New Sails - Choosing Between Two Quotes

[btompkins]

I'm having trouble choosing between two different quotes for sails for my Morgan OI Pilothouse.

The sails are a bit unique, a self-tacking jib, and a loose-footed main.

I have a local Quantum maker who has quoted me a price in the same ballpark (Slightly Less) as Jasper and Bailey sailmakers.

Quantum is recommending Newport AP 6.63 cloth, and J&B recommends Challenge 7.77oz Marblehead LA Cloth.

Quantum tells me that the Marblehead cloth is overkill.

J&B cost is slightly higher, but they've also made sails for another OI pilothouse.

Trying to figure out who to go with. I'd like to stay local (J&B aren't) but if I'm getting a superior product for not much more, I'm inclined to go with J&B.

Any advice?

Thank in advance!

[JPA Cate]

Generally, the heavier weight cloth does last longer.

However, if you characteristically like to sail in heavier air, then the heavier cloth would be better for your use, any way. And if you always only like light air sailing, the Quantum guys might be right, you just wouldn't have much reserve strength in the sailcloth, for instance, if you may get caught out in thunderstorms.

My initial reaction was to go with the Marblehead, but really, I don't know what would suit your usage. When Jim and I buy new sails, it is pretty involved with discussing just what we do when, sailing our boat, what we like, and then the sailmaker goes off and thinks about it and comes back with a recommendation. And then we talk some more.

Good luck with it.

Ann

[Kestrahl]

Marblehead is a more expensive cloth than Newport, as it is higher up in the range. Also from what Challenge said Marblehead is still made in the US, but most of the other cloth is woven offshore.

[Rocket_Science]

I've had several sails made by Jasper and Bailey. They make wonderful cruising boat sails and are fantastic for customer service. I certainly would think that Quantum would do a great job as well but just wanted to put a plug in for J&B as many will have not heard of them.