Few Saturdays ago I was checking Craigslist to see what was what was up for sale… I had no intention of buying a boat or anything, but this one ad popped up that had “buy me” written all over it…..

“1991 Prindle 18-2 $200 title and registration out of date needs TLC…”

After the knee jerk and talking to the owner I was getting the impression that the boat was way out of shape, but what the hey for $200…. the centerboards, beach wheel, and an running rigging Harken gear were worth the price of admission so that next morning off on the 101 freeway I went… When I got to the owners house I was rather surprised that the boat was covered with that "el cheapo" cover from Murray’s Marine.. albeit beat up and tattered but still covered… Upon the initial inspection boat was not in that bad a shape that is there were no soft spots, the mainsail looked relatively new, that trailer was galvanized with new wheels and lights. The hulls were chalky, and the bottom… well there were no holes so we’re still ahead of the game… the centerboards and rudder were about 99% free of nicks and scrapes…. Considering the bottom of the boat I was expecting worse but not the case… Everything was there with the exception of the jib sail… which the owner thought may be in his storage locker at the local U- Stor It…. Turned out later it wasn’t…. I have some Classic 18 jibs to hold me over until a new one can be ordered..

Needless to say... two little green pieces of paper with a picture of a cagey old Quaker inventor on them changed hands real quick… Hooked up to the Toyota it was back to Ventura we go with what is now my third Prindle 18-2. Got her home and started the dismantling and quick scrub down and she was really not looking that bad… little tired, little scarred but not looking that bad…




Phase I

Figuring I have the boat torn apart and I am looking at a complete refit of the standing/running rigging and tramp I thought is best to curve my OCD but more so the Mickey Mouse repairs done to the bottom of the boat and get it done right before she gets back in the water...

Starboard Hull Bottom



Port Hull Bottom



For those of you in Southern CA there is a gent that worked for Performance Catamarans... aka NACRA and Prindle building and repairing these boats for many years… Jesus Morales… some of you folks at MBYC may know Jesus, but if you need some work done, and you don’t have or want to take the time he is the guy for the job… Jesus did some work on the Inter 20 I bought a few years back and you had to look real hard to see where the work was done… Let me know and I'll send you his information.

You saw the before…. Here are the after pics…















But, what is a rebuild with out all new standing rigging... the stuff that was on there was still a little shinny looking and the owner told me it was sort of new when he parked the boat 10 years earlier; however, it had been sitting for the past ten years… I could have taken a chance, but why risk it… with Murray’s a 15 minute drive up the road and a long 3 martini Friday lunch… new rigging was in order… YEIKS….. This is more that 4X what I paid for the boat… but the worth the peace of mind… and it does look pretty... And I at least I now have a starting point.

The new tramp arrived today and I pick the hulls up this weekend and start on Phase II putting it all back together… more to come…



Edited by JohnES on Sep 06, 2018 - 12:31 AM.

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John Schwartz
Ventura, CA
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What a great rescue project. That's one boat that's really worth saving.

I would rehab that mast too. By the looks of the mast hound and diamond tangs, there is underlying corrosion of the rivets. Consider replacing them now.

Something you could easily do, between martinis...

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Prindle 18
96734
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nohuhu

What a great rescue project. That's one boat that's really worth saving.

I would rehab that mast too. By the looks of the mast hound and diamond tangs, there is underlying corrosion of the rivets. Consider replacing them now.

Something you could easily do, between martinis...

Thanks.... I'll re-look them over tonight...

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John Schwartz
Ventura, CA
--

Timing on this post so perfect. Just got a text this am from Illinoi about a couple areas we forget about. The eyestrap on the bow for the bridle has two screws. One goes thru hull to a stainless plate, but other stainless screw goes into an ALUMINUM bar stock tucked under gunwale lip. I've seen some of these aluminum bars splitting & turning to powder. Murray carries them part 56-1811. Pete

pbegle

Timing on this post so perfect. Just got a text this am from Illinoi about a couple areas we forget about. The eyestrap on the bow for the bridle has two screws. One goes thru hull to a stainless plate, but other stainless screw goes into an ALUMINUM bar stock tucked under gunwale lip. I've seen some of these aluminum bars splitting & turning to powder. Murray carries them part 56-1811. Pete

Yes, that is the same method for securing the shroud ancjor for the Prindle 18 Classic... For the 18-2 and 19 they are using a tang that embedded to the hull similar to the NACRA and modern boats.... But something the needs to be monitored... on the Classic style Prindle...

