Sensibly priced sail repair?

[BlueChip]

I had an unpleasant experience with our spinnaker off Portland Bill last Bank Holiday weekend, it's now in a sorry state and needs rather a lot of sewing and patching.

I had a couple of eye watering quotes from Solent sailmakers for the repair and in the current climate rather more than I want to spend.

As I'm not in a rush for the sail and probably wouldnt use it before next season I have got some time to look around for a repair at lower cost.

Can anyone recomend a sailmaker in the South or West with reasonable rates?

 

[Twister_Ken]

I've used Saunders, Lymington in the past and not been too shocked.

 

[boatingbuddy]

Try Suffolk Sails. I couriered my kite to them when i was on a voyage. They repaired it and couriered it back at a very reasonable price.

 

[Malish]

trouble is you are just heading into their busy valeting period. If you can wait until late spring I bet some discounting can be had

 

[spscam]

trouble is you are just heading into their busy valeting period. If you can wait until late spring I bet some discounting can be had

Do not wait till spring to speak to a sailmaker it is there busiest period! why do you think you get better discounts at southampton and london boatshows. They are in the autumn/ winter.

 

[Malish]

Late spring (or if the op can wait, early summer)

 

[Tranona]

Kemp's rates are 80p a minute plus materials with a minimum charge of £20. Sail repairs is generally a very competitive business and if you have received more than one quote at a similar price it suggests that is the price for the work - and reflects the amount of work rather than high labour rates.

 

[V1701]

Crusader Sails in Poole are very competitive for new sails, might be worth a try...

 

[Pete7]

Twice we have used Lucas Sails recently, once for a repair when a Genoa blew out and once to change a hank on to roller reefing. They will be making us a new Genoa shortly as its getting to the end of its life.

They are just around the corner from your boat too.

http://www.lucas-sails.com/sails-index.htm

Pete

 

[LadyInBed]

As I'm not in a rush for the sail and probably wouldnt use it before next season I have got some time to look around for a repair at lower cost.

Can anyone recomend a sailmaker in the South or West with reasonable rates?

Barford Sails - 11 Nothe Parade, Weymouth 01305 768282

He isn't VAT registered so 17.5(20)% cheaper before you start.
He does an excellent job.
But my god, is he slow to deliver!

 

[Searush]

If it's just in one panel, unstitch it & use as a template for a replacement. Not that hard to do. Multiple patches will always look a mess, even if done professionally.

 

[spscam]

If it's just in one panel, unstitch it & use as a template for a replacement. Not that hard to do. Multiple patches will always look a mess, even if done professionally.

maybe you could just use a bed sheet instead - they are cheap and availanle from most department stores.
If you go sailing to sail, take it to a professional - they will get you there quicker.

 

[Searush]

maybe you could just use a bed sheet instead - they are cheap and availanle from most department stores.
If you go sailing to sail, take it to a professional - they will get you there quicker.

I'm sorry, I didn't realise that people can't use their eyes & hands to follow a template any more. Of course, if the sail needs modifying, it needs a skilled hand & eye (plus probably a computer these days), but replacing a panel requires no more than average cutting & sewing skills.

Your spinnaker must be damn heavy if it is made of linen like bedding sheets.

 

[spscam]

I'm sorry, I didn't realise that people can't use their eyes & hands to follow a template any more. Of course, if the sail needs modifying, it needs a skilled hand & eye (plus probably a computer these days), but replacing a panel requires no more than average cutting & sewing skills.

Your spinnaker must be damn heavy if it is made of linen like bedding sheets.

Never mind matching the fabric or the warp and fill (or more likley for you cotton thread and weft and warp). Ripstop degrades very quickly and getting a smooth repair is technical. Not sure i want average cutting skills on my sails!

 

[Northseaventure]

Never mind matching the fabric or the warp and fill (or more likley for you cotton thread and weft and warp). Ripstop degrades very quickly and getting a smooth repair is technical. Not sure i want average cutting skills on my sails!

Well said. I wouldn't touch a permanent repair. There seem to be far to many variables and i would presume sailmakers are trained for a reason. And as youd have to go to a saililmaker to get the cloth you may as well leave the sail there. Leaving yourself free to do any other less specialist jobs on the boat.

 

[GH29]

Try Ben Selman at Falmouth - enthusiastic and extremeley competant young man who has been trained by his father and then started up his own business about three years ago. Good prices, reliable and cheeful. He's repaired all my sails, spray hood, cockpit cover, dodgers and made a complete winter cover. Absolutely excellent. Give him my regards if you use him (George).

Ben Tel: 07770 517087