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.