what sails?

[leapfrog]

Has anyone had any dealings with the hong kong sails company or any other far east sail maker?

Now that most of the uk sail makers have all or part of the process made elsewhere, i was wondering what the products were like coming direct from the far east. Obviously they are cheaper, but is the product inferior or just cheaper because of their low labour costs. And is there any form of after sale service?

Leapfrog

 

[simonfraser]

i just ordered a tri radial genoa from dolphin - harwich , only a bit more money than hong kong who quoted as well

i have used dolphin before & received a good sail and service

no connection with them other than a satisfied customer

 

[sailorman]

second Dolphin / Gowen /forums/images/graemlins/grin.gif
satisfied customer
suggest you dont use a well known Norfolk (Alledged) sailmaker after a friend has had very bad service , badly made, ill fitting sails, with equally bad after sales from the m.d. /forums/images/graemlins/mad.gif
lucklily he still owes them lodsa dosh /forums/images/graemlins/grin.gif

 

[SvenglishTommy]

I'd also be very interested to hear any good/bad dealings with the Hong Kong sails company. My sailmaker quoted over 3 grand for a new set for my 28'er which seems rather a lot.

 

[ShipsWoofy]

[ QUOTE ]
Now that most of the uk sail makers have all or part of the process made elsewhere,

[/ QUOTE ]

says who?

Mine were built in Southampton, by a family firm. I would not feel comfortable propping up more of the Chinese economy for 30 pieces of silver. I have as well as fantastic sails, full back up when needed. I telephone and they know me and the boat. When I wanted modifications made such as an UV strip and a deep reef in the main there was no problem as they built them they could easily modify them for me. They gave god advice to my incessant questions and I will always recommend them.

Kemps.

 

[sailorman]

wot is a "set of sails" how many in the suit of sails then for the £3k

 

[Signed Out]

Dolphin gave me one of my highest quotes at LIBS, possibly the highest. The Norfolk guys nearly got my business, but my pennies ran out instead...

Definately would've looked elsewhere before Dolphin, despite being the most local and them offering to measure up etc.

Not sure about HK, but I believe there are some decent sailmakers in Asia- Rolly Tasker and Neil Pryde I think are thought of well.

 

[sailorman]

the last sail "Go" ( Gowen Ocean, now part of Dolphin ) made 4 me was a cruising chute, was cheaper than Crusader /forums/images/graemlins/cool.gif

 

[SvenglishTommy]

Just the main and genoa, which is all I really use. I have a storm gib and cruising chute but they're both fine and rarely get used.

They recommended sandwich tri-radial sails. I was going to post for advice on getting new ones as this is something I know little (read nothing) about, but the budget wont stretch to sails this season.

 

[sailorman]

i have a 5/6 season old tri radial laminated genny from GO sails, it still sets well but i didnt realise that laminated cloth gets very mildewed due to the make-up of the material. this is a real dissapointment

 

[sighmoon]

I just had a mainsail made by them (hong kong sail makers). I went with them because they were literaly half the price of any other quote (£320 for a 27' boat). As I don't intend to race around the world with it, I figure I can take the chance.

I very nearly went with a well known, long established, UK loft, but they didn't seem all that interested, and if I'm going to pay twice the price, I expect some grovelling, or at least measuring. Or maybe just a returned phone call.

Delivery was about three weeks late, but I gather this isn't normal - I think it was due to floods or something. (sudden demand?)

As for the sail itself, sods law has had me stuck at home since it arrived, so I don't know how it sets, but we're planning to give it a whirl next weekend. I'll let you know.

 

[Dyak]

I'd second that about a certain Norfolk Sailmaker (see my previous posts). Despite a very apologetic call from the MD it's still the customer that has to do all the chasing!!!
Should have gone to Kemps! By all accounts top dogs and very competative prices with service that backs it up.

 

[mikejames]

I have assorted laminated / pentex sails from the 1998-9 season and apart from some minor mildew caused by poor storage (bagging up wet sails), they are still in pretty reasonable shape. I thought they were expensive at the time but they have lasted much better than simple dacron woven sails..

 

[leapfrog]

thanks for your reply, i'm keen to know what you think so please keep me posted.

Thanks to everyone who replied, as to guy who asked " says who" a well known sailmaker on the east coast told me so

 

[poter]

Also try http://www.westawaysails.co.uk/

great service.......and very fair prices. /forums/images/graemlins/cool.gif

poter