new sails

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scruff

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i am thinking about getting new sails for my trailer sailer.

I have sent off a few quotes and so far had responses from Quantum and Crusader.

Does anyone have any experience of either?

Boat will be mainly used for local club racing and the like.

Also any other suggestions of other sail makers with which you have had good experience?

I have also sent a quote to Hyde last weekend but not heard anything from them so unlikely they will be getting my beer tokens.

Thanks

Scruff
 
[ QUOTE ]
I have also sent a quote to Hyde last weekend but not heard anything from them so unlikely they will be getting my beer tokens.

Thanks

Scruff

[/ QUOTE ]

I heard on the grapevine that there is some sort of show on in the capital this week.... at a guess all the staff will be there so a quote will be given after the show.... normally happens this time of year so don't right them off just yet
 
i have used crusader twice very happy with both sails although i do not race so not sure performance wise but seem to do well all the same. found them good on price too.
 
Quantum maintain my current sails and they do a fine job, however a new sail (just purchased) came from Crusader at less than half the quote of Quantum and others. The quality seems excellent although I've yet to use it in anger.
 
My previous trailer sailer came with crusaders that were quite old, I used them lots for five years and they were still in really good shape.
 
I have got quotes on a full suit of sails for the Oceanis 390 this past week. Some via mail ( from people displaying at LIBS ) some not at libs and some in person at LIBS.

Crusader came in near the bottom on a like for like comparison with cut and cloth, sizes and fully battened hardware. The spread was nearly £3000 from the lowest to the highest. the mean price was around £4500 (fully battened 2 reef main, 135% genoa and cruising chute with snuffer )

I have heard lots of good things about their sails.
 
i had a new Genoa last Feb supplied from Crusader Bi Radial +sacrificial strip+ bag @ £1400
a cross cut from Crusader + strip + bag £1100
a Cross cut from Gowen +bag no strip £1800
all were quoting same material etc.

now the previous tri-radial came from Gowen a superb sail apart from it was laminated was very dirty ( mildew in the laminate ) & showing signs laminating breaking down.

the new sail is ok for the money but defiantly not as nice as a Gowen Made Sail

Yer pays Yer Money ect, but for the sort of sailing we do i really couldnt justify the extra.
But every time i look at the sail /forums/images/graemlins/frown.gif
 
Looking for quotes for a new roller reef no 3, I was warned against laminates by the sailmaker for exactly that reason - mould getting between the layers
 
based in Scotland, you should contact chris owen, owen sails oban (he made the spinnakers for the gold medal yngling girls at the olympics) or john highcock at saturn sails. you'll get good service from either and being reasonably close it will be easier to get one of them on your boat to correctly measure and help set up the sails once they are made.
I've sailed with John in the past and been impressed with his sails and I had Chris make my main and genoa this year. delighted with the results. Very good service at all stages, i.e. cloth selection, design, extras/details that I wanted. sails were accurately made, great shape and great after sales service.
no vested interest, just a satisfied customer
 
I bought a main and genoa from Sanders sails for a Rival 32 last summer. The cost £2160 for the main with 3 reefs and standard battens and a furling genoa with a sacrificial strip.

I thought i would enjoy shopping around for sails but i hated it. You cant compare the quotes because no one uses the same cloth or weight.

Some companies recommend foam luff some don't some recommend full battens some say your better off with 3/4 battens then others will say they leave a crease in the sail by the mast.
Some recommend the laminated stuff and other say it will go moldy.

Trying to sort what will be the best for your boat is a nightmare

I bought standard battens
Because most companies said fully battened sails for a rival are a waste. Because of the rig you cant get any more roach on the sail which is the main advantage. So i would be paying a lot extra for ease of dropping it into a stack pack system.

Foam luff is a waste of time.
Most companies said don't bother with foam luff. If the sail is cut properly it wont need a foam luff to start with and by the time the sail has stretched the foam luff will have been squashed and need replacing. So have it fitted when it's needed not form new.

I asked about tri-radial and most companies said with the modern materials you have less stretch so tri-radial is unnecessary

Sail material is a nightmare no two companies will recommend the same stuff. every company said there material is the best. I paid for the hood dacron. I was told there is two types and one is better than the other so thats what i went for.
It was said that if i ever need to have it repaired anyone can repair a dacron sail.

I have no idea of what they are like though they are still sitting on the spare bed?

Rob
 
Bought a new set (main and jib) last year. Looked at a variety of lofts - local, UK and abroad - quite a variety of prices. As others say difficult to compare with varying cloth specs etc. although all asked to quote for the same spec. Most enthusiastic were Quantum, Tasker and Crusader.
Eventually went for Quantum - our local loft - and very satisfied with service, quality and price. A big advantage was they were able to go and measure the boat so we had a first. time excellent fit and comparable on price.
Went for Dacron, cross cut main (loose footed, full top batten, 3 reefs) and tri-radial dacron furling genoa. We mainly cruise with the odd club race. Had Pentex laminates on the previous boat and didn't repeat this cloth as slightly dubious on durability vs. cost. The(French) Mylar laminate those sails replaced were definately on the way out at 7 yrs old.
 
I wouldn't write off Hyde, they are excellent in quality and service, but as has been pointed out, they may be busy at the show. However I would be inclined to look at local sailmakers, easier to have problems sorted if there are any.
 
Crusader made the sails (main & rolling genny) for my Seamaster 23 several years ago & I still sail occaisionally with her present owner-they are still good.Crusader made all 3 sails for Equinoxe which you can see alongside.Good service,value for money.
Jim
 
You're right. There's a whole world of confusion awaiting when you talk to sailmakers and not a whole lot of opportunity to evaluate one set of technology/materials/options against another.

I'm really surprised that YBW (and other mags) don't write articles that could help demystify this subject - after all it's the engine department for sailing boats.
 
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