Sailrite

[Poignard]

I bought the same Sailrite sewing machine July 2018, and have done very little with it so far, but having left it at the marina this year I brought it back and wondering if smaller domestic projects are possible on it. The Sailrite video's suggest as such, but I'm not so sure. For instance the various rolled hem attachments you can buy on Amazon can only be fitted to "low shank sewing machines" which this obviously isn't, but I should be able to change the foot but am struggling to find how (& what to change it to). My wife would like to use it for domestic projects but wondering whether to get her a modern household one instead.

This year I bought a used Singer 401G Slant-o-Matic machine in excellent condition with many accessories for £130. I also bought a new Singer walking foot attachment for £25.

With this combination have just completed some major alterations to a heavy canvas winter cover, fitted new zips to my sprayhood and a tonneau. I have also restitched my wife's leather purse and done some clothing repairs.

I don't need the facility but the machine also has a set of cams that enable it to do fancy stitches and darning, in addition to basic straight and zigzag stitching

£155 for something that will last for decades.

 

[Hurricane]

I think different machines for different jobs.

SWMBO and I have a very expensive Pfaf machine that we bought about 16 years ago.
It is still one of the few domestic machines that will stitch a 9mm wide zigzag - and I don't mean zig zag - you can quickly set it up to do multiple stitches within the zig zag - zig zig zig zag zag zag if you know what I mean.
It also does embroidery.
But as an embroidery machine it is carp.
But as a sewing machine it is great.
Over the years, I have used it to sew spinnakers and sails.
It also has a built in walking foot which is something to behold.
15 years ago, we owned a marquee and we used the Pfaff to make additions using heavy duty PVC.
PVC has a sticky surface - If the PVC wouldn't move through the machine, the machine started to move itself through the fabric.

But even after owning that machine for all those years, I was gobsmacked at how well the Sailrite stitches.
Nothing like the "bells and whistles" of the Pfaff but when it comes to producing a perfect stitch, you can't fault the Sailrite.
Using the domestic machine, I came to the end of my ability to make good canvas jobs.
Now that I have the Sailrite, my tallent needs to (and can) improve whereas I couldn't improve before.
But I will still use the Pfaff for the lighter jobs.


@ianc1200
Go and get a cheapish domestic machine so those domestic projects and keep the Sailrite for the "MAN's" work.
Don't sell the Sailrite.
We also have a cheap domestic machine that we keep on the boat - a Janome bought in Dunelm for under £100 - I don't think they do that exact model now though.
The one on the boat has earned its keep over the years - even adding webbing to the old cockpit covers making them last several seasons longer.
That machine will stay on the boat but where there is a big job to do, we will take the Sailrite out or do the work at home.

 

[Portofino]

Interesting thread .
We had a zip cotton perish over the winter , UV or age 5 years etc when we visited the boat in April .
It was on the rear winter cover that fits from Oct to April .
Also close inspection of the 5/6 y old bimini relived some more perishing threads .Hmm ?
I remembered Hurricane,s and JFM s previous threads on DIY sowing and realising its canvas sort of industrial material my go to help was a sailrite .
The Admiral caught me googling them .
After explaining like a naughty school boy why I was told an “ordinary “ ELNA would work .
Being a bloke , an old fashioned stone aged chap I know nought about sewing .
I did stress other guys on the forum use “ sailrite “ etc etc .
So we got some allegedly UV resistant thread and put the ELNA in the boot of the car .
Not wanting to to step on the Admirals toes I left her to it .


You know it worked .
Re fixed zips all of them after unpicking the old stuff out .
Reinforcing the existing areas under the Bimini poles with “ bias binding “ and even sowing sail repair tape here and there to reinforce .
I didn’t argue .
Anyhow big thx to the forum members for encouraging DIY sowing .........even if My Admiral prefers a ELNA .

 

[ianc1200]

Many thanks for the advice above: an excellent thread!

 

[chrishscorp]

I think different machines for different jobs.

