It]

NP Sails

Thank you to everyone for your comments and suggestions.

It certainly provides a reference point for NP sails. As most of my sailing is basically coastal cruising, I was looking for economical and durable set of sails. Having said that, I was hoping to invest in quality material given the amount of money it costs. So far, NP have come out quite reasonably on the quote (compared with Quantum and North). Also, the order would be handled through the local rep / loft with whom I have done sail-repair business before. Also, the rep will be coming to the boat to take exact measurements. I think I will give NP a try.

Once again, thank you everyone for your valuable input.

 

[Jollyboat]

Neil Pryde Sails builds nice sails

 

[scottyt]

welcome jolly boat

just so you know sailnet has strict disclosure rules. if you are here on behave of NP sails you need to add that to your signature. i would also say if the sail is a warranty issue NP should pay for the shipping to them as well as the return.

other wise we welcome your input and welcome to sailnet

 

[Jollyboat]

Scottyt - Understood - thank you

 

[Vasco]

I do not know who the member VASCO spoke to at Neil Pryde Sails but I can assure anyone reading this post that Neil Pryde Sails does not opperate in the fashion as described by this member. Neil Pryde Sails makes excellent sails regardless of the sails being built as OEM for a yacht manufactuer or as custom product. Cruising sails come with a one year warranty which covers material and workmanship. Neil Pryde Sails is willing to inspect any of their sails where the customer would like to make a warranty claim and they will determine if the claim is legit plain and simple.

They did operate that way with me. Just ask yourself, why would I make this up? I've been on this site for a few years, check my record. Now you've only got three posts. Are you sure you're not with NP?
If you're not how can you assure us that NP "does not operate in that fashion"? (typos corrected)

 

[Vasco]

ICruising sails come with a one year warranty which covers material and workmanship. Neil Pryde Sails is willing to inspect any of their sails where the customer would like to make a warranty claim and they will determine if the claim is legit plain and simple. The only thing that NP asks is that customers who would like to make a warranty claim on their sails is that they (the customer) cover the cost of shipping to the corporate design offices in Connecticut. .

Are you sure you're not with NP? You seem to be speaking on their behalf here.

 

[mintcakekeith]

I have a Niel Pryd Yankee which I bought via ther agent in Palma. it is an excelent sail with beautyfully done stitching.the uv strip did have to be replaced after about 3 years as it was an american material recomended by the agent but was a soft material which did not stand the wear and tear.I believe it was manufactured in china K

 

[Jollyboat]

This post has gone stale

 

[Vasco]

I do not know who the member VASCO spoke to at Neil Pryde Sails but I can assure anyone reading this post that Neil Pryde Sails does not opperate in the fashion as described by this member.

Jollyboat,

In this statement you are in effect calling me a liar. The fact of the matter is that Neil Pryde did operate exactly as I stated. I do not know how you, as a mere customer of Neil Pryde, can assure anyone that NP did not operate as I stated. Are you privy to every discussion between NP and their customers? If you are not with NP then you have no business assuring everyone how NP operates.

You could simply have stated your understanding of how NP operates without mentioning my post at all. You could have stated that you are a satisfied customer. Instead you chose to disparage a member's post without any knowledge of the facts. This is not a good start when new to a site.

Hopefully you will be a bit more careful in the future.

 

[tdw]

JollyBoat,

Vasco is a long time and well respected member of this community. If he relates an experience the chances are it went down pretty much as he said.

Now you will excuse the doubts raised as to your own situation. When someone signs up and their first post is a spirited defence of a vendor suspicions are raised. Implying that another poster is not telling the truth when there is no evidence to support the implication tends to be frowned on in these here parts.

Best way for you to show us that your interests go beyond a defence of the good name of NPSs would be to let us know the names of one or two of the other forums you so regularly post to.

Cheers

TD

 

[Jollyboat]

Vasco - I see your point. The original post has been edited to only state an opinion and not an implication.