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John Schwartz
Ventura, CA
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John,

Can you send me Jesus's contact info?

thanks
Chuck

--
Chuck

2008 Nacra A3
1984 Nacra 5.8 (sold)
1981 Hobie 16 (sold)

Mt Baldy
--

mtbaldycat

John,

Can you send me Jesus's contact info?

thanks
Chuck

Chuck,

Check your PM

John

--
John Schwartz
Ventura, CA
--

Got delayed a day for picking up the hull due to AYSO (All Your Saturdays Occupied) Soccer.. All good though...

Today we did more work on the mast with getting the spreader rake, pre-bend, and diamond wire tension dialed in.... for you Prindle owners, watch it when torquing down the nuts to the turnbuckle... make sure the adjuster barrel does not move



Getting closer



Edited by JohnES on Sep 08, 2018 - 04:31 PM.

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John Schwartz
Ventura, CA
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Got the boat home yesterday mid day and starting getting it back together... The bias cut tramp gave me a little bit of a wrestling match to get on.... talking to a few others this seems to be the norm.... didn't get as far as I wanted, but hope this boat back on the water in two weeks...



--
John Schwartz
Ventura, CA
--

Put is some time this past weekend getting it ready and with the help of a few friends we got the mast up, mast rake set... to what I believe is a good starting point, the helm measured and balanced, and the rudder rake set... that is I didn't change anything when from when I bought it... it has the extended grudgons and I have never played with these before... thought I would leave it where it is and go from there with the mast rake...

Anyway, she looks pretty nice and my new (used) jib should be showing up any day now.... hopefully get here in the water this coming Sunday..




Look like I am going to have to change my avatar from the NACRA F18 to the P boat...



Edited by JohnES on Sep 20, 2018 - 02:35 PM.

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John Schwartz
Ventura, CA
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wow - that is looking showroom new.
if is sails 1/2 as well as it looks .... you have a killer there

Get it wet yet; John?

What tramp did you get. Cost?

We just tore ours Sunday and are lucky no one fell through. Ready for a new one.

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Prindle 18
96734
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What a fantastic looking boat. I thought my N 5.7 was nice when completed, but this looks like showroom condition. Mind saying where the budget is at on this?

--
Tom
NACRA 5.7 (1984 Sail 181)
Pennsylvania
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nohuhu

Get it wet yet; John?

What tramp did you get. Cost?

We just tore ours Sunday and are lucky no one fell through. Ready for a new one.

Sunrise Trampoline... I have been doing business with Richard there since the beginning of time.. the cost was just a little over $400.00. As for getting wet, hopefully this weekend... Been busy with work, soccer, etc.... plus I was sort of forced to get a new car, which took a weekend or two....

tominpa

What a fantastic looking boat. I thought my N 5.7 was nice when completed, but this looks like showroom condition. Mind saying where the budget is at on this?

Not at all... right now with all the new rigging (standing and running), tramp, new jib sail, trailer stuff I am at $2K...

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John Schwartz
Ventura, CA
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Thanks. I see you got a discount. The Prindle tramps are quite a bit more than the Hobies.

Here's a link for others who are looking: https://multihullnets.com…ckBeachCat/bcSelect.aspx

And the SLO site: http://www.slosailandcanvas.com/prindle-18-2-19/

Bet you can't wait to see her fully rigged and wet. Snap some picts.

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Prindle 18
96734
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my 19 needs bottom job, mind if I ask what it cost for the hull work, would'nt mind it if they got the whole treatment, I'll be discussing hull work with local Hobie dealer here in Mi.

A bottom job should cost you no more than $100 and an hours work if done by yourself. Qt of epoxy & pumps from Jamestown Dist. and 3" fiberglas tape. Brushes from Home Depot. Take off rudders, flip boat & go to work making sure to do a "dry" job rather than sloppy job that leaves too much resin dripping down hull side. Pete

Thx, here's what I'm looking at


https://www.thebeachcats.com/gallery2/main.php?g2_view=core.DownloadItem&g2_itemId=130556&g2_serialNumber=3







Edited by carl2 on Nov 05, 2018 - 10:46 AM.