SWMBO and I have a very expensive Pfaf machine that we bought about 16 years ago.
It is still one of the few domestic machines that will stitch a 9mm wide zigzag - and I don't mean zig zag - you can quickly set it up to do multiple stitches within the zig zag - zig zig zig zag zag zag if you know what I mean.
It also does embroidery.
But as an embroidery machine it is carp.
But as a sewing machine it is great.
Over the years, I have used it to sew spinnakers and sails.
It also has a built in walking foot which is something to behold.
15 years ago, we owned a marquee and we used the Pfaff to make additions using heavy duty PVC.
PVC has a sticky surface - If the PVC wouldn't move through the machine, the machine started to move itself through the fabric.

But even after owning that machine for all those years, I was gobsmacked at how well the Sailrite stitches.
Nothing like the "bells and whistles" of the Pfaff but when it comes to producing a perfect stitch, you can't fault the Sailrite.
Using the domestic machine, I came to the end of my ability to make good canvas jobs.
Now that I have the Sailrite, my tallent needs to (and can) improve whereas I couldn't improve before.
But I will still use the Pfaff for the lighter jobs.


@ianc1200
Go and get a cheapish domestic machine so those domestic projects and keep the Sailrite for the "MAN's" work.
Don't sell the Sailrite.
We also have a cheap domestic machine that we keep on the boat - a Janome bought in Dunelm for under £100 - I don't think they do that exact model now though.
The one on the boat has earned its keep over the years - even adding webbing to the old cockpit covers making them last several seasons longer.
That machine will stay on the boat but where there is a big job to do, we will take the Sailrite out or do the work at home.

Hurricane, just looked at the projects you have done, simply stunning.
We cant afford a Sailrite but would be interested in what model of Pfaff you have as its more sails and spinnaker we are looking at playing with, esp the zigzigzig zagzagzag Thanks.

 

[Hurricane]

Hurricane, just looked at the projects you have done, simply stunning.
We cant afford a Sailrite but would be interested in what model of Pfaff you have as its more sails and spinnaker we are looking at playing with, esp the zigzigzig zagzagzag Thanks.

I'm sorry, you won't like this answer.
Our Pfaff is a 2144 - it is also an embroidery machine - hopeless at embroidery though.
In their day, they were very expensive - several thousand quid .
You might pick up a cheaper one now.

I broke ours earlier this year - well, it wasn't me!! - one of the power supplies popped.
There is a really helpful guy in Leeds that did a repair foe me.
I chose to repair it rather than replace after researching the new domestic machines.
The 2144 does a 9mm zigzigzig zagzagzag
to get 9mm now, you still have to pay a lot.
Most these days are only 7mm but that might be good enough for you.
New 7mm wide stitch machines are upwards of £400 to £500

Sorry, I said you wouldn't like the answer.

 

[CaptPete]

Hi
I was thinking of buying a Sailright sewing machine it seems that you can only buy direct from the US
Can anyone let me know if additional import duty is charged on top of the delivery cost

 

[SaltIre]

Hi
I was thinking of buying a Sailright sewing machine it seems that you can only buy direct from the US
Can anyone let me know if additional import duty is charged on top of the delivery cost

Welcome to the forums. I bought a sail from a US supplier, and here's what it cost me:

Final breakdown of costs:
USD39.99 item cost
USD49.06 shipping - seller said it would be ~USD25
USD89.05 total

GBP70.95 on my credit card (GBP69.05 plus GBP1.90 non-sterling fee)
GBP23.87 paid to Parcelforce (no Customs Duty, no Excise Duty, GBP11.87 Import VAT and GBP12.00 Clearance Fee)
GBP94.82 total

There's a full discussion at https://forums.ybw.com/index.php?threads/importing-stuff-from-trumpland.534668/
Hope it helps.

 

[timbad]

Yes import duty is payable on top of machine purchase and Sailrite delivery charges, approx. £350 payable to UPS for the Sailrite Ultrafeed LSZ-1 premium package, as of November 2020.

