Sailmakers

[Joe_Cole]

If this has been asked before then forgive me, but I would be interested hear about peoples experiences with different sailmakers.

I saw a number at SBS and was most impressed by Kemps and Crusader. I know that Crusader has come in for some criticism in the passed but they did at least seem to be trying. Some of the other salesmen were so laid back!

Before I make my final choice I'ld be interested to hear your views.

I'm after a new Genoa and Mainsail so I want to get it right!

Regards

Joe Cole

 

[doris]

I have always found Qauntum Parker & Kay in Hamble Point hugely helpful. Not cheap but in my experience you get what you pay for.

 

[Escapeii]

I have used Kemps for several years for new sails and repairs to old ones. Whilst their prices at not always the cheapest, I suspect in terms of value for money they are close to the top of the list. Their service is always first class, and there is always someone knowledgable available to answer any queries.

Living some distance away from a sailmaker their 'collect & return' service has been especially useful.

I have also used their rigging service too, and found it equally good.

 

[SloopJohnB]

Joe

For me Kemps are first class.

John

 

[andy_wilson]

Kemps get a vote from me, as do Sanders in Lymington.

 

[Robin]

I have used Crusader for many years, they are local to me, and found them very good and very helpful. They have made sails for my last 3 boats, all excellent. One thing to avoid whichever sailmaker you choose is to assume all sails are the same, do make like for like comparisons on cloth, cut etc - otherwise they will tend to offer you their cheapest option, which may or may not be what you want/need. You need to discuss your specific requirements with them and use the benefit of their extensive experience to make the choice that suits you best.

We just had a new genoa made by Crusader for our Sun Legende 41, after some probing decided on a triradial in a Hydra-Net cloth with Spectra/Dyneema woven in reinforcement (it's a big highly loaded sail). The extra cost for the better material added about 16% to the overall cost but will result in a sail that will keep it's shape for much longer, we also paid a small premium for a better sun strip that will long outlast the standard one usually offered by sailmakers. Even with the extras, Crusader were still very competitive and the sail sets very nicely.

With all sailmakers, I have found delivery dates can be optimistic, so if you want it for April ask for it by March!

 

[Johnjo]

Bought a new Mainsail from Sobstad last year with a loose foot,Bit dubious
at first. But excellent sail,Competivly priced and very well made.
I would like to add ,That I do not have shares or any other interesr
in this company, Which is a shame, I could do with the money.
mike

 

[dickh]

Southern Sails in Poole I believe, I have used a couple of times and found them to be competitive and helpful. Also used Sanders & Kay at Suffolk Yacht Harbour for repairs etc and again found them to be helpful & knowledgeable.

dickh
I'd rather be sailing...

 

[rogerroger]

Had my sails made by Arun in Bosham. Lovely people to deal with, great sails at a good price.



/forums/images/icons/cool.gif Roger Holden /forums/images/icons/cool.gif
<A target="_blank" HREF=http://www.first-magnitude.co.uk>First Magnitude</A>

 

[Joe_Cole]

Thanks everyone.

On balance it looks like Kemps. I'm already looking forward to trying the new sails next season!

Regards

Joe