Photo courtesy of Shurhold
The bolt in the handle on my Shurhold buffing machine vibrated out and fell overboard in 16 feet of water-most likely because I had not tightened it sufficiently. I called Shurhold (www.shurhold.com) to purchase a replacement bolt. When I asked what I owed them, I was told not to worry about it, and I received two replacement bolts and the tool for their replacement, even though I admitted responsibility for the problem. In short, I am impressed with Shurholds customer service!
William Van Wagoner
Via email
After sailing into Christiansted, St. Croix, I unzipped the bimini to prepare for using the barbecue, and the plastic zipper pull box shattered in my hand. The next day, after coming up empty at two different well-stocked marine supply stores on St. Croix, we were directed to Chrissi Serinis canvas and sail repair shop on the boardwalk in Christiansted (340/727-7245). Not only did Chrissi have the exact zipper pull needed, she offered to give me a spare for the future and refused to take any payment. If you need dinghy chaps, bimini, or dodger repairs, or any canvas work done while on St. Croix, she has a well-appointed shop and is a delightful, helpful person to boot!
Mark Mongold & Arlene Yu
Samba Girl, Jenneau 379
Natures Head (www.natureshead.net) needs to be recognized in this category. When we have questions they are Johnny on the spot helping out. Our little circulation fan died, and they sent us a replacement and a spare at no charge. We have used our Natures Head for our extended cruises for several years. We have been able to use it even when on the hard while living aboard and working on boat projects. We cannot say how much we appreciate not having to climb down a ladder in the dark or during a storm to hike to the nearest shoreside head. We are happy campers!
Reggie Good
Submit, Cal Cruising 36
Lakeside, Mont.
Our 2006 Catalina-Morgan has large, fixed, custom-sized ports manufactured by Bomar on the sides and front of the main saloon.After chasing leaks for several years, I contacted Pompanette (www.pompanette.com), Bomars parent company.Despite my boat being nearly 10 years old, they agreed to reseal the lenses in the side frames, if I shipped them to the plant. The lenses have been reinstalled using butyl tape and are performing like new again. Bomars service in response to my frustrating leak chase was exemplary considering the time that has passed. Kudos are due.
Forrest & Susie Lott
Andiamo!, Catalina Morgan 440 No. 34
Savannah, Ga.
I have an older, no frills, yet solidly made Datamarine depth sounder that recently stopped working. It must be 25-plus years old. Datamarine, at one point, was an incredibly popular brand of instruments for sailboats. Because of the age of the depth sounder, replacing it with new would also require a new transducer, which meant hauling out my boat. Thankfully, DMI (www.dmimarine.com) expertly repaired my sounder for a reasonable fee. Plus, it was returned to me in just a few weeks in brand new condition.
Steve, the owner at DMI, bought out Datamarines parts inventory 13 years ago when he was their employee as they closed their doors. He has been tirelessly building a huge list of very happy customers with his incredible phone support and professional repair of Datamarine instruments. When I call their office, the staff is knowledgeable, courteous, and pleasant to converse with when asking for assistance.
Jordan Snyder
Base Camp, Pearson 27
Bethesda, Md.
While refurbishing my boat, I searched for a new suit of sails. I contacted six sailmakers, and it was obvious that several had minimal interest in my smallish order. Mack Sails (www.macksails.com), however, provided me with recommendations that made me the most comfortable. Their price was very competitive.
The best part was Mack Sails response to an unfortunate measurement error on the genoa, which was my fault. They insisted on recutting the sail and shipping it back to me at no charge. They expressed that their goal was a good product and a satisfied customer. Thank you Mack Sails, especially Travis, for a great product and service.
Bill Schell
1975 30-foot Rawson sloop
San Francisco, Calif.
