New Blade Jib

Nigelb

Nigelb

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10 Nov 2012
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Looking to purchase a Solent Jib for next season. All the UK lofts appear to be very competitive and offering 10% winter discounts. The sail specifications are also very similar with premium Dracon fabric for a 34 sq m Jib.

Shore 8.77oz US Marblehead Dracon
Jeckells 8.62 High Aspect Challenge Marblehead Dracon
Kemp 8.5oz Portland Premium (350)
Sanders Dimension Polyant 350SF Dracon

Does anyone have any strong recommendations as I am finding it difficult to differentiate, the fabric and price point appear so similar.

Thanks Nigel.
 
I have no knowledge of Shore, but the other three are all highly regarded sail makers. I recently had some new sails by Kemp, but went for a Vectran cloth for longer life. I am pleased with them and have no hesitation in recommending them.

If the sail is to be furled, then asked how they make the leech line and sacrificial strip. A good sail maker (like Kemps) will use a 6 layer assembly as this is cheaper to replace the sacrificial strip in the future, compared to the cheaper 4 layer method which requires a massive rebuild of the leech. Again if being furled do have a foam luff for better set when rolled.

The more technical questions you ask will soon see which one you like by the way they answer your questions.
 
I would consider the location of the sailmaker, all other things being equal. If there are problems, it's much easier to get them to come and sort them out or to return the sail if they are just up the road.
 
I’m hoping to buy something similar soon. Could you please give me a feel for the sort of money involved? Thanks in advance.
 
If the first quote is Shore Sails at Swanwick then Ben is a highly experienced bespoke sailmaker and will tell you what is and is not ok. Made me a Marblehead Genoa on my last boat. Marblehead has a finer weave so it's good for furlers.
 
ithet said:
If the first quote is Shore Sails at Swanwick then Ben is a highly experienced bespoke sailmaker and will tell you what is and is not ok. Made me a Marblehead Genoa on my last boat. Marblehead has a finer weave so it's good for furlers.
Click to expand...

Yes, agreed Ben has done all my repairs for the last couple of seasons, very good, but I have never purchased new from Shore.
 
Concerto said:
I have no knowledge of Shore, but the other three are all highly regarded sail makers. I recently had some new sails by Kemp, but went for a Vectran cloth for longer life. I am pleased with them and have no hesitation in recommending them.

If the sail is to be furled, then asked how they make the leech line and sacrificial strip. A good sail maker (like Kemps) will use a 6 layer assembly as this is cheaper to replace the sacrificial strip in the future, compared to the cheaper 4 layer method which requires a massive rebuild of the leech. Again if being furled do have a foam luff for better set when rolled.

The more technical questions you ask will soon see which one you like by the way they answer your questions.
Click to expand...

Quick question, on the luff the majority have quoted foam inserts to maintian shape when furled, however Jeckells & North have specified rope on the basis that foam eventually becomes compressed and looses shape, is a rope luff therefore bettter quality?
 
Nigelb said:
Quick question, on the luff the majority have quoted foam inserts to maintian shape when furled, however Jeckells & North have specified rope on the basis that foam eventually becomes compressed and looses shape, is a rope luff therefore bettter quality?
Click to expand...

Personally I prefer foam to rope, as rope can cause harder lines on the sail cloth.
 
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