Hong Kong Sails

[robp]

I know the subject of HK Sails has come up on the fora before but I would like to hear of forumite's experiences. I want to get a Cruising Chute and got a couple of prices for UK sails that started at £1300 +, downwards. (36' Ben). Then I found Sails Direct (Gosport, UK company) and got an online quote of 690. Hong Kong Sails are just over 700 (delivered) and with a sock but I guess I'm going to get clobbered duty and vat on that? I can probably add at least £150! So the questions are; how would HK Sails and Sails Direct compare? Also, does anyone know what the duty rate is on the Nylon used?

HK Sails have quoted for a much bigger sail at 84 sq m. Sails Direct was about 72 sq m I think. Both quotes based just on me supplying I & J dims and are 1.5 oz Nylon. Thanks for any info.
Rob

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[BrianJ]

Get a quote from Rolly Tasker ( an OZ ) from their Phuket sail loft... all reports say they are the best and most reasonably priced..
BrianJ

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[robp]

Thanks Brian, I'll give 'em a Google.
Cheers, Rob

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[Aeolus_IV]

Just got a cruising chute myself - can't say that I did extensive research, but eventually got it from Kemp Sails. They were not significantly more expensive than equivalent spec sails from elsewhere (abroad), and are in the UK, which I see as a benefit.

Just a thought, Jeff.

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[robp]

Yes I agree it's better to buy here if possible and from someone we know. However it's a bit of a luxury for me at the moment and I started by looking for a used one at about 500/600 then remembered these mail order companies, that members of the forum had thoroughly recommended in the past. I know nothing about Spinnakers or Assymetrics, so it's a bit of a learning curve. It seems strange that the quotes vary from 670 sq m to 880 sq m and from 1.5 oz to .75 oz.

Any info is welcome. Many thanks
Rob

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[jackho]

I bought a cruising chute last season and went through a similar process. I was tempted to order from HK but in the end purchased from Sails Direct who were cheaper overall . The other UK prices were scary to say the least - in line with your estimates average 1000 quid for a 35ft boat. I saved 400pounds on that and can't measure the so called quality differences - the only limitation was choice of colour red,white & blue or red,white and blue - which didn't bother me.
hope this helps tomake up your mind - either way - good sailing.

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[robp]

<<hope this helps tomake up your mind >>
Yes it does, an endorsement helps a lot.

Many thanks n good sailing
Rob

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[mark_sabin]

We splashed out on a cruising chute last season and got it from Jeckells. Main attraction to Jeckells wast the ability for us to design the colur scheme ourselves. Got a great sail that looks brilliant , Five colours with four of them being flouresants. Not the cheapest solution but we went for brightness. Really cheered up an otherwise dull Christchurch Bay on saturday!!!!

Mark

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