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Catalina/Capri 25/250 Sailor's Forums

Catalina 25 Specific Forum

sails

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cat25
Navigator

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USA
140 Posts

Initially Posted - 02/13/2012 : 12:20:56

Has anybody tried Mack Sails? They make all the sails in florida USA.

Ken
Chenango~
1990~TR~WK~C25~#6022
Candlewood Lake, Ct

Edited by - on

cat30
1st Mate

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73 Posts

Response Posted - 02/13/2012 : 12:23:30

My 1976 Cat30 came with a full batten main from Mack, nice sail, good shape, would use them again

Edited by - on

dmpilc
Master Marine Consultant

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USA
4593 Posts

Response Posted - 02/13/2012 : 15:33:18

Mack is supposed to have a good reputation. Get a quote from them and compare to Ullman Ventura in CA. Gary Ullman has an excellent rep with Catalinas.
If you are in FL and you are on a budget, check out National Sail Supply in Brookesville, FL. I had a very good experience with them.

Edited by - dmpilc on 02/13/2012 15:34:04

szymek
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Canada
209 Posts

Response Posted - 02/13/2012 : 21:15:58

Also Look at UK-Halsey. I'm getting genoa through them and so far i've had excellent experience with them. I went to the boat show and talked to quite a few sailmakers.... and decided to go with UK-Halsey.

Edited by - on

OLarryR
Master Marine Consultant

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USA
3438 Posts

Response Posted - 02/14/2012 : 04:49:47

I have never bought a sail from Mack Sails but I have reviewed their website matl extensively. They have one of the best websites for understanding the sail cloth that goes into making sails and sell many sails made out of Challenge High Aspect cloth which is superior to what most sailmakers use. It is of very low stretch Dacron matl and which means that after many years or heavy use those sails will be far less prone to being blown out compared to sailmakers that use Challenge performance or High Modulus sail cloth matl. The fact is that many sailmakers especially those on the web use adjectives to describe the fine quality sails they provide rather than details as to the sail cloth material, weight, etc nor relating that to it's resilience to holding up against stretching. Most sailmakers will offer sail cloth in less expensive weaves to be competitive with the next guy but it is welcomed when a sailmaker is up front in their marketing as to differences in sailcloth and the options the consumer has in getting the right sail for them. So, I applaud Mack Sails for being up front on their website to explain the sailcloth differences and then it comes down to an informed customer discussing what sail/sail cloth and at what cost is right for their type sailing and what they can afford.

The difference between a main sail made out of Challenge performance vs High Modulus vs High Aspect and whether off the shelf or custom-made can range between $500 - $1300. So, don't be surprised if their sails are more expensive than another sailmaker. However, the cost comparisons become more compettive as one can determine it is a comparison using with same sailcloth and off the shelf vs custom-made.

Edited by - OLarryR on 02/14/2012 04:53:37

cat25
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USA
140 Posts

Response Posted - 02/15/2012 : 04:13:09

Thanks for all your replys. Think im going with mack sails Ken

Edited by - on

piseas
Former Treasurer

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USA
2017 Posts

Response Posted - 02/15/2012 : 13:06:10

No but I just installed my new 135 Ullman. I still have a few
install issues re the furler but let me say its a great sail. She
now flies! I had a 110 and had concerns re overpowering but took her
out Saturday in 25kts and did not need to furl. She got up to 6.9kts. I cant remember last time when I had her up to 6 with the 110. Dealer is in Ventura, CA. Ask for Gary and them him I recommended.
Steve

Edited by - on

Prospector
Master Marine Consultant

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Canada
3159 Posts

Response Posted - 02/15/2012 : 13:41:03

<blockquote id="quote">quote:<hr height="1" noshade id="quote">Originally posted by szymek
 Also Look at UK-Halsey. I'm getting genoa through them and so far i've had excellent experience with them. I went to the boat show and talked to quite a few sailmakers.... and decided to go with UK-Halsey.
<hr height="1" noshade id="quote"></blockquote id="quote">

Are you dealing with Brian at UK Toronto? I had nothign but issues with him as far as post-sale support. I can't recommend them at all. Guy in the slip next to me ordered UK sails and was happy. Mine are from the Detroit loft and Brian refused to help me out since he didn't build the sails. I now take my business to Performance Sails and they seem to do a good job.

Edited by - on

szymek
Navigator

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Canada
209 Posts

Response Posted - 02/16/2012 : 08:46:48

<blockquote id="quote">quote:<hr height="1" noshade id="quote">

Are you dealing with Brian at UK Toronto? I had nothign but issues with him as far as post-sale support. I can't recommend them at all. Guy in the slip next to me ordered UK sails and was happy. Mine are from the Detroit loft and Brian refused to help me out since he didn't build the sails. I now take my business to Performance Sails and they seem to do a good job.
<hr height="1" noshade id="quote"></blockquote id="quote">

Yes.. Brian and Tristan. So far I'm happy with them. they're taking all their time explaining everything to me and are not rushing me. I gave them deposit and i just went back to them to tell them that they need to take into account halyard restrainer, and they will drive down to take measurements.

I think other than sharing name and paying royalty fees, they don't have anything else in common. Brian is the owner of the Toronto loft only.

Edited by - on

dlucier
Master Marine Consultant

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Virgin Islands (United Kingdom)
7583 Posts

Response Posted - 02/16/2012 : 09:15:26

<blockquote id="quote">quote:<hr height="1" noshade id="quote">Originally posted by szymek
 <blockquote id="quote">quote:<hr height="1" noshade id="quote">

Are you dealing with Brian at UK Toronto? I had nothign but issues with him as far as post-sale support. I can't recommend them at all. Guy in the slip next to me ordered UK sails and was happy. Mine are from the Detroit loft and Brian refused to help me out since he didn't build the sails. I now take my business to Performance Sails and they seem to do a good job.
<hr height="1" noshade id="quote"></blockquote id="quote">

I think other than sharing name and paying royalty fees, they don't have anything else in common. Brian is the owner of the Toronto loft only.
<hr height="1" noshade id="quote"></blockquote id="quote">

I'm not surprised in the least that the Toronto loft didn't perform warranty type work as these independently owned affiliated lofts aren't like car dealerships with the factory backing warranty work. You can imagine how long a loft would stay in business if everyone bought theirs sails from a distant franchise loft for the price discount then wanted to have them looked at for free by the local franchise loft.

Edited by - on

Dave5041
Former Mainsheet Editor

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USA
3758 Posts

Response Posted - 02/16/2012 : 10:48:36

It is the conundrum of the modern world: I want the best price and I want after sales service like the good old days. Service costs money, up front or down the road.

Edited by - on

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