FAQ and Contact information

FAQ - Sails

Q: I am looking for a sail that has the following dimensions: xxx. Do you have one?
A: We are unable to perform individual telephone or E-mail searches for customers because of the time involved. However our entire sail inventory is available for you to search online by dimensions. Try doing a search by “Luff Range” leaving the boat type “Unspecified”. All necessary details are published
for each sail including the price and condition.

Q: I don't see my boat listed in the search list. Do you have sails for it? -or- I see my boat listed but not the particular sail I want. Do you have it?
A: Every sail that we have in stock is searchable both by boat type and by sail size. If you don't see the sail you want listed by boat type then follow the Measuring guide to determine the dimensions of the sail. Then try doing a search by “Luff Range” leaving the boat type “Unspecified”. If you still don't find what you want we can always make it Custom for you.

Q: Do you have the dimensions for my boat on file somewhere? Can’t you just look up my boat on computer? - or- Can I just give you the specs off the brochure for my boat?
A: We know it can be inconvenient to measure but even the brochure specs are often inaccurate. Believe us; shipping sails back and forth because they don’t fit is expensive and time consuming! All the sails we have researched by boat type are already listed on our search feature so if you don’t see your boat listed then please follow the Measuring instructions.

Q: Can I just measure my old sail?
A: You can but in doing so you will limit your choices. Often you will find a sail that measures just 3” or 4” longer than the old sail and you won’t know if will fit. What you really need to know is the maximum size that will fit on the rig. If choose to measure your old sail anyway be sure to stretch it tight just like it would be under halyard tension.

Q: I see a used sail that I am interested in. Is it still in stock?
A: We realize that some companies have outdated inventory posted on the web. However our used sail inventory is updated immediately every time one is sold so it is always current.

Q: I see a new sail that I am interested in. Is it in stock now?
A: Our new stock sails are usually in stock and shipped within 24 hours. When a new stock sail is sold another one is ordered to replace it. Therefore our website is not updated each time to reflect the daily availability. If we we are out of stock when you place an order we will contact you quickly and let you know what your options are. You are also welcome to call with the product code of a new sail to check stock.

Q: How much will it cost to ship a sail that I am interested in and how long will it take?
A: Shipping cost is automatically calculated by our web store based on location and shipping method. You can “mock up” an order without actually hitting the final “submit order” to see what the exact shipping amount will be. Fed Ex Ground shipping typically costs $15 - $45 for most sails. Ground shipping usually takes 5 business days across the country. Three day air, Second day air and Overnight service refers to business days and does not include weekend days.

Q: Under the “New/Used” column the sail I am interested in says “New”. What exactly does that mean?
A: If it says “New” then it is brand new, first quality and under full warranty. Click on the column heading “New/Used” for a description of each condition code.

Q: How do I get to see the used sails? I only see new sails (or nothing at all) in the search results.
A: The search results show ALL sails both new and used that match your search criteria. If you don't see any used sails in the range you are searching it’s because we don’t have any. This happens a lot in small sails that are relatively inexpensive new. Often they are not worth enough to sell used.

Q: I don’t see the price listed, how much is it?
A: Scroll right to see the column “Price”.

Q: I found a sail listed for my boat type on your site. What happens if it doesn’t fit my boat?
A: Production boats tend to be fairly standard but buying a sail by boat type is never a guarantee of fit. Some production boats have multiple rigs. Others rigs are modified. We suggest that you follow the measuring instructions and check your measurements against our published sail dimensions. See the Order Info page for more detail about this and returns.

Q: What happens if there is a problem and the sail won’t work for any reason?
A: Stock sails may be returned if they aren’t used. Please see the Order Info page for complete information about returns.

Q: The sail manufacturer is listed as “Pro/Stock”. What does that mean? -or- Who makes your sails?
A: Pro/Stock is our proprietary line. We contract manufacturers to make sails to our specs. Often our stock sails are made by Rolly Tasker Sails who are one of the biggest and best sailmakers in the industry. However for flexibility our business model allows for multiple manufacturers to insure the best value and availability. We guarantee the materials and construction to be of high quality. See Custom Sails for a description of the manufacturing techniques and materials.

Q: What does: “Std. O.E.M.” - “Coastal” or “Offshore” mean in the notes column of the search results?
A: This refers to the construction techniques used which are divided into three product tiers to meet different strength and budget needs. See Product Tiers for a pictorial description.

FAQ - Mainsails Specific

Q: My mainsail has a different type of luff slide or slug than you list on your stock sails. Can it be changed?
A: Yes, the different hardware types are described on the Measuring page. You have 3 alternatives to change them:
1. Change the hardware yourself. This is actually easy to do.
2. We will change the hardware on an existing stock sail for $3 per foot of luff (or foot). There is a $50 minimum labor charge.
3. We can make you a new custom sail with the luff hardware of your choice (or other minor changes) at no extra charge.

Q: How can I get my boats mainsail insignia and/or sail number installed?
A: Insignias cost $55 installed and are made-to-order as a custom sail with our next production run of sails. Sail numbers cost $45 to install plus $1 per digit. Numbers without the insignia can be added in-house to a stock sail before it is shipped. Please call to order sail numbers or insignia.

Q: How can I get a cunningham installed on a stock mainsail?
A: Cunningham can be installed with the purchase of any stock mainsail for $45. Please order a cunningham by phone.

Q: How can I get an extra reef installed on a stock mainsail?
A: We do not add reefs to existing stock sails but we can make a sail custom for the cost of the extra reef added. Our small boat O.E.M. type mainsails already have one reef (see the “Reef” column in the search results). If you think you need a second reef you might consider buying a Coastal or Offshore Version sail since those stock mainsails already have 2 reefs and they are built heavier to stand up to stronger conditions.

FAQ - Roller Furling Specific

Q: Can I convert my hank-on genoa to a Roller Furling sail?
A: This is not recommended in most cases. Since your old genoa will likely be too long on the luff after the furler is installed it will need to be cut down. Then a luff tape must be added and finally a UV cover for sun protection. The cost of these modifications is high and when you are done you still have a sail that was built lighter than desirable for reefing. Furling genoas are built heavier to take reefing loads whereas hank-on genoas are built from light fabric since you change to a smaller heavier jib when the wind increases.

Q: I see a new furling genoa with a White UV cover in stock. How much would it cost to add a Colored UV cover?
A: We wouldn’t convert an existing sail but we can make a custom sail for you with a UV cover in any Sunbrella Color for the same cost as a stock sail plus a $1.80 per foot added charge (leech and foot combined). Production time usually runs 3 - 5 weeks. Order by telephone with the product code and specify a custom UV cover.

Q: Which side is the UV cover on your stock Furling Sails?
A: Normally our UV covers are on the Port Side by default. Note there is a common misconception that when replacing the sail it must have the UV cover on the same side as the old sail. This is false. Furling Units are easily reversible by simply rolling the furling line onto the drum in the opposite direction. Also don’t make the common mistake of worrying about which side deck the furling line is routed on. This has absolutely no effect on the direction of drum rotation!

Q: Do you have a sail and furler package for my boat?
A: We package furlers and sails at a discount for any boat. See Sail And Furler Packages

FAQ - Mainsail and Jib Covers

Q: Can I get a new stock Mainsail Cover in a custom color?
A: No, since different mainsails pack up differently because of varying cloth weight and stiffness the fit of a stock cover cannot be guaranteed. Even if it was originally patterned for a boat. Therefore you must provide custom measurements.

Q: What size Foredeck Bag will fit my Jib or Genoa?
A: Since cloth weight & stiffness determine how big it will
pack up the only way to tell is to measure it while folded.