In a recent thread about ratchet blocks, Dan DeLave commented:
I would like to hear more goods news stories about supportive companies so we can all benefit from great service on great products. It is harder to get good word out than bad word. Let's try here.
Rather than hijack that thread, I am posting this one. Please add any and all great experiences you've had with companies that support our sport.
Only one rule: If you want to throw trash, START YOUR OWN THREAD.
My experiences:
Bar none, best experience for warrantee support is Standard Horizon. Some years ago, I ran over my handheld VHF with my car (long story). Picked it up, it looked OK. Turned it on, was able to receive weather, but the display didn't work. Took it to the event, did a radio check, it was transmitting and receiving perfectly.
But that's not the impressive part. I sent it back to Standard Horizon with a letter explaining exactly what I did, and asked if they could fix it (it may have been out of warrantee). They sent me a brand new one, FREE!!!!! I'm sure they framed that letter and it's on display somewhere at their headquarters...
As for best overall support, it's absolutely got to be Hobie Cat (and their dealers). Besides all the years they spent basically carrying the regatta program and building what we esentially use today, they continue to pump out product for raffles (including kayaks!), donate cash to major events, support the newsletter, special class projects (giant trailer comes to mind), and on and on and on.
Again, that's not the best part. I've been spending a lot of time with the monohull world this year, and supplied-boat events are all but unheard of anymore. Besides support for the Alter Cup on alternating years, Hobie Cat steps above the others by supplying boats (and vital staff support) for Hobie Worlds, ISAF events, and occasionally for North Americans.
Needless to say, these companies certainly have cemented my brand loyalty. Over the past 10 years, I’ve bought two Standard radios, and three brand new Hobie 16s.
Let’s hear your best stories!
Mike
http://www.vectorworkssail.com/
Vectorworks marine has been fantastic in their customer support. They've been pro-active and accommodating to the folks who may or may not buy their boats. The best part is that they are sailing enthusiasts. Ed
Very good job by Vectorworks. I'm very satisfied.
Thanks Brucat for starting this:
I have been rather amazed at the service I got from Spinlock. I was having a problem with using the older style for my downhaul. I sent them in for repair twice. They were right on them and sent them right back. The third time they mentioned that they had some racing version of the same blocks and asked me if I would evaluate them. According to the rep on the phone I was using the equipment properly. Then newer model mounted on the boat without mods and worked great, and still do. All I had to do was to call them and let them know what I thought. They are very attentive to the sailor.
Later,
Dan
Had to send me Dry Suit in for repair after only 1 sailing season. The neck gasket was splitting ... seemed strange since I stored it in accordance to their recommendation.
Anyway, I was expecting to pay the $75 for repairs and low and behold they replaced that gasket and the two wrist gaskets under warranty (even though I was beyond the warranty period).
I think this echos Jake's previous comments about how good they are to their clients.
Love my Kokatat!
Hobie Cat CO. has been excellent.Had a few issues with my new 16(jib cars,down haul).They shipped me replacement parts to my house.In both cases no questions asked.Thanks Matt Miller
I'll echo the comment about Matt. I discovered the hole for the tiller extension swivel in the tiller crossbar had been drilled off center by four inches. Matt pulled the engineering drawing, had me measure the bar and shipped me a new one.