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Hermanns · 23-03-2013, 10:42

Just wanted to post my experience and make sure no one else makes the same mistake.

Had a local canvas shop that saw my 'non-matching' genoa cover and offered to put a new matching blue cover on (replace old brown sunbrella). I agreed to try out, and had my rigger come down to help remove and inspect as we brought down...the rigger mentioned that a proper genoa cover should be cross stitched vs single stitched and be done ONLY by a Certified Sailmaker/Repair facility.

Ends up - had to have the canvas guy drop off the material to a proper sailmaker to complete. Otherwise, it would start to tear away and fray within a year or two....especially on a 48' boat!!!

Thank god I called my rigger to help me during a breezy day!

Kestrahl · 23-03-2013, 19:43

Canvas shops generally don't have a Zig zag sewing machine which is what is required for sails. So as you say the UV strip should be done by a sailmaker rather than a canvas shop. Using PTFE thread is also a good idea with Sunbrella, as otherwise you end up having to have it re-stitched while the sunbrella still has plenty of life. Which also makes it harder to un-pick and remove when the sunbrella eventually does wear out and adds another set is stitching holes into the sail making it weak.

shorebird · 23-03-2013, 19:57

I had a tear in my jenny cover last year, while the sail was still under warranty, sent it out to the maker, they charged $300, and just sewed a big patch on it.

Kestrahl · 23-03-2013, 19:59

Why did they charge you, did you put the spreader thru it?

shorebird · 23-03-2013, 20:05

They said it wasn't a manufacturers defect, so not covered. I have no idea how it happened, but I wasn't happy about the lack of service from UK Halsey, usually a reputable sailmaker.

Kestrahl · 23-03-2013, 20:18

Unless there was something sharp on the boat that ripped it then it was likely their fault. And $300 sounds excessive

islandplanet · 27-03-2013, 10:33

Quote:

Originally Posted by shorebird

They said it wasn't a manufacturers defect, so not covered. I have no idea how it happened, but I wasn't happy about the lack of service from UK Halsey, usually a reputable sailmaker.

I'd suggest you call the owner of the loft and discuss your bill.

It's important to understand that UK and most other brand name lofts are simply franchises. The loft owner pays a franchise fee to use the logo on their sails and in their advertising. So while Shorebird may be unhappy with his local UK loft, that doesn't mean that another UK loft is going to treat their customers in the same manner.