The Canvas Store

[footerdog]

I read here of problems that people had with the Canvas Store over the years. I have been dealing with them for over six years with really no problems, minor repairs to my dodger and bimini all done satisfactory.

Well last May I had them redo the interior of my 1980 Irwin Citation, all the cushions, seatbacks, vbirth, etc. To the tune of $4000.00. The craftsmanship of the products that I got back was ok, nothing great. A lot of loose threads hanging off. The problem lies in the fit of the cushions I was returned and in the cushions that went missing and throw pillows that where promised and never received. Some cushions were supposed to have round corners and came back square and others are to deep to fit in properly. The backs are all of different heights and slant down from bow to stearn.

Needless to say that it has been a year and the problems have yet to be fixed. I have been promised over and over that they would send someone to measure all last summer and that never happened. Then it was they would do it in the fall, then over the winter, then in the spring. Appointment after appointment of no shows and no call backs

When the owner finally came out to see the boat he was "surprised" at the fit and finish. Promised he would take care of it. Well it's been three months and the I'll fitting cushions are still on the boat.

We filed a lawsuit within small claims court and will be contacting the BBB and department of consumer affairs.

Just a warning to those looking to do business with them.
It's just a shame after doing business with them for six years, not a way to treat a customer.
Especially after I told them I bought another boat that needs some canvas work. Must be nice to not need money or repeat customers.

 

[RAD]

So sorry to hear about your troubles with these knuckle heads....call the Suffolk County Consumer Affairs office

http://www.co.suffolk.ny.us/departments/CountyExec/consumeraffairs.aspx

I remember the last time we had postings about this company and it was with a sailor out of state

 

[berner73]

Sorry to hear about your experience with them. Our dealings with them so far have been more like what you mention prior to this incident. We bought a cover and they were great to work with both initially, as well as when subsequent issues arose. I hope it's an isolated incident and best of luck in working it out. It never ceases to amaze me how many highs and lows we have with customer service in the marine industry.

 

[tdix]

Same problems

Bought my canvas in 2004. Great canvas for Catalina 380 Hull #2. Decided this year to modify and extend over the rail. Sent in May of 2011. Told won't be able to get to it for several months. No problem.

September called and said boat was coming out Oct 11. Oh, can't get to you before Oct 14. Okay, called again Oct 14, no canvas. Had to call three times, left messages with live people to have my sales person, that I had been dealing with, to call me back. Finally I called late in the day, got her! We got behind, but I'll have it to you by Friday the 21st, will email you with tracking number. No email.

Finally today I email with a list of the dates and times of this whole ugly affair. Got email back that they sent it out two-day delivery UPS, will be here by tomorrow Friday the 21st of October. Hope it's here. Weather is getting bad in Northern Ohio.

I was so pleased with the company up until now, but this has really given me pause.

 

[higgs]

Sorry for these problemxs. Forums like thios help others to avoid a company like the Canvas Store.

 

[Maine Sail]

This is not the first time our members have been unhappy with their customer service:

Jus do a search on Canvas Store on this site and you'll see many unhappy responses, as well as some good.

Threads like this don't bode well for their customer satisfaction: http://forums.sbo.sailboatowners.com/showthread.php?p=422222&highlight=Buyer Beware

Also check with the local BBB to see how their rating is.

 

[tommays]

They have done nice work for US but some silly stuff has happened and there are other places on Long Island on the south shore that dont seem to have the complaints

 

[shorty]

Quite satisfied with my dealings with Fairclough

 

[tdix]

Well the canvas got here

Yesterday I was very concerned about the service from the Canvas Store. Well Friday it showed up and SEEMS to be fine. I'll head to the boat Sunday (3 1/2) hours that could have been done when she came out two weeks ago. You know their product is really good and the warranty is outstanding. I just wish they could get this service thing fixed.

Three weeks ago I went to Sail Care, Inc. in Ford City, PA. Brought 15 year old sails in for complete overhaul. Stiching, reresined, the works had them back in a week. Unbelievable.
I was prepared to wait the winter. They're beautiful, absolutely brand new. They are not a big operation, but they really care about their customers. It is so refreshing to find business like that and sing their praises loud and clear.

 

[sailingguy2005]

Another unhappy customer here! Bought a winter cover from THE CANVAS STORE and it never fit correctly. After sending the cover back a couple times and then having them come to the boat and remeasure to fix the fit, the cover still never fit right. Very poor workmanship. DON'T DO BUSINESS WITH THESE KNUCKELHEADS!!!!!

 

[Steve W]

In the Oyster Bay/Huntington area, I've always used Greg Fitzmaurice of Custom Canvas for any canvas work (dodger, bimini, sail cover, etc...). But when I wanted a winter cover, Greg actually recommended The Canvas Store because they would probably be less expensive since he'd have to start from scratch (patterning, fitting, re-cutting, fitting, etc...).

Since I winter in Huntington (in-water) and they're right around the corner, I gave them a call. They gave me a price of $1,800 so I went with it. I had heard all the issues and complaints about them but also some decent reviews so I figured I'd give them a shot.

They came over to the boat, took measurements, and 3-weeks later I had the cover. When it was finished, they came to the boat, installed the cover (free with the initial purchase), discovered that it needed a little "tweaking", took it right back to their shop and re-installed everything the following week.

In this instance, I had absolutely no complaints about the quality of their work or their responsiveness to my needs. But I'd be the first to admit that part of my experience might be that the boat was literally right around the corner from their shop.

But it you're in that area, I would still strongly recommend Greg Fitzmaurice! His contact info is "shop": (516) 624-0247, and cell: (516) 375-3170. My only complaint about using Greg is that he's probably more particular about his finished work than the customer so the result is that he might take a little longer to do a project. He won't "release" the job until he's happy with it.