Hello All, I just thought I pass along a warning about doing business with "The Canvas Store" in Huntington NY. They are the ones that advertise in all the major magazines for their custom fit winter covers. I ordered a cover for my B321 last winter, and when it arrived it didn't fit. Panels sewn-in the wrong way and it didn't stretch taught like a tent over the boom like their ads show. It was just plain wrong, period. I contacted them and talked to Steve, the owner, who told me to just do the best with that cover then since it was January and he didn't want me out there changing a cover in the dead of winter. He assured me he would make me a brand new cover and make sure I was taken care of. During the summer, I sent the cover back to them as they were then telling me they were going to re-cut or repair the cover that didn't fit instead of making a new one. Steve would no longer take my phone calls or reply personally to my emails. They had my cover all summer and Fall, and now its December and there's 6+ inches of snow on my boat with no cover. I've been calling since October when I hauled out for the winter, and was kept being told it was "going on the floor" in a couple days and would be shipped soon. I called again early last week and was told it was being shipped that day. It's now 10 days later and no cover. I'm tired of having to constantly call only to be lied to and jerked around. If this cover ever does show up, I will be putting it on in sub-freezing temps while climbing around a boat covered with snow and ice...imagine that! DO BUSINESS WITH THIS COMPANY AT YOUR OWN RISK! THEY DO NOT STAND BEHIND THEIR PRODUCT AND THEIR CUSTOMER SERVICE IS NON-EXISTENT. Tim S/V Reverie.
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If you paid with a credit card
Call the card issuer (Visa, MC, Discover, Amex...whichever) and tell 'em you want to dispute the charge and why. That'll either get you new canvas that's right or get your money back if the vendor continues to be uncooperative.
Call the card issuer (Visa, MC, Discover, Amex...whichever) and tell 'em you want to dispute the charge and why. That'll either get you new canvas that's right or get your money back if the vendor continues to be uncooperative.
Canvas store
Sorry to hear about your experience. I had them make a dodger for me a couple of years ago and the experience was all good, the product was custom and perfect, price was good, it was installed at my boat on time and no complaints at all
Sorry to hear about your experience. I had them make a dodger for me a couple of years ago and the experience was all good, the product was custom and perfect, price was good, it was installed at my boat on time and no complaints at all
Some progress...
Well I finally got the owner on the phone....he claims he didn't know any of this was going on and apologized profusely. He said there's been some problems with the "staff" and things were going to "taken care of". He said he'd send me a "Christmas present", hopefully its a check I can use to pay someone to put this thing on! The saga continues....
Well I finally got the owner on the phone....he claims he didn't know any of this was going on and apologized profusely. He said there's been some problems with the "staff" and things were going to "taken care of". He said he'd send me a "Christmas present", hopefully its a check I can use to pay someone to put this thing on! The saga continues....
uncovered
Tim, I've had similar problems with the CANVAS STORE ALSO. They installed a cover on my power boat that was so tight the pulled the windshield out of the mounts, and cracked all the glass. When i contacted them the next day they claimed it was already broken. In addition they came back and took the cover back, then claimed they never made one for my boat because of the damaged windshield. Since I paid cash I lost this round. But since I live in the area and am an active member of a power squadron I never stop telling people my story and convince them to go elsewhere. You may have recourse through your credit card company chasing them. Since I now sail a catalina 27' watch out for DOYLE SAILS located in huntington. They will pull the same stunt on the unsuspecting.
Tim, I've had similar problems with the CANVAS STORE ALSO. They installed a cover on my power boat that was so tight the pulled the windshield out of the mounts, and cracked all the glass. When i contacted them the next day they claimed it was already broken. In addition they came back and took the cover back, then claimed they never made one for my boat because of the damaged windshield. Since I paid cash I lost this round. But since I live in the area and am an active member of a power squadron I never stop telling people my story and convince them to go elsewhere. You may have recourse through your credit card company chasing them. Since I now sail a catalina 27' watch out for DOYLE SAILS located in huntington. They will pull the same stunt on the unsuspecting.
Canvas store
Hi Tim, I had asked the Canvas Store for a quote for a cover for my C&C 30 MkII. At first they sent me a quote for the older 30`s made between 1971 and 1983. I wrote back saying that my model was built between 1987 and 1995. A completely different boat. They never got back to me. I can suggest to you Quite Canvas Manufacturing in Kingston Ontario. They have smaller ads in the classifieds of the major publications. I have seen many of their covers in the Lake Champlain New York area so I know that shipping to the states poses no problem for them. Keebles in Belleville Ontario makes an equally good cover.
Hi Tim, I had asked the Canvas Store for a quote for a cover for my C&C 30 MkII. At first they sent me a quote for the older 30`s made between 1971 and 1983. I wrote back saying that my model was built between 1987 and 1995. A completely different boat. They never got back to me. I can suggest to you Quite Canvas Manufacturing in Kingston Ontario. They have smaller ads in the classifieds of the major publications. I have seen many of their covers in the Lake Champlain New York area so I know that shipping to the states poses no problem for them. Keebles in Belleville Ontario makes an equally good cover.
