I bought closed cell foam cushions from BottomSiders this past winter - white with a forrest green pinstripe. Used them for the first time last weekend and found that the pinstripe smeared all over the white. Contacted BottomSiders and found that they already know that suntan lotion and insect repellent cause this to happen (only 2 of the most important things on my boat!). BottomSiders sent me instructions for how to remove the smear, but apparently this will happen every time someone with suntan lotion or insect repellent touches the pinstripe. The customer service rep told me that I should just flip the cushions and use the unstriped side instead or just clean them every time. I paid $700 for these cushions, they've been use twice, and they look like they are several years old already. The BottomSiders guarantee is useless - the best they will do for me is recoat but then the cushions will shrink! I've learned my lesson..... I'll never buy from BottomSiders again. If you're in the market, stay away!
Beware - BottomSiders Cushions
- Thread starter augustwinds
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In their Defense...
I have had BS for 10 years and couldn't be more pleased. There was an explicit warning about using CERTAIN sunscreens. Mine are white with Navy Blue piping. I still use sunscreen every time out and haven't had a problem. I have made recommendations to others who have also bought them and encountered no problems. And I continue to recommend them. Granted, you are disappointed and they are expensive, but they have given me good service over the years.
I have had BS for 10 years and couldn't be more pleased. There was an explicit warning about using CERTAIN sunscreens. Mine are white with Navy Blue piping. I still use sunscreen every time out and haven't had a problem. I have made recommendations to others who have also bought them and encountered no problems. And I continue to recommend them. Granted, you are disappointed and they are expensive, but they have given me good service over the years.
So what's the secret potion?
That causes this smearing? My father has them on his boat (came with the boat, 1994 model.) No smear so far, but what should be watch out for?
That causes this smearing? My father has them on his boat (came with the boat, 1994 model.) No smear so far, but what should be watch out for?
From the BottomSiders cushion care card
'Insect repellent and and sun tan lotion: Use care when using insect repellent and/or suntan lotion. We have been told on a couple of occasions that these have smeared the pinstripe. (Example: OFF insect repellent and Solarcane Sunburn Lotion.)' We've sold about 250 sets of the cushions and I think this is the second report we've had of pinstripe smearing. I'll tell you the first thing that jumps to my mind: if this stuff is eating paint, what the heck is it doing to your skin? Food for thought.
'Insect repellent and and sun tan lotion: Use care when using insect repellent and/or suntan lotion. We have been told on a couple of occasions that these have smeared the pinstripe. (Example: OFF insect repellent and Solarcane Sunburn Lotion.)' We've sold about 250 sets of the cushions and I think this is the second report we've had of pinstripe smearing. I'll tell you the first thing that jumps to my mind: if this stuff is eating paint, what the heck is it doing to your skin? Food for thought.
There are alternatives
This is no knock on Bottomsiders, just my own personal preference. In years past, I skied with those old Ensolite vests that were sticky when it was hot, so the Bottomsiders never really tempted me. Last year, I purchased cushions from our hosts at Sailboatowners.com made out of non-absorbent foam covered with the mesh material (name escapes me right now, ... something like; S...tex) with contrasting piping. They are superb in fit, finish and comfort, and priced favorably compared to Bottomsiders. SBO representatives were outstanding in making sure that the process went well. No problems with sunscreen, not sticky and as they are covered with a breathable fabric, they feel cooler. They are also supposedly more durable than Sunbrella. They are also not in their on-line catalog, you will have to email customer service.
This is no knock on Bottomsiders, just my own personal preference. In years past, I skied with those old Ensolite vests that were sticky when it was hot, so the Bottomsiders never really tempted me. Last year, I purchased cushions from our hosts at Sailboatowners.com made out of non-absorbent foam covered with the mesh material (name escapes me right now, ... something like; S...tex) with contrasting piping. They are superb in fit, finish and comfort, and priced favorably compared to Bottomsiders. SBO representatives were outstanding in making sure that the process went well. No problems with sunscreen, not sticky and as they are covered with a breathable fabric, they feel cooler. They are also supposedly more durable than Sunbrella. They are also not in their on-line catalog, you will have to email customer service.