Add some microballoons (thickening agent) to your Jamestown order to fill in any gouges and 2" fiberglas tape rather than 3". Should give you a $100 order for free shipping. Pete

pbegle

Add some microballoons (thickening agent) to your Jamestown order to fill in any gouges and 2" fiberglas tape rather than 3". Should give you a $100 order for free shipping. Pete

I have had good luck using West Systems #406 Colloidal Silica for getting the epoxy to a peanut butter consistently.

What ever you use make sure you have on a dust mask when working with it. Also, you may already know this, but mix up the epoxy and hardener first, that add in the filler...

I will say though, I have worked with Duraglass and it comes ready to go to with the consistency needed for a bottom job...that is, just add the hardener and apply. Saw a guy fairing out an Olson 30 using this stuff... he swore by it..

https://www.merrittsupply.com/product/usc-duraglass-filler/



Edited by JohnES on Nov 05, 2018 - 03:23 PM.

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John Schwartz
Ventura, CA
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pbegle

A bottom job should cost you no more than $100 and an hours work if done by yourself. Qt of epoxy & pumps from Jamestown Dist. and 3" fiberglass tape. Brushes from Home Depot. Take off rudders, flip boat & go to work making sure to do a "dry" job rather than sloppy job that leaves too much resin dripping down hull side. Pete

If you use the West System rollers, people will think you vacuum-bagged it. They do an excellent job of only applying what you need.

--
Scott

Prindle Fleet 2
TCDYC

Prindle 18-2 Mod "FrankenKitty"
Tornado Classic "Fast Furniture"
Prindle 19 "Mr. Wiggly"
Nacra 5.8 "De ja vu"
Nacra 5.0
Nacra 5.8
Tornadoes (Reg White)
--

From personal experience, I would replace the bolts attaching the dolphin striker. I have proven that they can shear.

--
Scott

Prindle Fleet 2
TCDYC

Prindle 18-2 Mod "FrankenKitty"
Tornado Classic "Fast Furniture"
Prindle 19 "Mr. Wiggly"
Nacra 5.8 "De ja vu"
Nacra 5.0
Nacra 5.8
Tornadoes (Reg White)
--

texastuma

From personal experience, I would replace the bolts attaching the dolphin striker. I have proven that they can shear.

Thanks... I have already looked after them and all the others....

Had a friend that on the USS JFK back when the F14 was the pride of the fleet... He use to work on them and told me they had protocol for the F-14 called "Exercising the Nuts" that is they was loosen, inspect, replace and "regupe" (anit-sieze) if needed all critical fasteners.

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John Schwartz
Ventura, CA
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Yo John! We're itchin for an update on this restoration. Can you create an album of the highlights and some sailing picts. Did you document the bottom job?

Got to be a classic.

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Prindle 18
96734
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The aluminum bar stock on inside hull lip that anchors the eyestrap screw (holding bridle) can turn to powder after 20 years in salt water. Better to replace on salt water boats. Pete

So..... after some grueling hours on some re-organization management stuff at work and accomplishing some personal goals I have been wanting to get done for a while now, some time came up this weekend and I was finally able to get the boat on the water for the first time since the overhaul.

The square top mainsail is a great improvement over the traditional pin-top sails (just a puff and she accelerates with ease.), and a new jib.... we all now the improvement that makes... Also, having the Prindle Gen II rudders on this boat makes turning so easy, or should I say the helm is a lot more responsive then the older squared rudders that were stock. Having just about 1/2" of rudder rake and about 14" of mast rake seems to be the sweet spot as had just the slightest drift to weather...

Even though the day didn't offer the usual 10 Kt winds we're accustom to here, it was a good day non the less for a "shakedown" sail...

Here she is sitting at the dock ready to go...





Edited by JohnES on Jun 10, 2019 - 03:47 PM.

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John Schwartz
Ventura, CA
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Finally! Awesome Glasier main. I really like that window.

No battens in the jib?

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Prindle 18
96734
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nohuhu

Finally! Awesome Glasier main. I really like that window.

No battens in the jib?

Yes there are... I forgot to put them in... did so after I took to photo...

--
John Schwartz
Ventura, CA
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looks real nice John - enjoy

Really beautiful! May I ask, what is the roller furling that you have?

