Sailmakers in MA/RI

[Kemah]

My new-to-me boat has, I think, original sails, and I've been talking with a number of lofts in Massachusetts and Rhode Island.

As "ricks" said in an almost identical post on new sails in Feb., 2005, the frustrating thing is that almost everyone has a different recommendation on almost everything.

Here is the list of lofts that I'm considering now:

Squeteague/Cape Cod Sailmakers
Doyle (Dartmouth and Salem/Marblehead lofts)
Thurston
Downs (Danvers)

I would really appreciate hearing of others' experiences with these lofts or others in the RI/MA area.

[Ron M.]

Take a look at Harding Sailmakers , Marion, Ma. also.
________
Medical marijuana

[Clay Stalker]

I had Thurston's in Bristol make me a mainsail for my old Shannon 28. Price was competitive and the sail, a Quantum full-batten, was fine. I didn't have the boat long after that, so can't speak to longevity....but the experience was fine and I would use them again. Also have bought North sails from Anson Sailmakers in Portsmouth, NH in the past and have been satisfied with them as well.

[Joe Myerson]

Kemah,

I've had experience with Squeteague Sailmakers: Mark Daniels, the owner, is a friend and neighbor. He made a new mainsail for my Marshall Sanderling (the original was, coincidentally, a Thurston), he converted my hank-on working jib to roller furling and he made a new mainsail for my Cape Dory.

He does excellent work, but he is also expensive.

Last winter I wanted a genoa jib. Mark gave me an estimate; I also went to Doyle -- because one of their salespeople is the husband of a colleague. He gave me a slightly better price and put in a rope luff pad (Mark would have used foam, but advised against it).

I'm satisfied with Doyle, too.

I guess my answer doesn't really help you: I'd go with either. Squeteague will do quick repairs and give you more custom service than Doyle (at least here on Squeteague Harbor--they're just up the road). But I think Doyle is a bit less expensive, and their sails are very well made. (If you have a standard size, they make them in Asia, but that doesn't mean they aren't well made.)

--Joe

[Chris Reinke]

I have had good experience with Harding in Marion. They have made a yankee sail and all covers for my CD330, as well as sails and a cover for my O'Day 19' daysailer. I was happy with the quality and everything has held up well.

[mahalocd36]

We are very happy with our new sails from Jasper & Bailey in Newport RI.

http://www.jasperandbailey.com/

[Bob Condon]

I used Doyle In Salem, Mass for a new sail, washing and maintenance of my older Genuas.

Competative price plus I got to talk to them where the
off shore sailmakers just give you what you ask even if it is foolish.

[Sailing Soldier]

I was very pleased with Doyle Sails in East Greewich, RI. I had a new set of cruising sails put on my CD28. She sailed like a new boat!