[C320-list] New Sails

[T. Scott Thompson]

When I was shopping new sails at the Annapolis boat show a few years ago 
Mack Sails of Florida was displaying incredibly well built cruising 
sails I thought.  I ended up buying from a local loft, but would have 
gone with them if I had gone the mail order route.  Their sails had very 
high quality materials and finish I thought, and were obviously built 
for long life under tough conditions.  http://macksails.com/

Allan Field wrote:

>Mike - Practical Sailor recently did an article on discount sails.  Send me
>a snail-mail address and I will copy and send you back the article.
>
>National Sail Supply, Far East Sails, the Sail Warehouse, AirForce Sails,
>and Cruising Direct all scored high with Sail Exchange being the best buy.
>AirForce gave the longest warranty - 3 years.  They do not recommend
>Atlantic Sail Traders.  They also like Bacon & Associates for use sails.
>They did not evaluate FX.
>
>In late 2003, PS also did a 2-issue review of sail technology and
>sailmakers.  I also can send copies of these articles.  Nothing like being
>an informed consumer, eh?!
>
>Allan Field
>Sea Shadow - #808
>
>-----Original Message-----
>From: C320-List-bounces at catalina320.com
>[mailto:C320-List-bounces at catalina320.com] On Behalf Of drshoffner at aol.com
>Sent: Saturday, December 03, 2005 10:35 PM
>To: C320-List at catalina320.com
>Subject: [C320-list] New Sails
>
>I'm considering a new set of sails this off season and would appreciate
>input since I've never bought sails before.  I'll probably buy them online
>as there really is no "local loft" in middle Georgia.  Does anyone have
>experience with FX or Airforce sails?  FX is out of Charleston as is
>Airforce and their prices via online quote are close to 20% less for what
>appears to be a similar product.  I first remember seeing them advertised
>after the downfall of Sailnet and believe they may have been started by
>Airforce dropouts.  I haven't spoken to either by phone yet.  
> 
>Any other thoughts on purchasing sails to replace OE Catalina sails will be
>appreciated.  What about a loose footed main?  Does the Dutchman system work
>with a loose foot?  What about a StackPack or similar knockoff?  Any
>thoughts on advantages or disadvantages of radial vs crosscut sails for
>coastal cruising use?
> 
>Thanks,
>Mike Shoffner
>#171 
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