Seamstress Questions

 

I live in the Upper Peninsula of Michigan, directly across Huron Lake from Mackinac Island.  I have a start up alterations business.  Being the Upper Peninsula and all; hunting, fishing and outdoors (winter) sports is very popular.  Along with boating.  I have had customers bring in heavy duty sporting equipment and clothing.  My current machines can handle the work, but I would like a better machine specialized for heavy duty equipment.  I am on a budget, working a slightly above minimum wage job until I can get more established with the sewing work.  I have researched portable industrial machines.  So far, I am leaning toward the straight stitch ultra-feed Sailrites. 

 

My question is; can I buy the cheapest package to start off and build up as I go along?  Could I insert zippers without purchasing zipper feet on anything from leather coats to say portable fishing tents?  Would there be a market for emergency sewing for boaters?  Or do most boaters already have sewing machines with them?  Even though I know how to sew, I have never sewn for boaters.  Could someone point me to basics? 

 

Thank you for your response.  In my searching I see that the "monster" balance wheel slows down speed.  Does this mean that a machine with the basic wheel only goes fast?  Or can the speed also be controlled when only having the basic wheel?

 

Also while Googling "sailrite" I found a used one for sale through a marine consignment store that is called "Sailrite Apprentice."  It looks like a vintage electric machine.  But the foot control and base of case looks newer.  Description says it has a walking foot.  I couldn't tell from pics if the walking foot is the small type for quilting or like on portable industrial machines.  Is this something once made by your company or was there once a turn of the century sewing machine company of the same name?  If it was made by you are accessories/parts still able to be easily found?

 

Sorry for any "silly" questions.