need new sails

[anaisdog]

finally going to race my 1986 c34, hull #99 and i have the original dacron main sail.  the jib was replaced by a new dacron one, probably 8 years ago, before I had the boat.  we have,  relatively locally to detroit:  Doyle, UK, Ulmann, Boston, quantum, and a local small loft.  Does anyone have strong feelings one way or another about brands?

thanks

becki kain

[Stu Jackson]

Most conclusions I have read about this issue. in this and other sailing forums, is that the amount of disappointment in new sails is directly proportional to the distance between the boat owner and the sail maker.

I had posted this thought a number of times when the topic comes up.  I found it by doing a search on "new+sails" --- there are quite a number of results.

In addition, the conclusions of buying "big box" sails in many cases has to do with the quality of the local representative.

When I was back in SF two good friends both bought from the same "big box" company.  Pretty much the same sails.  One guy was ecstatic, the other guy very, very unhappy.

No matter who you buy from, there are many considerations you must specify to assure success.  The devil's in the details.  For example:  From my experience, flatter is better for pointing, but, if you're planning on doing any amount of light air sailing, you get into a foot shelf and all the other bells and whistles.  Since we don't know what kind of sail controls you have or plan to install, (cunningham, flattening reef, adjustable outhaul, etc.) it would be premature to get into that level of detail.

Good luck.

[rob herron]

I just bought new sails for my  2000 MK II (#1491) replacing the originals.

I went with Hyde sails. The service I received was head and shoulders above everyone else and I'm very happy with the final product. Price was very competitive too and I shopped around.

I'm in Western Australia and sail in Geographe Bay where its generally between 8-15kts when I'm out there.  Panacea has gained a full knot of boat speed in 10kts of breeze!

They're dacron and quite flat sails (135% genoa). I'm not racing anyone (unless there's someone close...)

[anaisdog]

ended up getting ullman sails.

[scgunner]

     When I'm making a big purchase like sails one of my key considerations is how well the factory supports their product. Good factory support can turn a good sail into a great sail and lack of same can make a great sail almost non-functional.

[Ron Hill]

Becki : I had great sails made by Ulmann. 

A thought

[anaisdog]

thanks!  i hope so!  i'm meeting my local sail maker this week to measure my luff(in 32 degree weather!)

[Scott Hibbs]

Stu's advice is spot on - distance to loft is key.  Replaced original sails with Quantum this season.  Quantum has a local facility.  Surprised by the number of decisions that are needed...but the research and discussions with the loft were an enjoyable part of the journey.  Sail making is not an exact science - count on adjustments being needed.  The local rep even sailed with us to resolve an issue with a "flutter" that developed along the luff in certain conditions.

New sails made a significant difference.  Wish I had replaced the "engine" sooner!

[britinusa]

We're not racers, and our sails were showing their age when we bought the boat.

Did the rounds and went local pretty much for the reasons Stu mentioned.

I did ask them to modify the shape of the main sail. I'm 6' and have bumps on my skull to prove it. So I asked the sailmaker to raise the clew so that it would be 6'2" from the cockpit deck.

We also went with the loose footed option and 3 reefs.

Despite being a local company, they don't make the sails in house! So much for that concept.

But it was a whole lot easier for them to take the new sail back to the loft and correct the sail numbers so that they matched each side 

They charged a couple of hundred dollars to install the sails, which included adding fittings to manage the sail pack.

The Doyle (super sail makers) Cradle Cover is nice, but if I had to buy anew, I would go with Mac Sails Stack Pack.

Paul

[DaveBMusik]

A good relationship with a local sailmaker is huge. Talk to the local racers and see who they use and then see if they are in the ballpark as far as price.

[CG]

If you live in the Detroit area, I have had good success with Kent Sail Co. St Clair Shores, MI
Good service, and pricing.

Good Luck

[Ted Pounds]

A good relationship with a local sailmaker is huge. Talk to the local racers and see who they use and then see if they are in the ballpark as far as price.

What Dave said.