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Sam001
Vice Commodore

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USA
441 Posts

Initially Posted - 03/15/2013 : 10:42:44

I need some feedback on the Sailrite machines.
I have been looking at a lot of models but the sailrite seems to be the best.
Any updates?
Thanks
Sam
(also posted in general)

Capt Sam, USCG Master Near Coastal
Isle of Hope, GA. Charleston,SC. Lake Murray, SC.
Aboard Bobbin - 1982 Standard Rig-Swing Keel #2963 Dinette Model
"On a powerboat you are going somewhere....On a Sailboat you are Already There!" Capt Sam

http://my.boatus.com//memberPhotos/6315398_1_25502.jpg

Edited by - on

Steve Milby
Past Commodore

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USA
5902 Posts

Response Posted - 03/15/2013 : 14:27:59

I'm glad you asked! The Sailrite machines are considered, by many sailors, to be very good, powerful machines that are up to the tough tasks that we take on. That being said, there are other good industrial-strength machines available. I have used an ordinary, inexpensive home sewing machine for repairs that don't require so much power.

Last week I came across a Morse sewing machine that is supposedly manufactured by the same company that manufactures Sailrite machines. Other than the nameplate, they look alike, but I can't vouch that they have the same rugged insides. But, the price of the Morse is a lot less than the Sailrite. If it is equal to the Sailrite, it looks like a really good buy.

If you will search the forums at sailnet.com for "Sailrite", you will find many knowledgeable discussions and opinions on Sailrite machines.

The following hyperlink will take you to the Morse website. I just did a quick search of the Sailnet forum for Morse, but didn't find anything. I have never seen them discuss it, either favorably or unfavorably. They might not have heard about it yet. http://www.morsesew.com/about.html

Edited by - Steve Milby on 03/15/2013 14:30:04

awetmore
Master Marine Consultant

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USA
1144 Posts

Response Posted - 03/15/2013 : 14:54:40

I bought a Barraduca, which is also rumored to be a like a Sailrite. They are $500 vs $800.

Once you actually equip it like a Sailrite it is actually more expensive:
* Sailrite case is about $125. It's awesome, just buy it.
* Monster wheel is about $100 and still not as good as the Sailrite one. The clutch on this machine slips, Sailrite came up with a good solution that doesn't slip, but isn't that easy to retrofit.
* A manual written in English is about $10
* The Sailrite is better made and has lots of internal improvements. Check out their video where they compare the old vs new Sailrite machines. The old is just like a Barracuda (and likely the Morse), the new is better.

If I were doing it again I'd just buy the Sailrite machine (just wait for one of their sales). It is a better machine.

You can buy the Barracuda from Amazon with free shipping, or from Defender.

Edited by - on

Tim M
1st Mate

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60 Posts

Response Posted - 03/21/2013 : 09:58:06

Cross-posting sometimes brings people into the discussion who otherwise would not be.
Cheers

Edited by - on

Sam001
Vice Commodore

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USA
441 Posts

Response Posted - 03/21/2013 : 10:16:55

my thoughts on cross posting
morse not in the other string.

Edited by - on

Sam001
Vice Commodore

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USA
441 Posts

Response Posted - 03/30/2013 : 11:56:45

Morse information has been good. Any experience with Morse machines?

Edited by - on

Tim M
1st Mate

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60 Posts

Response Posted - 04/03/2013 : 10:16:51

Sam, Sorry I haven't replied sooner but warm weather has come early this year here in the Northwest and I'm just getting started with the yearly boat prep - and the empty slip is waiting - so I'm feeling a little 'behind the eight-ball'.
As far as I know, the newer Morse machines are similar to the Barracuda ( see Alex's post about his experience ) and older Morse machines were made in Japan by Toyota and very acceptable for canvas/sail work. Search E-bay and you'll find used machine dealers and other 40's-50's era machines that also will work. In the case of the Sailrite, on my particular machine I found that over-tightening of a sleeve bearing set-screw at the factory caused most of the problems I was having. The bottom line is that an industrial machine that can do everything the Sailrite can starts at $2,600 so at $900 the Sailrite is an acceptable compromise. An older Pfaff - which is now made mostly of 'un-obtainium' - goes for almost half that. Local dealers also sometimes have used machines and would tell you how they'd work for what you want to do.
Life's short, do a little research and take the plunge. Have fun.

Edited by - on

glen
Captain

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359 Posts

Response Posted - 04/03/2013 : 11:20:54

If you have the room and can live without zig-zag or reverse stitching look for a “Singer 111w155”. These are old rock solid industrial walking foot machines. For many years they were the industry standard and can now be found for under $600 with table and motor. There is nothing fancy about them, but there 100% steel and all replacement parts are still available. These work horses are easy to maintain and simple enough you can do the timing yourself. Big and heavy- yes, but ours is used daily in our shop.
P.S. Like Cptn Ron said “They Love oil like a sailor loves rum” Whatever you get, don’t be shy with the oil. Besides sewing over 1,000 (home) to 6,000 (industrial) stiches per minute (and every stich requires 2 rotations). Oil does more than liberate, it also cleans all the parts. IMOHO the heavier thread size that the industrial / commercial machines use, should also be an important factor in your decision.

Edited by - glen on 04/03/2013 11:21:53

Sam001
Vice Commodore

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USA
441 Posts

Response Posted - 04/03/2013 : 11:37:56

Thanks for all the input. I am looking at Morse machines now and will let you know how it evolves!

Edited by - Sam001 on 04/03/2013 11:38:45

Steve Milby
Past Commodore

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USA
5902 Posts

Response Posted - 04/03/2013 : 13:24:03

<blockquote id="quote">quote:<hr height="1" noshade id="quote">Originally posted by Sam001
 Thanks for all the input. I am looking at Morse machines now and will let you know how it evolves!
<hr height="1" noshade id="quote"></blockquote id="quote">Please do, Sam. My old White sewing machine is starting to crap out this spring, and I might want to upgrade to a more powerful machine. The Morse looks good, but I don't really know much about them.

Edited by - on

Sam001
Vice Commodore

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USA
441 Posts

Response Posted - 05/03/2013 : 17:47:02

Well I bit the bullet twice
I got a Morse "heavy duty commercial" and it was made in Indonesia, lots of plastic.
I was surprised the foot petal said household use only and was not impressed, send it back for a full refund.
I said to myself if you are going to get one to last FOREVER.....ordered a Sailrite LSZ-1
came vie UPS from a dealer in LA
HEAVY
followed the DVD instructions-very good - step by step like the youtube stuff
took it home to the Savannah house and there was a REALLY THICK cover batting liner batting cover that had been sewed with lots of fowl language last summer on a dif machine
then the sailrite zipped thru the stuff
nice
more later when I get further into the tale.......

Edited by - on

Sam001
Vice Commodore

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USA
441 Posts

Response Posted - 05/03/2013 : 17:47:33

so the bottom line
I have drank the sailrite cool aid

Edited by - on

Ape-X
Admiral

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USA
662 Posts

Response Posted - 05/05/2013 : 06:15:55

Keep us updated Sam: I have never seen a used one for sale, so based on that am thinking it is a good machine

Edited by - on

Sam001
Vice Commodore

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USA
441 Posts

Response Posted - 05/05/2013 : 07:25:15

machine performing well
did really heavy upholstery work
did five layer curtains
and did one layer thin curtain hem
effortless

I will admit it is expensive but you get what you pay for...

only negative-the small screwdriver tip broke when I tightened the case set screw

Sam

Edited by - on

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