Kudos to Edson

[Warren Milberg]

Recently, a snap ring, that prevents my steering wheel from moving forward on the shaft, broke (probably due to metal fatigue). Since my steering system was made by Merriman/Yacht Specialties and they are out of business, I had no idea how to replace this important snap ring. In the interim, I fashioned a suitable temporary bushing out of PVC pipe. After coming up empty after searching all the hardware outlets I could think of, I decided to call Edson. The tech I spoke to said "...he was not sure that Edson snap rings would fit my YS system, but he'd just send me a few different sizes and I could see if they worked. No charge."

The rings arrived today. The card in the package indicates the "tech" I spoke to was actually the president of the company. Thank you, Edson!

 

[John Nantz]

"Above and beyond the call of duty"

This is a phrase that comes to mind. When so many consumers shop for price and fail to consider other factors, like after sales service, it allows the give-a-damn initial bottom-line companies drive the good companies out of business.

So many overseas companies fit the give-a-damn mode, build-it-as-cheap-as-you-can, or, cutting the after-sales-service because they don't make any money on it, you wind up with "the nice guys finish last" situation.

Obviously the president of Edson has a different take on business than many companies do and that's how we like to think of small town America, too.

When some large overseas boatbuilder firms won't give you the time of day even though you bought one of their boats it's a good feeling to know that American companies like Catalina and Hunter are still there to answer your phone calls and try to help you out. And that goes for some of the suppliers, too.

Edson has a lot of very useful on-line information on their web site about maintenance and parts for their products. I've captured everything I can that's applicable for inclusion into my boat manual so what you experienced wasn't just a lucky shot in the dark, it's what makes Edson a really good company and why it pays in the long run to have an Edson product on your boat.

Fortunately I haven't had to refer to the literature that much because my helm has held up. I did change a transmission shift cable recently (not their brand but goes inside their helm) and it was very handy to have the step-by-step procedure available. By the way, FWIW, if anyone has a "difficult-to-shift" situation, try changing the cable. Before mine was really stiff but now one can shift with their little pinky.

Way to go Edson!

 

[Tom-in-Annapolis]

Did the Edson Snap ring fit?

That would be useful for us to know.

Thank you,

Tom

 

[bffatcat]

comments on edson

In 1971 shortly after purchasing an Alberg 30 I decided to add wheel steering. I drove down to Edson in New Bedford MA about 70 miles from where I live. I was greeted by Henry Keene
The recent new owner and CEO of Edson. Mr Keene gathered everything I needed for the installation including detailed instructions and had one of his people put everything in my trunk
During the installation I Telephoned Edson several times for help Mr Keene was always available with the help I needed. The entire experience was pleasant. Im sure Henry is no longer there and Edson is a larger co than it was than, But doing business there was a memorable experience on the positive side.

 

[Warren Milberg]

FYI, the fellow I dealt with at Edson, later identified as the president of the company, was Will Keene.

Given the weather here, I haven't been to my boat since the rings arrived, but hope to get out there middle of next week and will let you know if the rings fit. They look like they will.

 

[Warren Milberg]

Edson follow-up: Edson sent me a couple of different rings. I was at my boat today and the split ring and flat washers they sent fit perfectly. The other rings (snap rings) looked like they, too, would fit but I didn't have the right tool to expand them over the steering shaft. This a good end to a good story.