Sewing machines other than SailRite

[Kokomo]

Does anyone have a heavy duty sewing machine (other than SailRite) that they are pleased with? I'm looking for other options for general Sunbrella repair and emergency sail work.

[carib sailor]

Check out the "Thompson walking foot" machine.

[amytom]

Be careful of the sailrite clones. It acutally may be the same machine but sailrite does a wonderful job with the setup and alignment. They also add a few of their own special touches that make the extra expense worthwhile. It really is an impressive machine, I was able to sew a bolt rope in with 6 layers of shelter-rite plus two layers of supertramp while making my new tramps. If you check E-bay you'll see that used sailrites go for almost the same price as the new ones, they're worth it.
You might get a bit of a discount by asking them if they have any returned units. I saved a couple hundred because mine had "finish flaws" (scratched paint)

[Kokomo]

We have a Sailrite, and have used it on everything from serious sail repair to new salon cushions. It's good, but not perfect... We were looking for any better options.

[Bob]

How about a Consew 226, that is if you don't need zig-zag.