Hello! We are the "new" owners of an 81 Hunter 30 Tall Rigg, looking for the best place to purchase proper fitting canvas (dodger and bimini). We're new at this - so any sage tips would be appreciated. Thanks! - Anne
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Canvas
I purchased a canvas bimini for my Hunter 25.5 from this site Hunterowners.com and I am extremely unhappy with it. First they made it with the backstay opening on the wrong side; I returned it and they did replace it. It still does not fit correctly and when not in use rubs on the backstay creating a hole in the canvas. I called and spoke to them about it not fitting correctly, etc but they were not able to help me solve the problem. I would never buy canvas from them again.
I purchased a canvas bimini for my Hunter 25.5 from this site Hunterowners.com and I am extremely unhappy with it. First they made it with the backstay opening on the wrong side; I returned it and they did replace it. It still does not fit correctly and when not in use rubs on the backstay creating a hole in the canvas. I called and spoke to them about it not fitting correctly, etc but they were not able to help me solve the problem. I would never buy canvas from them again.
Re: Canvas
Sorry to hear of your difficulties. What is your opinion of the top ignoring the backstay issues? Is the construction a good value? (fabric seams/snaps/zippers/tubing bends . . etc) Thanks for your input!
Sorry to hear of your difficulties. What is your opinion of the top ignoring the backstay issues? Is the construction a good value? (fabric seams/snaps/zippers/tubing bends . . etc) Thanks for your input!
Best Canvas
I wrote few days ago, pushed the wrong button and trashed the message. Responses here and my research over the past days on this issue has caused me to change what I had written earlier. If you go to the home page and look at Archives/Project-Photos, or something to that effect there are Bimini and Dodger photos sent in by owners who have faced this issue. In looking over the products on this site, I think I would go to "Custom" as I want a larger top and Stainless tubing. I also looked at Island Nautical Canvas, see link. Their product at first looks less expensive but when you add the cost of extras winds up very close. In both cases, the problem seems to be measurments taken by the owner. Mess up and it is yours. I'm going to look for a local provider near our boat before ordering.
I wrote few days ago, pushed the wrong button and trashed the message. Responses here and my research over the past days on this issue has caused me to change what I had written earlier. If you go to the home page and look at Archives/Project-Photos, or something to that effect there are Bimini and Dodger photos sent in by owners who have faced this issue. In looking over the products on this site, I think I would go to "Custom" as I want a larger top and Stainless tubing. I also looked at Island Nautical Canvas, see link. Their product at first looks less expensive but when you add the cost of extras winds up very close. In both cases, the problem seems to be measurments taken by the owner. Mess up and it is yours. I'm going to look for a local provider near our boat before ordering.
Warranty issues
I just want to note that we've sold 24 of these biminis for the Hunter 25.5 and of the 24 we show two warranty claims, this being one of them. The bimini is pre-patterned, meaning that they are made from a pattern at the canvas shop and the buyer does not have to measure anything. However, now and then we run across a boat where a backstay might be 1/2 inch out of position, which requires an alteration. And, as will happen at _any_ canvas shop, mistakes can be made. IMHO, the measure of a company is what they do about it. Our products are fully guaranteed and, as PJ states, we fixed the problem and paid shipping both ways. If there were further problems we simply had to be notified, but there is no record of that. There is no way _anyone_ could call here and be told there's nothing we can do about canvas fit. Alterations are possible in 99% of situations and we always provide them when necessary. PJ, if you're having trouble with your bimini please call us and allow us the chance to make it right.
I just want to note that we've sold 24 of these biminis for the Hunter 25.5 and of the 24 we show two warranty claims, this being one of them. The bimini is pre-patterned, meaning that they are made from a pattern at the canvas shop and the buyer does not have to measure anything. However, now and then we run across a boat where a backstay might be 1/2 inch out of position, which requires an alteration. And, as will happen at _any_ canvas shop, mistakes can be made. IMHO, the measure of a company is what they do about it. Our products are fully guaranteed and, as PJ states, we fixed the problem and paid shipping both ways. If there were further problems we simply had to be notified, but there is no record of that. There is no way _anyone_ could call here and be told there's nothing we can do about canvas fit. Alterations are possible in 99% of situations and we always provide them when necessary. PJ, if you're having trouble with your bimini please call us and allow us the chance to make it right.
We tried, we tried
We tried with two different manufacturers and finally had to give up. Dodgers are difficult to install and that area around the companionway is one of the most likely to change or be modified from boat to boat. With the close tolerances required to make a good dodger, we couldn't provide a reliable fit. That's why we don't have them on the site anymore. We recommend having one made locally and if that's impossible, Island Nautical is your best bet. I believe there's a link to their site in this thread.
We tried with two different manufacturers and finally had to give up. Dodgers are difficult to install and that area around the companionway is one of the most likely to change or be modified from boat to boat. With the close tolerances required to make a good dodger, we couldn't provide a reliable fit. That's why we don't have them on the site anymore. We recommend having one made locally and if that's impossible, Island Nautical is your best bet. I believe there's a link to their site in this thread.
Canvas Bimini
Phil, I guess I did kinda add lib a little bit. After getting the bimini back from the first repair I was so disgusted that there was another problem with it I did not want to deal with sending it back a second time and installing it for a third time. PJ
Phil, I guess I did kinda add lib a little bit. After getting the bimini back from the first repair I was so disgusted that there was another problem with it I did not want to deal with sending it back a second time and installing it for a third time. PJ
Patino Canvas
I'm told Patino Canvas does good work. Anne, did you buy Emily III? If so, how is she treating you (and you her?).
I'm told Patino Canvas does good work. Anne, did you buy Emily III? If so, how is she treating you (and you her?).
Thanks for the info Rich
Hi Rich: Yes! Our boat is the Emily III. Were you the previous owner? We're loving the boat and are planning on a few long excursions this summer - just need a little shade.
Hi Rich: Yes! Our boat is the Emily III. Were you the previous owner? We're loving the boat and are planning on a few long excursions this summer - just need a little shade.
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