Budget sails - experiences?

[Neil_M]

Our Dufour goes to windward like a (French) train but lacks sparkle with the wind behind the beam, so I'm looking to invest in a cruising chute to liven up downwind passages. Unlikely to race it so relative performance isn't that critical, just an extra knot or two in light/moderate breezes.

Having obtained quotes from a range of sailmakers I'm struck by the huge discrepancy in pricing for a near identical radial head 1.5oz nylon sail - from over £1000 to £470 inc VAT.

Does anyone have experience of he 'off the peg' sails from Sails Direct or Tele-sails, or the imported ones from C&J? Would welcome any feedback.


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[david_e]

1.5oz seems heavy for a chute, 0.75oz for moderate to light winds would be much better. If your chute is heavy you might as well stick with your genny.

The prices are not discrepancies merely differences, a good chute will have many glued seams for lightness, this involves much more work. A tough lightweight cloth will be quite a bit dearer, worth thinking about as being light in weight you don't want it shredding. Contender sail cloth is favoured by many, has worked well for us.

Sails are simple - you get what you pay for. (buy cheap buy twice - old yorkshire/french saying!)

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[Guest]

Have you thought about second hand recon sails from such as Seateach in Emsworth ....... they ship all over the world and prices seem ok ....... I have had a couple of gennys from them and both were good and have lasted very well. (One was 60 quid .... and a cheapie replacement when I was short on readies ........ only had a small brown stain about 3 inch square !...... but worked fine).

Also you have said that you are not going to race ...... so not necessary to bang out on fancy gear .....


<hr width=100% size=1>Nigel ...
Bilge Keelers get up further ! I only came - cos they said there was FREE Guinness !

 

[Gunfleet]

Seateach do good new cruising chutes too. I've had one for a few years. If you think about it a cruising chute doesn't need anything like the tailoring you'd expect for a mainsail or roller genoa. They really have to fit the boat. The cruising chute just has to fit that size boat.

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[Guest]

[url]http://www.seateach.com/[/url]

try them ....... I have no connection other than a satisfied customer.

<hr width=100% size=1>Nigel ...
Bilge Keelers get up further ! I only came - cos they said there was FREE Guinness !

 

[Neil_M]

Re: [url]http://www.seateach.com/[/url]

Thanks for all the advice - in the end have gone for a new sail from Kemp in Bainbridge Airx 900 (same as Global Challenge yachts used) - cheaper than the secondhand and import options I saw and custom made - highly recommended.

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