Sewing machine recommendation

[Panamajames]

Can anyone recommend a sewing machine for sewing and repairs on my sailboat. I was told about the RELIABLE BARRACUDA 2000U-33 Portable Walking Foot / Zig-Zag Sewing Machine. Anyone have a recommendation on this one? More affordable for us but do not want to get caught short. Thanks for your response. Sailing to Belize soon.

[Astrid]

Looks like a nice machine, but I am afraid I have not any experience with Reliable's. Although much more expensive, a Sailrite sailmaker's machine might be more up to what you want.

Sailrite Industrial Sewing Machines: Sailmaker

[Hannah on 'Rita T']

The Sailrite LSZ will do anything the average sailor wants to do: repair sails etc. Get the monster wheel and it will work anywhere without electricity. I use the monster wheel even when power is available. That said, the LSZ will run off a portable inverter.

[rubyjean]

The Reliable machine is the same machine as the sailrite. It starts life as a Thompson walking foot. You can order the bigger wheel and handcrank for the reliable from Defender Marine. It also has the same speed reduction as the sailrite. Same needles and bobbins too.. Michael..

[senormechanico]

Some of those machines may LOOK the same, but before you buy anything, have a look here:

Sailrite Ultrafeed vs. Look-a-like Sewing Machines - YouTube

No financial interest, just a Certifed Bernina sewing machine tech.

[maxingout]

I have the Sailrite and it has been a workhorse for me. Good machine.

[CarinaPDX]

No argument with the Sailrite machine; I have had nothing but good experiences dealing with them, and their machines seem top notch. That said, how much sewing are you planning on doing? If it is just the occasional repair and some modest jobs then I don't think you need anything like that. Personally I use a second-hand Reed's Sailmaker (originally sold by Sailrite a long time ago); it is a zig-zag machine without a walking foot. I have done a fair amount of sewing and been pretty happy with it. A lot of cruisers use old Pfaff 130's (post-war machines); they are strong rotary designs - no zig-zag or walking foot. The main considerations are a cast housing for strength and a good motor/drive for power. I have never used the hand crank. Look around and you can find good used machines for $200-300. OTOH if money is no object, and you have to have the very best, by all means go with a new Sailrite.