I just finished installing a replacement forward hatch from Cruising Concepts on my '81 C27. This is in addition to the replacement cabin lights, also shown in the first attachment. It has been a great pleasure working with the company and its main man, Mike Powell. Not only are these products a great addition to the boat, but Mike is a man of his word who stands behind his work. The relevant words here are "unconditional guarantee." The whole story is that I received a hatch from Mike last spring. The edges were arched a bit high so the hatch did not seat on the seal. Mike offered to fix this if I would send the hatch back to him. The process involves 2 x 4s and clamps, a black plastic bag, and sun to warm the hatch. For two reasons, I decided I could probably do the adjusting myself: First, I have plenty of clamps and 2 x 4s; second, there's a lot more warmth and sun here in Davis, CA, than up north of Seattle in the San Juan Islands where Mike works. So I proceeded to set the hatch up with the wood and clamps, cranked down on the clamps, put the result in the sun inside a black plastic bag, and waited a few hours. When I went back and released the hatch from its compression, it had cracked. As Mike explained, since I clamped all 4 sides at once; there was nowhere for the stresses in the bending material to release as it warmed, thus the crack (BTW, the arches had been reduced, also). Mike philosophically chalked this up to "research," and said he would make another. I sent measurements of the arches on each side of the hatch opening, and Mike turned these into a new investment casting. This went to the fabricator, and eventually the new hatch arrived. When I installed it, it seated perfectly.
So, many thanks to Mike Powell and Cruising Concepts for standing behind his product. Throughout all this, he said not one harsh word about my error and did not charge a bit more for the second hatch.
Peter
Please note that my only relationship with Cruising Concepts is as a satisfied, happy customer.
So, many thanks to Mike Powell and Cruising Concepts for standing behind his product. Throughout all this, he said not one harsh word about my error and did not charge a bit more for the second hatch.
Peter
Please note that my only relationship with Cruising Concepts is as a satisfied, happy customer.