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Prindle 16
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dmydlack

Really beautiful! May I ask, what is the roller furling that you have?

The kit that comes for Murrays Marine.. Harkan Roller furler drum and Ronstan spinner



--
John Schwartz
Ventura, CA
--

My P18.2 (bought used) came with that roller furler and it works very nicely.

However, my jib has two horizontal batten pockets that extend from the leach forward about 10", yet there were no battens in them when I got it. I assume the prior owner may have removed them so he could use the furler. However, in strong air I was getting significant fluttering along the jib leech right where the largest batten pocket is located, and I noticed the sail material in that area seemed to have lost its stiffness. I felt that was probably degrading the performance of the jib (and maybe main too), so I just had battens installed - which means I won't be able to use the furler, or won't be able to use it all the way. Maybe something to consider re getting a furler.

PS, compliments on the refurbished boat - looks like new in photos.



Edited by CatFan57 on Jun 12, 2019 - 02:38 PM.

--
1998 P18.2
Sailing out of SHBCC, NJ
--

you can get new batten pockets that are angled and allow you to furl your jib and have battens too

same kit on mine




Edited by carl2 on Jun 12, 2019 - 02:55 PM.

https://www.thebeachcats.…3ad86d2562d1971165bc91af

Randy Smyth made my furling jib



Edited by carl2 on Jun 12, 2019 - 03:03 PM.

Same kit here.

I pulled the battens after they started to damage the sail and the cover. They are fine for sailing but not for storage. My next jib will be built to furl.

BTW, the screw-pin holding the pigtail and swivel together will work loose. You could lose a mast. I would check it at least once a year.

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Prindle 18
96734
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nohuhu

BTW, the screw-pin holding the pigtail and swivel together will work loose. You could lose a mast. I would check it at least once a year.

Didn't know that, never examined it closely, thanks for the tip, will check mine, no, don't feel like losing a mast.

--
1998 P18.2
Sailing out of SHBCC, NJ
--

yikes!
how bout using some Loctite or similar?

Fer sure. It comes pre-assembled by Murrays, and apparently they didn’t use any.

In fact, it’s a low profile pin and you wouldn’t even think to check it. But a furling forestay, with a snorkel is subject to tons of vibration and rotation that a static forestay, minus the sail, does not contend with.

I recently had an upper forestay shackle fail (on the water) and discovered that the swivel pin was walking itself loose too. Everything was less than 2 years old, and stored mast up.

It’s a good idea to use only LOCKING shackles and also periodically inspect the turnbuckle buried inside your jib luff sleeve.

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Prindle 18
96734
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Quote

Fer sure. It comes pre-assembled by Murrays, and apparently they didn’t use any.

In fact, it’s a low profile pin and you wouldn’t even think to check it. But a furling forestay, with a snorkel is subject to tons of vibration and rotation that a static forestay, minus the sail, does not contend with.

I recently had an upper forestay shackle fail (on the water) and discovered that the swivel pin was walking itself loose too. Everything was less than 2 years old, and stored mast up.

It’s a good idea to use only LOCKING shackles and also periodically inspect the turnbuckle buried inside your jib luff sleeve.

I didn't want to say anything negative but i prefer harken upper swivel for beach cats
most other (20' dingy size) brands aren't serviceable and i have seen several ronstan (and other branbds) fail - but you can change bearings out on the harken ones

as per the pin walking - i have found as long as i put a tool on the shackle to secure it - i have never had one work free - i have several that have bent and worn but never lost a pin unless it was hand secured
(non mast up storage)

"LOCKING shackles " - what do you mean? ones with a hole in the pin's head for seizing wire?

Yes, wireable pins. The failed shackle was tool tightened and taped, not wired. The only one that wasn’t.

Regarding the furler’s pigtail, picture the weight of a tensioned rig resting on that swivel pin, via the thimble. Then take the mast and rock it back and forth a little, a few thousand times. It’s easy to see how it could rotate the horizontal pin over time.

I don’t believe there’s any way to wire or tape it, so loctite seems the best solution.

