Has anyone used Ballard Sails?

[s/v Beth]

Looking around for a new cruising jib. Can make my own, or have someone else make it. Came across these guys- has anyone had sails by them? Quality? Anybody else you would recommend in the PNW?

[Stonefloat]

Had Joe @ Ballard sails take off the luff foil and install a spectra pocket for a cruising drifter for Avalon our gaff cutter .... Fast service & top quality reasonable , they are gaining a rep on the local race circuit ..... Cheers, Stonefloat

[minaret]

Originally Posted by s/v Beth

Looking around for a new cruising jib. Can make my own, or have someone else make it. Came across these guys- has anyone had sails by them? Quality? Anybody else you would recommend in the PNW?

DO NOT do it. Need photo evidence? Their work is terrible. I paid them cash three months in advance on the recommendation of a friend. NOTHING happened as promised, they failed to follow through on their promises at every step. They had a newbie build the sails the night before my deadline and dumped it on my deck the next day (day before departure) with zero support. I'll happily post pics of the seams that look like they were stitched by a drunken five year old. Cost me 2k to get Schattaeur Bros to sorta "fix" a main they built for me. These guys are shysters. Even the friend who recommended them, who is an old friend of Joe's, said he may be able to make a sail but is a horrible business man. I second that, I don't appreciate being lied to and having my support of the little guy taken advantage of. Call Schattauer Bros. and ask them about the sails that BS (appropriate acronym) built for me. They are awesome, first choice for me is Schattauer, then Hasse, then Hood, then North, Quantum, or Sobstad. Price is reflected in quality.

[Andrew B.]

Check out Port Townsend Sails.

[senormechanico]

Schattauer.

Steve

[s/v Beth]

Wow, thank you for the response. I will look up Schattauer. Carol already is getting a bid ready. You guys have saved me some $$.

[minaret]

Originally Posted by s/v Beth

Wow, thank you for the response. I will look up Schattauer. Carol already is getting a bid ready. You guys have saved me some $$.

Yer welcome. Carol got her start working for Franz Schattauer.

[DuneBuggy]

The boys at ballard have always done well by me. I have a J29 that I race and cruise. Beautiful, durable sails, and good work at a fair price. Bummed to hear you had a bad experience.

[minaret]

Originally Posted by DuneBuggy

The boys at ballard have always done well by me. I have a J29 that I race and cruise. Beautiful, durable sails, and good work at a fair price. Bummed to hear you had a bad experience.

I definitely got the impression that they are all about the race fleet. But try getting them to make a cruising suit, and suddenly you're on the back burner....


BTW, welcome to CF!

[DuneBuggy]

Thanks Minaret. Lots of good info here.