Agree With All
I like the cushions very much and am sorry that this happened..... A few more points for BottomSiders to consider - put the warning about the sunscreen and insect repellent on the order page (I probably would not have bought them). The rep said today that I didn't have to have pin stripes (the order page online doesn't give you that option). We were using No-Ad sunscreen and Off Deep Woods insect spray. My hope is that this smearing will stop eventually but BottomSiders didn't seem to know.... If yours aren't maybe they won't at all.
I like the cushions very much and am sorry that this happened..... A few more points for BottomSiders to consider - put the warning about the sunscreen and insect repellent on the order page (I probably would not have bought them). The rep said today that I didn't have to have pin stripes (the order page online doesn't give you that option). We were using No-Ad sunscreen and Off Deep Woods insect spray. My hope is that this smearing will stop eventually but BottomSiders didn't seem to know.... If yours aren't maybe they won't at all.
Suntan lotion on plastic glasses.....
We have had similar problems with suntan lotion on plastic/acrylic glasses too. If you have this stuff on your hands it actually imprints your finger prints right into the glass. And then the sun crazes them too. We have covered our Bottom Siders with a terry cloth cover to keep them cooler in the sun, so we do not really experience this problem. During the cooler months, we don't need the covers and just use them without.
We have had similar problems with suntan lotion on plastic/acrylic glasses too. If you have this stuff on your hands it actually imprints your finger prints right into the glass. And then the sun crazes them too. We have covered our Bottom Siders with a terry cloth cover to keep them cooler in the sun, so we do not really experience this problem. During the cooler months, we don't need the covers and just use them without.
bottom siders lack customer service
i agrre with your opinion on Bottomsiders. I paid over $1,000 for mine. they were quick to cash the chech . But very indignent to my asgint to have the mane put on all cushons. I wanted this incase one bklew off the boat someone in the marina would return it to me. i got lipservice no action. They need some charm schooling
i agrre with your opinion on Bottomsiders. I paid over $1,000 for mine. they were quick to cash the chech . But very indignent to my asgint to have the mane put on all cushons. I wanted this incase one bklew off the boat someone in the marina would return it to me. i got lipservice no action. They need some charm schooling
just say no!!
after 3 months, my bottomsiders (for catalina380) started to form what could best be described as cellulite. they look like cottage cheese. i took digital pictures of them and sent them to the company. they proceeded to lecture me about proper storage and how putting sharp objects on them would distort their "memory". i had a pair of c-cushions for three years with absolutely no problems. the c-cusions did not tear, smear, or develope cellulite. i should have gone with c-cusions, but they cost $50 more with a 2 week longer lead time. bottomsiders took no responsibility for the problem and told me if i sent them back they would look at them. they also told me to flip them over so the bumpy surface would not show. i told them i had planned on flipping them over in about 3 years not 3 mnonths. what a bad company. go with c-cushions.
after 3 months, my bottomsiders (for catalina380) started to form what could best be described as cellulite. they look like cottage cheese. i took digital pictures of them and sent them to the company. they proceeded to lecture me about proper storage and how putting sharp objects on them would distort their "memory". i had a pair of c-cushions for three years with absolutely no problems. the c-cusions did not tear, smear, or develope cellulite. i should have gone with c-cusions, but they cost $50 more with a 2 week longer lead time. bottomsiders took no responsibility for the problem and told me if i sent them back they would look at them. they also told me to flip them over so the bumpy surface would not show. i told them i had planned on flipping them over in about 3 years not 3 mnonths. what a bad company. go with c-cushions.
James
Their web site says they print boat names on the cushions for $45. I had that done on mine. I don't understand, what was the problem?
