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are OEM sails bad?

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77Gypsy
Captain

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USA
356 Posts

Initially Posted - 04/05/2005 : 00:10:54

Thanks to those of you who helped me on my previous post about the full batten main. i checked out the prices of Ullman vs Sail warehouse and sail warehouse sells OEM for roughly $150. less per sail.

Steve
78 C25 SR/FK - Gypsy

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Frank Hopper
Past Commodore

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Pitcairn Island
6776 Posts

Response Posted - 04/05/2005 : 07:12:45

My wife tells me that I am never happy unless I have paid too much. That is because I believe a very real part of value is satisfaction and the smile that comes with it. When I went looking for a main a while back It never occurred o me that I would buy less than Ulmer or North. The repeated endorsement of the Ullman sails from Gary Swenson in Ventura, my conversations with him and the realities of new boat ownership made me choose the Catalina Direct Ullman sail, (which is cut and assembled overseas but the plotter is driven by Swensons modem) it allowed instant delivery of a fine sail. I would be hard put to be happy with less than this product and if you are not happy then you have just bought the most expensive sail possible.

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Steve Milby
Past Commodore

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USA
5913 Posts

Response Posted - 04/05/2005 : 09:36:45

I've bought North sails and cheap sails, and the cut of them seems to be about the same. The difference seems to be in the quality of sailcloth used. When I bought the North mainsail and 2 jibs, 25 years ago, North used Bainbridge sailcloth, which was then the best available. I ripped the mainsail about 4 years ago, and replaced it with an inexpensive sail made in the orient. I also bought a new 150, but still use my old North 150 more than the new one, and I still use the old 110. The new sails work fine, but my sense is that the sailcloth is not as good as the old Bainbridge sailcloth, and that the new sails won't take the beating that the old North sails took for so many years. If you plan to keep your boat for more than 7-8 years, or sail in an area of strong winds, then I think your better choice would be to buy sails made of top quality sailcloth. If not, then I think inexpensive sails will provide good service.

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oldsalt
Admiral

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USA
578 Posts

Response Posted - 04/08/2005 : 17:42:17

You get what you pay for and concerning sails, this is probably truer than for the average purchase. I highly recommend Ullman from personal experience.

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Notice: The advice given on this site is based upon individual or quoted experience, yours may differ.
The Officers, Staff and members of this site only provide information based upon the concept that anyone utilizing this information does so at their own risk and holds harmless all contributors to this site.