Canvas Situation

[Gofirstclass]

You guys who are griping about the service guys you deal with may have to adopt new tactics. When we bought Beachcomber and brought her home for the first time there were two boat mechanics in the area. One was a drunk and stoner, the second guy was an old fart (like I am now) and I didn't trust the quality of his work.

A new guy came to town (sounds like the old western movie where there's a new sheriff in town) so I dropped by his shop to chat. He seemed knowledgeable, friendly and took time from his day to just chat.

Over the years this relationship has grown. About once a month I take them a dozen donuts or will buy lunch for all of them. Bribery? You bet, and it pays off. When we broke down on our way to Seattle earlier this month I called him on his cell phone from the middle of the Columbia River to let him know what happened. He agreed to drop what he was doing the next morning and meet me at the boat at 10:00 a.m.

He showed up a bit early, pulled the part that had failed and the connecting parts and was done. He said he needed to leave because they had 50 boats in the yard they were waiting to get to.

Now THAT is service, and it comes with a smile. Does it cost me to buy them dounuts or lunch? You bet. Does it pay off in the long run? You bet.

 

[Jeff Delbuono]

At the begining of every seasson when i put my boat in i make it a point ro go say hi to all the employees at my marina. I kindly slide each one a c note and say this is for doing a great job. ( only 4 guys at mine ) Never have i ever had to ask a second time for anything or beg for them to stay late if im running late to the gas dock. BRIBERY? dame straight...... but happy to do it.

 

[Soulshine]

Update:

Having squared up our differences of last year I went with the local guy. He’s wrapping it up right now and it looks amazing. I went down to have a look like I have every other night or so and ran into him putting the finishing touches on. He spent about a week and a half on it with a couple of missed days due to rain.

We talked about a few details over a beer and agreed to meet tomorrow to settle up on the balance.

I just couldn’t justify the nearly $3000 more when weighed against the differences. The Strataglass was a good chunk of that and it made little difference to me.

I’ll take some pics tomorrow.

 

[Soulshine]

Some interior reinforcement detail

Stern view

Port stern quarter.

Port T-Top and it’s side curtain.

I like it! I met him at his house to settle up and had a beer and a nice time on the deck with our wives.

All is well with the world.