 

[Deleted member 478]

Another great Sailrite thread:
SAILRITE CLONE

 

[Rappey]

I thought about a sailrite but a lot of money for what i thought appears to be a domestic as it has a motor mounted above the table rather than clutch driven so guessed it wouldnt have that much power., although constructed like early domestic so all metal long wearing parts but after reading this thread if I had to buy another machine then maybe I would certainly consider one
I rang around sewing shops as they have engineers who service machines and come across machines for sale.
I picked up an industrial pfaff, added a digital motor to replace the clutch motor and what a machine.
If you can get it under the foot it will sew it, and it was only £250 mounted on a new table including the cost of the digital motor.
Bankrupt stock is a great place to look.
I did look on ebay recently and was quite shocked at how much industrials are nowadays.
They really have gone up in price over the past 5 years.

 

[Hurricane]

I thought about a sailrite but a lot of money for what i thought appears to be a domestic as it has a motor mounted above the table rather than clutch driven so guessed it wouldnt have that much power., although constructed like early domestic so all metal long wearing parts but after reading this thread if I had to buy another machine then maybe I would certainly consider one
I rang around sewing shops as they have engineers who service machines and come across machines for sale.
I picked up an industrial pfaff, added a digital motor to replace the clutch motor and what a machine.
If you can get it under the foot it will sew it, and it was only £250 mounted on a new table including the cost of the digital motor.
Bankrupt stock is a great place to look.
I did look on ebay recently and was quite shocked at how much industrials are nowadays.
They really have gone up in price over the past 5 years.

I've been using domestic sewing machines for decades.
Believe me, the Sailrite isn't a domestic machine.
Far from it.
I've been using mine for nearly 2 years now - fantastic piece of kit.

 

[John100156]

Mike did a couple of quick demos for me when using his Sailrite earlier this year, I was most impressed and trust me, Mike is no seemstress but produced excellent results.

I do like the Sailrite machine and attachments it looks as if its built to last, certainly not domestic quality compared to what SWMBO uses, and I must say, Saillrite videos are really good - its the machine I would choose. But then there is one on a berth with an apprentice seemstress just a few boats away.......

 

[John100156]

Whoops last year 2020.....

 

[Bouba]

I now have a flea in my brain about this Sailrite. If I can do good work then it will pay for itself with my first batch of work. But if it turns out I’m cack handed, then I’m out a lot of money. Hurricane reassured me it’s easy, now I learn he’s been sewing for decades !
I wish I could find one second hand. I did some research on the cheap Chinese ones, turns out that they are the same machine, but Sailrite tunes them and replaces the delicate parts. And most of the reviews say that it’s these parts that break.

 

[John100156]

I use to set-up my mums domestic sewing machine many, many years ago and we (SWMBO) did out Bimini straps recently on our domestic machine, so I am a complete novice, but what Mike showed me briefly, was really impressive and looked relatively simple, I think with the Sailrite, videos, and a bit of practice, it should show good results, but I leave it to others whom have used the machine to provide informed advice!

 

[timbad]

I now have a flea in my brain about this Sailrite. If I can do good work then it will pay for itself with my first batch of work. But if it turns out I’m cack handed, then I’m out a lot of money. Hurricane reassured me it’s easy, now I learn he’s been sewing for decades !
I wish I could find one second hand. I did some research on the cheap Chinese ones, turns out that they are the same machine, but Sailrite tunes them and replaces the delicate parts. And most of the reviews say that it’s these parts that break.

I purchased a Sailrite last November and have never used a Sewing machine before. Every single stitch is spot on. The machine uses simple but very effective good old mechanically engineered parts which Sailrite have enhanced over and above the other similar Chinese machines.
I’ve started practicing with simple small projects which so far have gone well. Presently working on a relatively simple cover where I’m again finding the machine is working exactly how it should. Some thought has to go into what you do in which order though which is nothing to do with the machine just need to engage brain. Not the cheapest machine out there but I will have recovered the purchase price on my second project which will be sun screen covers. I will still have a machine that will most likely out last me.

