MacGregorSailors.com

Hi, I have sent an email to BWY for pricing and availability of a Jib for my they have not responded, the problem is I am in Australia and have family in Seattle on the 26th that could drop in and pick it up, I need to know if a Jib will fit in standard luggage and the weight. I'm running short on time and am concerned that if they cant respond to an email what are they like to deal with? I dont want to stuff my family around when they only have one day in Seattle. Has anybody got some feedback on them? There is a 19 hour difference bertween us so calling them is difficult too, I buy a lot of stuff from the States and rarely ever need to call.

Cheers, Dennis.

I haven't had much luck with emails either - they may be having a problem with I.T. generally as the catalog search works sometimes and others not. Try Todd's email, [email protected] or [email protected] if you haven't already. Since you're in Oz suggest you perhaps also try Skype or some such and phone, as they do answer; could ask your Seattle branch to phone for you. Fwiw This is the busiest time of year for them.

It's been about three months since I dealt with them, but they were great. I ordered one day (called them) and it came the next day. I was amazed. That said, when I went up there to get replacement sails, they didn't stock them at the time and would have them in three days or so. To me that meant that they were going to order them from another vendor, and well, I could do that. In the end I went online and found better sails, lower price, and free shipping and no taxes. Saved me about $600. I actually would have bought from them if they had them in stock, even though more expensive, just to support them and all they have done for Mac owners. They really don't stock much at their shop in Seattle. At the time they didn't even have a boom vang ready to go. They are however very nice to work with and very honest in their advice and guidance.

I've had terrible service via email. Just call its easier than dealing with the hassle. It will fit in a suitcase, but as another thought get judy to make a good one for an extra hundred bucks. From what I remember from the factory it was 16x16x2 and maybe 20 lbs with the UV cover sewn in. Shipping was 40-50 bucks up here, which might as well be down there

yukonbob wrote:I've had terrible service via email. Just call its easier than dealing with the hassle. It will fit in a suitcase, but as another thought get judy to make a good one for an extra hundred bucks. From what I remember from the factory it was 16x16x2 and maybe 20 lbs with the UV cover sewn in. Shipping was 40-50 bucks up here, which might as well be down there

Shipping to Aus from States is horrific, I own a 79 Corvette and buy parts from USA all the time, freight is often more expensive than the parts, I bought some light plastic parts recently and was charged $160 freight, parts cost $40. I am sure Judy's sails are better quality but I am on a very tight budget with the admiral, as it is she was very unimpressed that I need a new sail after only 4 months of ownership. I can buy a quality sail here (local made) but it is $670 where BWY are advertising a jib for $320, its a bit hard to justify that variation especially if i can get it brought back by my sister in a few weeks.

Thanks for the responses so far.

Cheers, Dennis.

I would think it could fit in a carry on with no problem. I've got a 150 genny nicely folded that looks like it could fit so I figure a 100 jib could as well.

Bob

I have found email response to be inconsistent. They are good by phone.

BWY is a great outfit and I bought my boat and other stuff from them often. But I would agree with the Hyde sails by Judy. Good sails and they ship from the Philippines. You might have a better deal.

BWY is closed on Sundays and Mondays. I sent an e-mail on a Thursday, called on Friday at five minutes before they closed and got voice mail. I left a message and did not hear from them until Tuesday. I then placed my order.

Gail, there girl Friday and parts manager has moved on to a new job. They may not have replaced her, what with the economy in the tank and Macgregor closing up shop. I have dropped Cheryl an email to her private email to check in here ASAP. Hope it helps.

~Rich

I'm sorry we haven't gotten back to you. Cheryl and I have been out of the office for a few days and things are a little backed up. The stock factory jibs are in short supply right now, but we do have other options. They are a little more money, but much nicer sails. Please send us another email and we can get you the specifics on what is available in time for your family. A jib could go as baggage, I would say it is roughly the size of a standard carry on bag. Again, sorry for the delay, Todd

sunshinecoasting wrote:

yukonbob wrote:I've had terrible service via email. Just call its easier than dealing with the hassle. It will fit in a suitcase, but as another thought get judy to make a good one for an extra hundred bucks. From what I remember from the factory it was 16x16x2 and maybe 20 lbs with the UV cover sewn in. Shipping was 40-50 bucks up here, which might as well be down there

Shipping to Aus from States is horrific, I own a 79 Corvette and buy parts from USA all the time, freight is often more expensive than the parts, I bought some light plastic parts recently and was charged $160 freight, parts cost $40. I am sure Judy's sails are better quality but I am on a very tight budget with the admiral, as it is she was very unimpressed that I need a new sail after only 4 months of ownership. I can buy a quality sail here (local made) but it is $670 where BWY are advertising a jib for $320, its a bit hard to justify that variation especially if i can get it brought back by my sister in a few weeks.

Thanks for the responses so far.

Cheers, Dennis.

Thats nothing! Bought a $400 dollar dagger board two years ago from them, ended up being $1000 to get it here and there was no ocean to cross. As someone pointed out they can ship direct from the Phillipeans which is just a skip and a jump from you Think my Jib from Judy was just over 400, don't quote me on that though id have to go back and check.

Folks ..the Internet has turned us into toddlers of expectation with regards to instant gratification.

Small businesses, which are the heart of our economy, don't have the staff to sit around answering emails , especially in real time. Add in staff changes, summer season, time changes, and the non-duplex nature of email and we both end up frustrated.

You need to pick up the phone and call.

G'Day. Blue Water Yachts, 1-800-688-8626. I have always received help and good response from them. Yes, the jib will fit in a suitcase.TSA will wonder what it is Plenty of sail lofts in seattle. Google??? Also lots of good used sails available. Have you checked with any of the local sailmakers in your area? I imagine the % of sailors in Australia is pretty high. Got to crew on an old 18 footer once. Good Luck. Fair Winds and Full Sails...Old Salt.

BWY did return my email yesterday and thanks for that guys, however they can't supply the sail I want in time for my sisters departure so I will have a look around. I have chased prices here in Aus but as with just about everything, they are twice the price. I agree with Catigale about our expectations with the internet but I am on a short timeframe firstly and secondly, welcome to the modern era, I don’t like it but the fact is that if you want to survive in this global village you have to respond quickly and efficiently, simply relying on "good old fashion" service and smiles isn’t enough anymore, if you enter the fast paced world of internet trading then you have to swim with the current or drown. this is not an indictment on BWY by the way, they did respond quite well and I liked their service and will look at using them in the future, it is just the way the world is today.

Cheers. Dennis.

Just because it's "normal", doesn't mean that it's right. I'm trying to deal with FoMoCo and a wavy back window. This sucker really distorts your rear view; so much that you don't know if the vehicle following you is gaining on you, or falling back. This is on a 2013 Ford Fusion Hybrid. Fords answer? All of the rear windows in the 2013 Fusions have the same problem and even if we replace yours, the replacement window will have the same problem. Therefore, there is not a warranty claim, as the window is "NORMAL". What's next? Square wheels?

My answer to Ford was: "If this is Ford's new "normal" for quality, this is the last Ford that I will ever buy."

Moral of the story? Don't let "normal" get in the way of quality. Stand your ground. [/rant]

~Rich