Their web site says they print boat names on the cushions for $45. I had that done on mine. I don't understand, what was the problem?
One Last Thing..
What really gets me the most is that if this really only happens so rarely, why does BottomSiders have a ready-made, formatted set of instructions for how to remove the smear??? I had c-cushions on my previous boat and bought these because they were a little cheaper and were the only ones available through the chandlery. If I had to do it over again I would buy c-cushions again - I had absolutely no problem with them and they are 19 year old!! (p.s. they look better than these new ones...)
What really gets me the most is that if this really only happens so rarely, why does BottomSiders have a ready-made, formatted set of instructions for how to remove the smear??? I had c-cushions on my previous boat and bought these because they were a little cheaper and were the only ones available through the chandlery. If I had to do it over again I would buy c-cushions again - I had absolutely no problem with them and they are 19 year old!! (p.s. they look better than these new ones...)
Clarification
I want to clarify that these cushions were _not_ purchased through our Chandlery. Had they been, augustwinds would have had a partner in finding a solution, not to mention additional recourse. For what it's worth, this problem does not sound irreconcilable to me. But this probably isn't the right medium in which to find resolution. ph.
I want to clarify that these cushions were _not_ purchased through our Chandlery. Had they been, augustwinds would have had a partner in finding a solution, not to mention additional recourse. For what it's worth, this problem does not sound irreconcilable to me. But this probably isn't the right medium in which to find resolution. ph.
Let's get it on!
...I think this is the perfect medium for this discussion. Sure beats "which is the best boat?" or "theoretical hull speed" I'm waiting for the Bottomsider rep to get involved..... or maybe he/she is already here...hmmm.
...I think this is the perfect medium for this discussion. Sure beats "which is the best boat?" or "theoretical hull speed" I'm waiting for the Bottomsider rep to get involved..... or maybe he/she is already here...hmmm.
Deet is a big problem
C cushions have the same problem now with the higher deet content. However suntan lotion does not effect them. I was told that the high Deet content softens the cushions.
C cushions have the same problem now with the higher deet content. However suntan lotion does not effect them. I was told that the high Deet content softens the cushions.
An alternative
We had full cushions made for our last boat (not bottomsiders)--on this boat we tried a couple Sportaseats--they're several different brands/versions out there. We started with 2, liked them so much we bought 2 more--easy to stow (hence protect), VERY comfortable--we've decided to do away with any plans for fitted cushions. Fair winds, Bill
We had full cushions made for our last boat (not bottomsiders)--on this boat we tried a couple Sportaseats--they're several different brands/versions out there. We started with 2, liked them so much we bought 2 more--easy to stow (hence protect), VERY comfortable--we've decided to do away with any plans for fitted cushions. Fair winds, Bill
Now that is an excellent idea, Bill.
... I find having a few cushions in the cockpit that can be arranged to each person's comfort more practcal. Regarding sun tan lotion..... Crew or guests on my boat are not allowed to slather on lotion or oil and lay out for a tan without a towel between them and any part of my boat. A few years ago a buddy came out for a "ride". First thing he did was take off his shirt, pour on the lotion and prop himself up against the bulkhead. That grease was all over the instruments(another good reason not to locate them there) the coaming and winch, and my cockpit cushions. What a PIA to clean. I think those sport seats with an adjustable back and canvas covers are a good solution.... I'll still require the towel though.
... I find having a few cushions in the cockpit that can be arranged to each person's comfort more practcal. Regarding sun tan lotion..... Crew or guests on my boat are not allowed to slather on lotion or oil and lay out for a tan without a towel between them and any part of my boat. A few years ago a buddy came out for a "ride". First thing he did was take off his shirt, pour on the lotion and prop himself up against the bulkhead. That grease was all over the instruments(another good reason not to locate them there) the coaming and winch, and my cockpit cushions. What a PIA to clean. I think those sport seats with an adjustable back and canvas covers are a good solution.... I'll still require the towel though.
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