New mainsail and selling an Oday....

[Ben Coombs]

I have not been on this site in quite some time....

Last year we were kicked out of our studio space and realized it was time to move our business (glassblowing) and our house to one location. We succeeded and have a great new spread right off Route 1 outside of Bath, ME. But the process choked our sailing summer and we got out for two nights all summer. This year will be different! Lots of time on our CD25 is on the docket.

My Father-in-law after last season has decided to sell his Oday Rhodes Mariner. It is a 1968 model and was in decent shape when he acquired her. Since then he has had many upgrades and cosmetic fixes professionally done. He has generously tasked me with the sale process, and allowed us to keep the proceeds for upgrades to our boat. An overt attempt to guilt us into taking him sailing as often as we can.

So, the proceeds will go towards a new mainsail, and hopefully a mooring. Any suggestions for the best mainsail deal? It seems as though our budget will involve a chinese made sail from Sail Warehouse of FX sails. I'll call some local sailmakers.... but expect their prices will be higher than we can swing.

Also... send me a message if you know anyone seeking a Mariner. For the record, when he was looking for a boat, I tried as hard as I could to talk him into a Typhoon

Thanks, and happy spring!
Ben

[David Morton]

I've always been happy with Jan Petersen at Bayview Rigging and Sails in Yarmouth. He has made 4 sails for me in the past few years and I've been happy with all. Not the cheapest, though. Probably about average for the area. Unfortunately, this is the most expensive time of year to ask a sailmaker to work, which is why I try to time my need to the off season months. If you can wait, it might be worth it.

David

[tjr818]

Buy local, if you can. That Chinese "sailmaker" is not going to measure your boat nor will he, easily make any necessary adjustments.

[Sea Hunt Video]

Buy local, if you can. That Chinese "sailmaker" is not going to measure your boat nor will he, easily make any necessary adjustments.

Ben:

I share Tim's views 110%. While it is possible that there is some Chinese "sailmaker" somewhere in China who is honest, trustworthy, reputable, etc., buying anything made in or from China is a crap shoot. What little you may save on the front end will be lost if there is any issue with sizing, threads, etc.

A local sailmaker will be there to see the issue and fix it on the spot - should an issue arise. You are also supporting the United States. BUY AMERICAN

[Ben Coombs]

Thanks for the input.

As a maker and seller of goods I agree wholeheartedly with buying local, American, etc. However, as a maker and seller of goods I am not always able to buy local. If more people bought my wares I'd be able to, and gladly would buy from the closest/best sailmaker to my house. But at the end of the day I really need a new mainsail. Selling the Rhodes for my Father in law provides the opportunity so I must act now and within the budget we have (or are comfortable with). I have requested some quotes locally and will weigh both options. I'd opt for a used one that had good life left in it if I could track one down. Ours seems to be original and is sad and/or worrisome depending on the wind.

I'd love to hear from someone who has ordered from peak sails, or sail warehouse, or other bulk sailmaker. I have heard the time frame is a crapshoot, but would like to know how they have performed.

[tjr818]

If that Mariner is in nice shape it should bring enough for a name brand sail and possibly a local one.