 

[SailingDog]

I purchased a Sailrite last November and have never used a Sewing machine before. Every single stitch is spot on. The machine uses simple but very effective good old mechanically engineered parts which Sailrite have enhanced over and above the other similar Chinese machines.
I’ve started practicing with simple small projects which so far have gone well. Presently working on a relatively simple cover where I’m again finding the machine is working exactly how it should. Some thought has to go into what you do in which order though which is nothing to do with the machine just need to engage brain. Not the cheapest machine out there but I will have recovered the purchase price on my second project which will be sun screen covers. I will still have a machine that will most likely out last me.

Is the main difference between a domestic sewing machine and one that will handle canvas the gears and so on ? I have acquired an old electric Singer sewing machine, the serial number suggests it's 50+ years old. Any use or chuck it in the nearest skip ?

 

[Hurricane]

The subject of the Sailrite vs domestic and other more robust machines has been lost in these discussions.

For me, there are two alternatives.
1 - Buy covers etc from a sail loft/canvas supplier.
or
2 - Make them yourself.

In the second case, the saving you are making more than covers the cost of a Sailrite machine.
Even more so if you consider the second hand value that you have in as Sailrite.
The Sailrite is built like the proverbial "Brick ?hit House" and will go on forever.

I will post my Sailrite video again - just look at the thickness of canvass that this machine will handle.
It isn't just the gears - it is the whole mechanism of the purpose designed "walking foot".

Obviously, I'm not including my time but I do get a real satisfaction out of making my own stuff.
Especially during these "lock down" times ahen we need to stay at home and what better thing to do than a bit of sewing.

 

[Hurricane]

I now have a flea in my brain about this Sailrite. If I can do good work then it will pay for itself with my first batch of work. But if it turns out I’m cack handed, then I’m out a lot of money. Hurricane reassured me it’s easy, now I learn he’s been sewing for decades !

Sorry - maybe I should explain.

In my dinghy sailing days, I used to sail a Hurricane catamaran - in fact, I still have it.
In my local sailing club, a group of us got together to design and make spinnakers.
I used to profile the spinnakers on the PC and output the designs to a guy in Fareham who had a huge flatbed laser cutter.
We would then stick the parts together using double sided (venture) tape that is designed for that purpose.
And then to finish the job, I used the wife' very expensive Pfaff sewing machine.
Spinnaker fabric is dead easy to sew using a domestic machine.

In our last house, my wife and I used to own a marquee which was made from heavy PVC.
I made quite a lot of additions to the marquee but the domestic machine struggled with it.
It isn't just the machine's ability to "punch through" - the machine has to be able to move the fabric through the sewing head uniformly.

So, thats my experience plus a few other little jobs here and there - covers for a trailer and a trampoline (a huge disaster) for the Firebird catamaran that I once owned.

When we bought the Sealine T51, I bought most of the covers but made a few bits here and there - a front screen cover for example.

Then when the Princess 67 came along, she was new so it has taken a few years before things have needed replacing.
I replaced some of the small ones using the domestic machine but as you will see from the beginning of this old thread, I eventually decided to buy a Sailrite and make my own covers.
That was nearly 2 years ago.
Since then, I have had failures and successes.
Most of my failures have been in using cheap fabrics.
For example that grey fabric lasted for just over a year - not good.
So last year, I resorted to using exactly the same PVC material that came with the boat.
And I really like this white PVC. It has two sides - the finished side has a "kind of" linen feel to it.
Indeed the manufacturers call it a linen finish.

Here are some pics of tests pieces that I've made.
I often make up a few tests before doing a job.

This pic shows the linen effect of the white PCV - you can also see in this photo just how uniform the Sailrite is at stitching.



And this pic shows a "mockup" that I did to work out how the canvas door zips would work.
Again note the stitching - and in this case, the sewing machine had to sew THROUGH the zip as well.



That all said, you have want to do these things.
Just doing them to save money is part of the issue.
Wanting to make something with you own hands is probably more important.