Custom cover blues everywhere
Tim, I had a similar cover made by one of their competitors (who will go unnamed)and also got a bad fit. I stated clearly that it was for my 1980's boat rather than the 1970's version, and they swore up and down that they had the measurements for my model, but the fit of the cover seems like it's for the earlier model. They say they will modify it to fit better when I take it off in the Spring, and maybe they will, but it's aggravating to spend that much and not have a proper fit. It seems like an all-too-common problem with the custom shops...
Tim, I had a similar cover made by one of their competitors (who will go unnamed)and also got a bad fit. I stated clearly that it was for my 1980's boat rather than the 1970's version, and they swore up and down that they had the measurements for my model, but the fit of the cover seems like it's for the earlier model. They say they will modify it to fit better when I take it off in the Spring, and maybe they will, but it's aggravating to spend that much and not have a proper fit. It seems like an all-too-common problem with the custom shops...
Canvas Store
Anyone experiencing problems with this guy should try McSorley Custom Yacht Canvas in Huntington. Top quality craftmanship and great prices. ask for Dave at 516 781-0426
Anyone experiencing problems with this guy should try McSorley Custom Yacht Canvas in Huntington. Top quality craftmanship and great prices. ask for Dave at 516 781-0426
any good experiences?
I just met with The Canvas Shop last Saturday to review the costs and design options for a new canvas package for my B473. Steve was very nice and very helpful. I'm also shopping around for other options and quotes before I make a final decision - any canvas shop will have their share of problems - especially with a mail order piece where they are not installing it directly. I will keep my boat in Huntington and the boat would be available for them to perform the install - I have to assume this would make a big difference. I've only heard good things about The Canvas Shop. Has anybody had any positive experience with Steve and The Canvas Shop?
I just met with The Canvas Shop last Saturday to review the costs and design options for a new canvas package for my B473. Steve was very nice and very helpful. I'm also shopping around for other options and quotes before I make a final decision - any canvas shop will have their share of problems - especially with a mail order piece where they are not installing it directly. I will keep my boat in Huntington and the boat would be available for them to perform the install - I have to assume this would make a big difference. I've only heard good things about The Canvas Shop. Has anybody had any positive experience with Steve and The Canvas Shop?
"The Canvas Store"
I'm not currently in the market for any canvas work, but reading this stuff sure gives one something to think about. These forums are exactly the answer to problems like this. I'm sure The Canvas Shop has done a good job on some customers with no need for a folow up, but I sure wouldn't want to be in Tim's shoes if I could avoid it. Being that I know Dave McSorley personally, I would opt to do business with him. He's a 'good guy'.
I'm not currently in the market for any canvas work, but reading this stuff sure gives one something to think about. These forums are exactly the answer to problems like this. I'm sure The Canvas Shop has done a good job on some customers with no need for a folow up, but I sure wouldn't want to be in Tim's shoes if I could avoid it. Being that I know Dave McSorley personally, I would opt to do business with him. He's a 'good guy'.
Two words "Fairclough Covers"
in New Haven, CT Best winter covers I have ever seen. But to give the canvas shop in huntington ny a bit of credit I think they can do good work and heard good thingw from some people but I think maybe they over extend themselves a bit once in while...... Peace
in New Haven, CT Best winter covers I have ever seen. But to give the canvas shop in huntington ny a bit of credit I think they can do good work and heard good thingw from some people but I think maybe they over extend themselves a bit once in while...... Peace
Canvas Store - bad experience
If all goes well ther're good, HOWEVER, when things don't go well they just don't seem to care and have a knack for really ticking off the customer. Their attitude seemed like "get out of my way, I have new orders to take care of!" Originally ordered a bimini from them which I was very pleased with. Next year ordered a dodger and connector. Dodger fit well but the connector was baggy. After many unanswered calls etc., stoped into the shop on my summer cruise and they re-adjusted in about an hour. Still okay so far. Next year ordered side curtains, Steve said he needed the dodger and connector which I delivered to his shop in Febuary. Was assured I would have them back by spring. Everytime I called as to status, it was always scheduled to go to the production floor next week. April came and I still had not received the dodger, connector or new curtains. Now my calls were unanswered. Steve always seemed to be on the road. Went to his shop ( about 1 1/2 hour drive by car ) got my dodger but they said that I never gave them the connector!After much arguing, they did make another connector and send it to me but again it had to be adjusted which I did myself. This connector affects the bimini fit causing the bimini to bag slightly at the aft allowing water to soak thru. Use wine corks behind the aft support to strench out the binimi and it seems to work, but a real pita when taking down. Bottom line, still don't have the side curtains, connector had to be adjusted by me. Don't really expect the side curtains to show up anytime soon, after my "conversation" with Steve at a recent boat show. His explanation for the baggy bimini is that I must have bent one of the frames.
