Looking for sailcloth advice

[Jim Krause]

I need to replace the 135% furling genoa on my 37’ Bavaria. We live aboard and cruise in northern latitudes during the summer months. (Don’t really race.) Does anyone have any positive / negative experience with any of the following sails and/or materials?

North Sails – Premium Paneled 200 (NorDac Radian warp-oriented polyester)
Doyle – Quicksilver II Genoa with Sq Weave HT Dacron
Quantum – 2000 Series (woven polyester)

Thanks much

- Jim

[CAELESTIS]

There is better out there. Challenge Hi-mod or Marblehead depending on the aspect ratio of your rig. Also Dimension-Polyant.

[Jim Krause]

Thanks for the suggestions. I should've added that I'm in the USA/Great Lakes area. These (especially the Dimension-Polyant) seem like excellent materials but I'm looking for something in N America. And being a poor cruiser, I likely won't be able to spring for any hi-tech/carbon fiber materials. (sigh)

[Kalinka1]

Wouldn't use North if was the last sailmaker on earth! Have a North main sail bolt rope is sash cloth batten pockets came unstiched after 2 seasons just plain junk. and no satisfacdtion from North!

[Kestrahl]

North - Radial dacron in my opinion isn't worth the extra money, cross cut with 3 rows of stitching is simply the best durable value for money cruising construction.
Doyle - HT (High Tempered) square is a race dacron made by dimension polyant, again wouldn't recommend it.
Quantum - Could be any fabric?

[CarlF]

I believe that North only uses Radian cloth for radial cut sails. Probably not what you want.

Best thing I've seen on woven sailcloth comes from Mack:

Sail Cloth

[savoir]

Don't sigh about not getting carbon sails. Those things are only good for cruisers with too much money because their durability is really poor. Carbon is VERY brittle.

There's nothing wrong with Dimension Polyant cloth. They have a US distributor who will deliver to any sailmaker in USA. I bought a DP cloth sail through Doyle last summer and they didn't blink even though they make their own cloth. Quantum will also use any cloth you request. Both Quantum and Doyle have a wide network of dealers should support be needed in some far flung place.

I recommend dealing with whichever of those two offers the better price. If you are not sailing too far then why not go to some small, local guy who will value your business ?

Stay clear of North. They will charge top $ and won't value your business. They want racers.

[robert sailor]

Your a cruiser, buy a good quality Dacron and your good to go.

[Jim Krause]

Thanks very much for the tips & info. All three companies have nearby lofts and seemingly good service. FYI The quotes ranged from $2,300 - $3,300 for the three types of sailcloths described. Your help is very much appreciated.

Thanks much!

[savoir]

Here's a link to the DP Dacron page.
Wovens - Sailcloth Technology by DIMENSION-POLYANT - Sailcloth and laminates for high performance sailing and polyestersailcloth for surf