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Conference unifix::sailing

Title:SAILING
Notice:Please read Note 2.* before participating in this conference
Moderator:UNIFIX::BERENS
Created:Wed Jul 01 1992
Last Modified:Mon Jun 02 1997
Last Successful Update:Fri Jun 06 1997
Number of topics:2299
Total number of notes:20724

201.0. "Recommended Sailmakers?" by ASGMKA::HARDY () Mon Nov 11 1985 15:57

I'm starting this note for the selfserving purpose of finding a good sailmaker
in the NH seacoast area (i.e. Portsmouth NH or Kittery ME) but also as
a reference note of recommended Sailmakers (if there is a need). 

In the past, I've used the "North" sail loft in Marblehead for repairs with 
very good results (inexpensive, fast, and good quality). The "North" loft 
was recommended to me, and I would recommend them to others. It's not that
easy for me to drive to Marblehead since I am now in the NH seacoast area.
Therefore, I'm in the market for a new sailmaker. To my surprise, the Yellow 
Pages contained several NH Sailmakers (however, none are the "big" names; 
e.g. Hood, Curtis, Horizon, etc). So, I would like recommendation for both 
a repair and new construction.

I assume other's would be interested in this type of information. So....RSVP

Thanks,
Gary H...

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201.1BIMINI::CERTSMon Nov 11 1985 20:383
Check into Anson Sailmakers in Portsmith, N.H.  They seem reasonable for
repairs, cleaning, etc. 

201.2ALGOL::HARRISTue Nov 12 1985 12:354
fyi - I'm having some problems dealing with Anderson Vining...



201.3PUNDIT::MCWILLIAMSTue Nov 12 1985 13:0925
I am also going to reccomend Anson sailmakers. I found the owner quite 
pleasant to deal with. Technically I can't evaluate how good their work is 
since all I had to do was a repair on two batten pockets on my mainsail
for a Northern 25 (...read that a C&C 25 built by Northern Yachts), 
although when I was up in the loft, they were putting together some sort of 
mylar jib

I had left instructions to repair the batten pockets and to clean the sail.
When I got there, they had repaired the batten pockets and hadn't cleaned 
the sail since "it didn't need it". (This was actually true). The total
charge was something like $11.00. The charge to clean the sail would have
been another $15.00. I was impressed by somebody who doesn't do unnecessary 
work.

During the year I was moored in Kittery and I got a flyer attached to my
lifeline advertising that they would store the sails for the winter and 
clean them for a fairly reasonable price.

As soon as my boat is hauled (this week) I was going to look into the cost
for the cleaning and storage (...and this time they actually need the 
cleaning). As soon as I know what the rates are, I'll try to post them 
here.

/jim

201.4MORGAN::SIEGMANNWed Nov 13 1985 15:036
I've had good luck with SAILS USA in Portland, ME. They made me a nice
main to my drawings and likewise a genny. I believe they use 'apprentice
labor' from the other sailmakers around the area. They will do custom
work (reinforcing clews and the like) and are 1/2 to 1/3 price of Hood.
Ed

201.5PULSAR::BERENSWed Nov 13 1985 17:5622
re .4:

On the other hand, there have been numerous complaints about SAILS USA 
in Practical Sailor.

I think that in sails there is a fairly good relationship between what
you pay and what you get. We bought 10 sails from a local Marblehead
sailmaker (sadly no longer in business) that were less expensive than
Hood (though only a little) but much better quality. I would recommend
seeing a sailmaker's work before buying. It would appear from the ads
that sailmakers specialize: some do racing sails and some cruising and
some everything. If you want the latest hi tech, you'll have to go to
Hood or North or Doyle or etc. If you want a well made Dacron sail you
might do better at a local sailmaker. 

It also pays to take care of your sails. Our working sails now have six 
summers of hard use and still have a few years of use left. But then we 
have had them washed and repaired every winter -- $150 a year or so.

Alan


201.6ASGMKA::HARDYMon Nov 18 1985 16:1511
RE .1, .3

I went to Anson's this weekend to have my 110% genny repaired. After talking
to the owner (Jeff) for about a half hour, I ordered rooler-furling gear,
a 150% genny, and converted the 110% (Oh yes. This is for a Catalina 27).
I was obviously won over. The price was very good (including installation),
I saw some of his work, and it seemed like he did a fairly good volume of
business. I'll comments on the end result... next spring.

Gary H...

201.7A good job!MENTOR::HARDYWed May 14 1986 18:0418
    BOY! Did I start this note a long time ago! Well this is my last
    entry. Anson (i.e. Jeff Anderson) installed the sail and gear last
    weekend. We sailed on Sunday (out of Portsmouth, NH). 
    
    As some of you know, it was blowin' like hell on Sunday morning.
    So, the furling gear got a little workout. As a matter of fact,
    we furled in to about 50% for a while with no problems. 
                                                          
    And last, my comment. I like Jeff! He did a good job and was done
    when he said he would be. ($$$) Right? I guess rather expensive,
    but, no more than Hoodtc.
    
    Happy season!
    
    Gary H...