If all goes well ther're good, HOWEVER, when things don't go well they just don't seem to care and have a knack for really ticking off the customer. Their attitude seemed like "get out of my way, I have new orders to take care of!" Originally ordered a bimini from them which I was very pleased with. Next year ordered a dodger and connector. Dodger fit well but the connector was baggy. After many unanswered calls etc., stoped into the shop on my summer cruise and they re-adjusted in about an hour. Still okay so far. Next year ordered side curtains, Steve said he needed the dodger and connector which I delivered to his shop in Febuary. Was assured I would have them back by spring. Everytime I called as to status, it was always scheduled to go to the production floor next week. April came and I still had not received the dodger, connector or new curtains. Now my calls were unanswered. Steve always seemed to be on the road. Went to his shop ( about 1 1/2 hour drive by car ) got my dodger but they said that I never gave them the connector!After much arguing, they did make another connector and send it to me but again it had to be adjusted which I did myself. This connector affects the bimini fit causing the bimini to bag slightly at the aft allowing water to soak thru. Use wine corks behind the aft support to strench out the binimi and it seems to work, but a real pita when taking down. Bottom line, still don't have the side curtains, connector had to be adjusted by me. Don't really expect the side curtains to show up anytime soon, after my "conversation" with Steve at a recent boat show. His explanation for the baggy bimini is that I must have bent one of the frames.
yep! me too
I also had a bad experience, althou not the place in NY. This place was off RT.20 near Worcester,Ma. I bought the boat to them,{Bass boat}. They kept it for a week,when I picked it up they didn't replace any hardware, {my fault for not mentioning it, ok I could live with that} on the drive home at about 40 mph the cover filled with air and ripped. Again, my fault for towing with a cover on. My argument was they help me hook the trailer up to the car, if it wasn't to be towed with the cover on, they should have taken the cover off. I have learned a great deal about people and businesses after that happened some twenty five years ago, mostly I have learn to listen to old people, they have been there and done that! Thanks for letting me sound off, I home with the flu.. Jack
I also had a bad experience, althou not the place in NY. This place was off RT.20 near Worcester,Ma. I bought the boat to them,{Bass boat}. They kept it for a week,when I picked it up they didn't replace any hardware, {my fault for not mentioning it, ok I could live with that} on the drive home at about 40 mph the cover filled with air and ripped. Again, my fault for towing with a cover on. My argument was they help me hook the trailer up to the car, if it wasn't to be towed with the cover on, they should have taken the cover off. I have learned a great deal about people and businesses after that happened some twenty five years ago, mostly I have learn to listen to old people, they have been there and done that! Thanks for letting me sound off, I home with the flu.. Jack
MJB
The only positive thing about "the Canvas shop" is to STAY AWAY, customers are treated without any consideration or care regarding the poor shoddy work with lame excuses when you finally get them on the phone. B
The only positive thing about "the Canvas shop" is to STAY AWAY, customers are treated without any consideration or care regarding the poor shoddy work with lame excuses when you finally get them on the phone. B
Sea Canvas
I'm on season three with the custom cover Carl Pellegrini made for my Catalina 320. After the boat was hauled he spent hours measuring for the cover. About a month later he met me at the boat and put the cover on while I took notes. It is a two piece cover which takes about 30 minutes to completely install. I asked him to make a minor adjustment/addition, which he did at no cost! He is based in South Jersey 609 601 2525. One of the best investments I have made for my boat. Kevin s/v Freestyle
I'm on season three with the custom cover Carl Pellegrini made for my Catalina 320. After the boat was hauled he spent hours measuring for the cover. About a month later he met me at the boat and put the cover on while I took notes. It is a two piece cover which takes about 30 minutes to completely install. I asked him to make a minor adjustment/addition, which he did at no cost! He is based in South Jersey 609 601 2525. One of the best investments I have made for my boat. Kevin s/v Freestyle
A great supplier
I have nothing but praise for Custom Covers of Buffalo NY!!!!!!!!!!!! They make great winter covers that FIT as well as dodgers, etc.
I have nothing but praise for Custom Covers of Buffalo NY!!!!!!!!!!!! They make great winter covers that FIT as well as dodgers, etc.
Finally Arrived!
Well it finally showed up! No "Christmas present", though, and not a new one as originally promised last winter. I hope the "repair" hasn't comprimised the integrity of the cover. It's in the teens today in Michigan, and I'm gonna freeze my @#&%s off putting this on this week! I sure hope it fits this time. If I should slip and fall off the boat and kill myself, or end up with irreversible brain damage (my wife has written instructions to pull the the plug), there'll be a nice 1999 321 for sale in Detroit! Tim PS, For those of you who had favorable comments about TCS, please post your email here and I'll get in touch with you to set up a date and time for you to help me put the cover on! ;-)
Well it finally showed up! No "Christmas present", though, and not a new one as originally promised last winter. I hope the "repair" hasn't comprimised the integrity of the cover. It's in the teens today in Michigan, and I'm gonna freeze my @#&%s off putting this on this week! I sure hope it fits this time. If I should slip and fall off the boat and kill myself, or end up with irreversible brain damage (my wife has written instructions to pull the the plug), there'll be a nice 1999 321 for sale in Detroit! Tim PS, For those of you who had favorable comments about TCS, please post your email here and I'll get in touch with you to set up a date and time for you to help me put the cover on! ;-)
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