Posted on 10th Nov 2011 @ 12:53 PM

Solent are once again exhibiting our range of machines designed specially for the sail maker.

To register for FREE ENTRY please click here

For 2011 we have 2 NEW models to show!

Based on the successful SKZ models, the NEW Solent SL and ML are affordable to the small sail loft and home user yet retain the same quality, reliability and sewing capability that has made the SKZ-650 mkII our best selling and most versatile sail makers machine.

            Solent SL                                           Solent ML

As they are at a comparable price to 'light to medium' weight sewing machines, you won't  be struggling in the thicker parts of the sail when the 'medium' machines have passed their limit.

Also on show is Solent XL-650-HA:

• This is the one machine that will sew all sails from small cruisers through to super yachts
• Revolutionary shuttle mechanism with movement synchronised with the needle bar frame. This reduces the possibility of missed stitches and can sew from 2 thin layers through to 20mm thick with no adjustment of the machine.
• 4 motion feed which only moves material when the needle is at highest point - reducing chance of needle deflection and breakage
• 56mm needle bar stroke - 6 mm longer than any other zigzag machine available for sewing extra heavy work
• Lever changeover of 6 point (3 step) and 2 point zigzag with preset stitch widths for the fastest change of stitches available            
• 25mm high foot lift
• Powerful top and bottom puller feed driven through independent gearboxes

Many unique features developed from 50 years working with sailmakers to realise the demands and applications necessary. Tried and trusted from small service lofts through to super yacht sail manufacturers

Not forgetting the very popular Solent SKZ-650 mkII!

Solent SKZ-650 MKII The all round sailmaking machine is a simple and proven construction for high production and long life.

• Made in the UK by Solent for Seiko, this machine is ideal for sewing medium to heavy sails with needle sizes 120 - 200, using thread sizes V92 and V138 and capable of processing materials up to 10mm thick

Solent have always been leaders in this field:

• FIRST  to produce the high arm zigzag sewing machine
• FIRST  to produce the lever change over gearbox for switching between 3 step and zigzag
• FIRST  to make the 50mm wide toothed belt puller driven through a gear box so powerful that we guarantee belt and gearbox for 3 years
• FIRST  to make driven counter roller with independent gear box instead of sharing gearbox with upper puller


Designed and built in the UK at our factory in Portsmouth, the Solent range of machines are proven, reliable and versatile with options to suit all types of sail maker for both manufacturing and repairs.

The quality of our work and 50 years of experience in producing sail makers machines enables us to develop and manufacture standard and bespoke products to suit the demands of the best sail makers in the world such as Elvstrom Denmark and Doyle Palma.