Are all canopy makers unreliable?

[Kwester 3]

Hi all, can anyone shed light on why canopy makers are so unreliable, I own a vessel moored in Gillingham marina on the river Medway in Kent, I wanted a new cover for the aft deck helm position on my boat, and a cover to wrap around the wheelhouse, along with some hatch covers, the first company I contacted was a local well known business based in Chatham marina, I was told the work would take no more than 6-7 weeks, 7 months later all I had was a wheelhouse screen cover that looked like a 5 year old had made it, no aft deck cover and no hatch covers, I ended it with that business, I contacted another local business who also agreed to take on the work, and sort out and refit the wheelhouse screen covers, 5 months later I still have no aft deck cover, the screen covers are gone, and there are 2 of the 4 hatch covers onboard, and they don’t fit very well, why do these businesses behave like this?, surely they should give thought to there reputation, it’s now a year later and I wish I had not bothered starting the process, are all canopy makers like this?.

 

[Poignard]

No, they are not all crap.
I have had a sprayhood made by TecSew and a cockpit enclosure by Comfort Afloat, both are excellent. Unfortunately for you they are in Gosport.

 

[CalicoJack]

Wilkinson Sails at Faversham did a very good job for us.

 

[doug748]

Not much help to you but, although busy, the girls at Ocean Canvas do what they say they will and deliver on time:

Boat, Yacht, Marine Custom Covers Plymouth, Devon, England :: Ocean Canvas UK

 

[Refueler]

I have to agree with others ... no they are not all crap. You just seem to have hit on two that are .......

I had excellent service from a small outfit on Hayling Island years ago ... but I'm sure they've moved on now.

Question though .... did either of the two makers visit the boat to measure up ? Or did you give the patterns / old for copying ?

 

[Kwester 3]

I have to agree with others ... no they are not all crap. You just seem to have hit on two that are .......

I had excellent service from a small outfit on Hayling Island years ago ... but I'm sure they've moved on now.

Question though .... did either of the two makers visit the boat to measure up ? Or did you give the patterns / old for copying ?

Hi they both came to visit the boat, they both measured up, and both of them consistently said they were getting on with it, but months later with nothing done my patience ran out, I don’t understand there mentality.

 

[Kwester 3]

Wilkinson Sails at Faversham did a very good job for us.

How long did the job take?, and was it done in the time they said it would be done?

 

[MoodySabre]

I expect that you have chosen companies based on price rather than recommendation. Tecsew mentioned above is top of the range and price scale. You have been a member here for 7 years and didn't ask for a recommendation. Try it. The East Coast forum is probably better for your location.
I used Jeckells who visited the boat and made a cockpit tent to my requirements. I don't know if they come that far south. Not the cheapest but good.

 

[MoodySabre]

How long did the job take?, and was it done in the time they said it would be done?

Cindy at Wilkinsons won't make promises she can't keep.

 

[Kwester 3]

I expect that you have chosen companies based on price rather than recommendation. Tecsew mentioned above is top of the range and price scale. You have been a member here for 7 years and didn't ask for a recommendation. Try it. The East Coast forum is probably better for your location.
I used Jeckells who visited the boat and made a cockpit tent to my requirements. I don't know if they come that far south. Not the cheapest but good.

The first business I tried, Trimnet were not cheap, but just didn’t do the job, and as mentioned the wheelhouse screen covers were shockingly badly made, the second business that I will keep nameless for now has broken their promise on getting the job done, it’s now been 5 months.

 

[Robin B]

Jeckells have been great with me - several boats: mattresses, canopies, cushions, bits and bobs.

 

[[70521]]

I use Frank Rowsell in Exmouth, small but brilliant.

 

[Gwylan]

Cindy at Wilkinsons is in the area and done a few jobs for me. No problem recommending them.
She is around on this site sometimes - but I have not seen her recently.

She was in Ramsgate the other day - well before Christmas, I think.

 

[BruceK]

I empathise. It's been my misfortune to run into some cowboys too. Mine is baggy and ill fitting. As I had paid for the material in advance I took possession of the cover but simply refused to pay for his labour. Happy for him to take me to court. He's no longer in business, I have a cover that is at least waterproof. If I go to a tailor for a suit I dont expect to pay for trousers that sag off my ass like old man's trousers.

 

[Mr Googler]

Jagara Canopies Ltd

Based in Rochford

 

[rubberduck]

Question should be " are all marine maintenance suppliers hopeless" !!

 

[HappyAfloat]

Another vote for Wilkinsons.

 

[Hurricane]

Not really your area but Jim at JB Covers, in the Hamble is a real favourite on this forum.
See this thread from 2012
JB Covers

or make them yourself - thats what I've been doing but it is a lot of work.

 

[CalicoJack]

How long did the job take?, and was it done in the time they said it would be done?

Yes, done on time and to the price quoted.

 

[bobtooke]

+1 for JB Covers. Jim just made a new canopy for my Bayliner and it's top notch quality. He even spent over an hour going through fitting and how best to use and store it. I can't praise him or his work enough.