[C320-list] New Sails

Sun Dec 4 12:42:53 PST 2005

Mike, 

What I've always said about new sails you might want to buy--forget about anyone's opinion when it comes to what type of sails are best for you. This is one of those situations where you should only solicit opions from sailors in YOUR local area...there are so many variables tha only apply to where YOU sail that asking folks from around the country what they bought is really meaningless...

Those PS articles are excellent relative to the final cut/fit and to the business practice of those lofts but that's it.

I would hazard a guess that what I bought for So Cal (UK Tape Drive 150% genny and an 8.5 Dacron main) will be entirely different from someone in SF Bay area and someone doing lake sailing--i would further suspect that Lake Lanier and Lake Mich are probably just as different...

My 3 cents...

cuba libre 2
--------------------------
Regards,
OD

Sent from my BlackBerry Wireless Handheld

----- Original Message -----
From: C320-List-bounces
Sent: 12/04/2005 06:47 AM
To: Allan.Field at comcast.net; C320-List at catalina320.org
Subject: Re: [C320-list] New Sails

Alan,  Thanks.  I actually have both of the PS artcles you mentioned.  I'm also looking for some personal references if available.  You Know what they say about opinions.  Just like noses (or other midline anatomic characteristcs),  everybody has one.

Mike 

-----Original Message-----
From: Allan Field <Allan.Field at comcast.net>
To: 'C320-List' <C320-List at catalina320.org>
Sent: Sun, 4 Dec 2005 08:23:53 -0500
Subject: RE: [C320-list] New Sails

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.org
[mailto:C320-List-bounces at catalina320.org] On Behalf Of drshoffner at aol.com
Sent: Saturday, December 03, 2005 10:35 PM
To: C320-List at catalina320.org
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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