Reliable 2000U-33 Barracuda Portable Zig-Zag Walking-Foot Sewing Machine

I'm no an expert at sewing but have had some good experiences with an older rock-solid Singer zigzag. This machine is the basic do-it-yourself entry-level zig-zag walking foot capable of handling heavier fabrics and sails. It is nearly identical to those sold under many different names. God luck deciphering which ones are made in China or Taiwan, the latter supposedly a bit better made. A fine-tuned version (at a significantly higher price) is available from Sailrite (beware some of the sleight-of-hand discounters selling that brand though Sailrite themselves are highly reputable).

I received mine a week ago and have just done a couple of practice projects with 1" webbing and 6-8 oz. duck. I'm finding that the machine gets hung up often. I initially thought it was from using the wrong sized needle or simply too much fabric. Through experimentation culminating with turning by hand with no fabric or thread, I've found that the clutch mechanism in this thing can...Read more

I was a little worried about buying this machine. The Sailrite machine gets such great reviews, and everywhere I looked at the Relaible machine online this same single review kept showing up bashing it. I couldn't afford $900 for the Sailrite. When I saw the Reliable machine was available at the Defender Industries annual spring sale I went and looked at it. A liveaboard cruising sailor I met at Defender that day owned a Sailrite and had been using it for years. We went over the Reliable machine together and it looked good. He felt it was built the same inside and out as his machine, (including the foot control). At $450 this machine was literally half the price of the Sailrite, and I bought it.
This machine does not come with a carrying/storage case. the Sailrite does, and the case is a bit over $100 to buy separately.
This machine comes with a very basic manual. I think the Sailrite comes with several reference manuals which look like they could be very helpful...Read more

"JC's" review helped my decision and he was almost right. This is a decent product. Not a Sailrite, not the bottom , just above the middle well worth the money. Unfortunately the plastic tray and base are just flimsy and not matching the quality of the machine, therefore useless. Just make a wood base for it (like a Sailrite). First thing: tighten the clutch before use. Blame the global economy, half the machine parts read "Singer". 120 yards triple layer of 8.25oz WM Marine fabric with one layer of heavy 1" webbing later confirms that it works just fine! 6 layers of WM Marine fabric with two layers of heavy 1" webbing went with some eventual complaint. It took some helping the wheel @ 4 layers of webbing & 6 layers of WM Marine fabric to start a corner. Still, good torque and penetration. I do need to tweak the tension and some other minor details , try other materials etc. but so far so good. Use EYE protection specially when working with many layers !