quote:
Originally posted by Paul
From my old magazine price lists
1994 gaastra course slalom pro 5.5m sail $939- equivalent price today (based on inflation figures)$1192
2006 5.5 gaastra race $1010
fiberspar tidal wave 2pce 25%carbon 1992 $515 - equivalent today $654
75%carbon mast 2006 $550 actual price today
Expensive magazine, I bought 3 94/95 Course slalom pros 5.2, 6.2, 7.2 and all up in cost me $2200.
Sailworks race sails at the time were around the $650 mark.
Fibrespar 3000 '95 cost around $350-400 I think.
I remember when the VX was released (strange there was so much more hype back then with the VX and Ltd.) what was shocking at the time was they were over $1000 the most expensive sail on the market until the North 3DL was released. I think the North Prisma's were the next most expensive in '95 at $800-1000.
60% Masts were hell expensive in 94-95, I guess the reliable tech wasnt all that old. Masts will jump up shortly due to increased carbon costs and demand (has jumped up 40% apparently thanks to Mr Bush's agenda).
Regarding costs retailer's mark up around 20-30%. You've then got the importer, distributer, manufacturing company, parent company and taxman all taking cuts. This is why windsurfing sales practice works on keeping costs down.
Materials- when a local sailmaker was making sails here last year it was costing him close to $500 in materials (battens and tensioners are very expensive), so he didnt really see the point when you could buy last years sail brand new for $600. Obviously big companies it would cost bugger all in materials and even less in sweat shop labour.
still had fun. Got a starboard 186 in great cond for $100 the other day!
You have been to the HiFly site also???
