Dolphin Sails

I've used them without problem (for a new genoa).

I did feel that communication could have been improved - choice of material and why, cut, etc - but the end product is good.
 
Still waiting for them to call be back, from 4 months ago.

I'd also suggest getting more than one quote. Sail and Cover at Wolverstone are reported to be competitive and do a good job.
 
Try Mark at Advantage Sails Brightlingsea. But not until he finishes my big job!

I had a lot of probs with my sail order with Dolphin, but maybe that was one off.
 
I've had a few sails from them, about 6 in 20 years.
Always been pleased with their service. Had a couple of minor problems but quickly sorted.
They are sailmakers rather than salesmen so communications are not always fast.
 
They did the tent for our new build motor boat 24 months ago. Most of the communications were through the boat builder but the end result was stunning in design and quality.

A couple of small niggles were sorted out quickly.

So, a positive experience. I think there are two offices, Norfolk and Southampton. Our work was mainly out of Norfolk, but Southampton sorted out one of the small problems.
 
Dolphin/Gowens main bases are Harwich/West Mersea. I had a main/genny from Gowens that I am very happy with both for cost and quality (genny 2009, main 2010). A friend had the first Weathermax cockpit tent they made and is reasonably happy, although the zips aren't lasting well. For price try Cover Evolution also based in Harwich. He did Gladys wheelhouse cover last year for 2/3 of the Gowens quote, although there are one or two minor fit issues, but not worth the £300 extra to sort
 
I'm delighted with my new spray hood from Dolphin, made in WeatherMax. Paul spent ages with me adjusting the hoops so I can now see over the top easily when steering from the cockpit coaming, yet negotiate the companionway with ease.

Small extras, like leather where your hand falls when walking up the sidedeck and where the preventer rubs was no problem.

They also made me a very nice mainsail in Hydranet last year.

You pays your money ...
 
I have had a load of canvas work and a sail from Dolphin.

The results are spectacular.

They supply canvas work to Oyster so that says it all.

Nothing is too much trouble!

Tony.
 
My boat purchased in UK came with a new Dolphin sprayhood 11 seasons ago which is still in very good condition. Perfectly tensioned on the frame so very little fabric movement/fatigue compared to others on nearby boats. Only minor UV related stitching repair last year. I have no connection to Dolphin.
 
Likewise, they did an outstandingly good job for me - spray hood, cockpit cover, stack pack, dodgers. They re-attended until it was perfect and would not take any money from me until I was happy with it. Very good service. Paul was my contact, cannot rate him highly enough.
 
I didnt like the place at Woolverstone. I put my storm jib in and the woman tells me she could do this and that. Charged me 80 quid and she put 3 new eyelets in. She lied to me and ripped me off i felt.
 
I had a similar experience - being berthed nearby at the time I asked Sail & Cover to attend to where the spinnaker pole mast fitting was wearing away at my mainsail cover. I don't think their fix lasted the rest of the reason.

Anyway, the OP is quite some distance from the River Orwell so is unlikely to be contemplating using them :)
 
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Hello all,
Thank you very much to our customers for the kind words, we are delighted to have, what we feel, the best customers and we feel privileged working with you all !
We enjoy feedback, its a great way to evolve the business - I note the comment on Zip failure, Indeed, we now only use YKK zips and not PK. A tip for anyone looking to buy any canvas work from anyone - Please ask your fabricator what type of zips/thread and Webbing they intend on using. Webbings must be Polyester - Zips Must be YKK - Thread must be Sunstop or Invincible. Thread up grade to 'Tenara' should always be offered, this has a whopping 15 year warranty against UV failure.
Our Cover division has recently spread wings to now have an office in Hamble and a Loft in Palma, so that we can service our customers better.
We are also at Southampton Boat Show, so do pop by and see us !

If anyone is curious as to our fabricating methods, anyone is welcome to visit our Harwich Cover Loft or West Mersea Sail loft and have a guided tour .
Kind regards Paul Gray - Dolphin Covers.
 
Steve of Coverevolution is ex Dolphin sails but set up on his own. He's done a couple of jobs for me including a stackpack and found quality and price to be excellent. He's an Arwich lad
 
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