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Prindle 18
96734
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Bingo! My go-to choice when seizing wire or zip tie are not being used is the red loc-tite. An old timer taught me how to think like a Gremlin - simply put, how could I f-up the boat causing havoc and chaos amongst the parts and pieces onboard? What could break and cause to most trouble? From there I learned to look at the things a lot differently and became surprisingly proactive in maintaining the boat in B-0 ready status. Although I’ve had Murphy onboard in years past, he doesn’t seem to show up as much anymore, but I know he’s out there waiting and watching!

--
Todd

Virginia
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Does the red let you unscrew with pliers? I’ve always heard red holds to well and blue not well enough

I think Loctite 243 Blue is usually recommended. (Medium strength seize).

In the red tube, of course

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Prindle 18
96734
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Oh- and the head of that flush pin is slotted for a small flathead. And it strips easily.

We now return you to Johns original P18-2 thread,..

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Prindle 18
96734
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nohuhu

Fer sure. It comes pre-assembled by Murrays, and apparently they didn’t use any.

In fact, it’s a low profile pin and you wouldn’t even think to check it. But a furling forestay, with a snorkel is subject to tons of vibration and rotation that a static forestay, minus the sail, does not contend with.

I recently had an upper forestay shackle fail (on the water) and discovered that the swivel pin was walking itself loose too. Everything was less than 2 years old, and stored mast up.

It’s a good idea to use only LOCKING shackles and also periodically inspect the turnbuckle buried inside your jib luff sleeve.

There was a recall on the Ronstan swivels last December... Murray's sent me a new one with an pre-samped return envelope...

You may want to look into that...

tstein

Bingo! An old timer taught me how to think like a Gremlin - simply put, how could I f-up the boat causing havoc and chaos amongst the parts and pieces onboard? What could break and cause to most trouble?

In my "airport rat" days I use to hang out at the local maintenance shop trying to absorb what I could... One of the old grizzly mechanics would say the same thing.. Also taught me to find out what caused the part to break or failure and fix that too...



Edited by JohnES on Jun 15, 2019 - 11:36 AM.

--
John Schwartz
Ventura, CA
--

Contacted Murrays. Thanks John.

--
Prindle 18
96734
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Quote

There was a recall on the Ronstan swivels last December... Murray's sent me a new one with an pre-samped return envelope...

You may want to look into that...

I did. It's been over a week since I contacted them by email. Absolutely NO response. Pathetic.

Almost as lame as the order they lost for 2 months at the end of last year. Again - just silence until you chase them and chase them. WTH!

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Prindle 18
96734
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FWIW, my research finds no public recall of the ronstan product...

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Prindle 18
96734
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Quote

Almost as lame as the order they lost for 2 months at the end of last year. Again - just silence until you chase them and chase them

That is weak - in this day and age you can't have customer support issues like this - there is too much competition for online business

Disappointing to hear about the lack of response in this case to an email, but I called them a couple of weeks ago about a trap adjustment rigging issue and a representative spent a long time on the phone with me discussing a subject that was clearly not going to make them much money once I decided what I needed to order. So I was impressed and thankful for the time/service they provided.

--
1998 P18.2
Sailing out of SHBCC, NJ
--

We had an issue with them sending us the wrong trap wires last week. A call to them and the new ones were on the way along with a return authorization for the wrong parts. They were also very helpful during the ordering
process with figuring out which lines to order to match our adjusters. I think the take away from these last two posts is to pick up the phone and give them a call and they will most likely give you the answers that you are looking for.

--
Pete Knapp
Schodack landing,NY
Goodall Viper,AHPC Viper,Nacra I20
--

nohuhu

Quote

There was a recall on the Ronstan swivels last December... Murray's sent me a new one with an pre-samped return envelope...

You may want to look into that...

I did. It's been over a week since I contacted them by email. Absolutely NO response. Pathetic.

Almost as lame as the order they lost for 2 months at the end of last year. Again - just silence until you chase them and chase them. WTH!

That doesn't sound like the Murray's Marine that I have been dealing with since the Ronnie Ray-Gun's first term... living on both the west and the east coast...

You should try calling them, they do have an 800 number.



Edited by JohnES on Jun 25, 2019 - 01:59 PM.

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John Schwartz
Ventura, CA
--

Thanks guys. It's not just an email, it's a confirmed online order that went missing, and slow or no responses to inquiries about that. In "theory", online ordering is there to prevent mistakes and track fulfillment.

My past orders with Murrays were not an issue. Some were done over the phone. But relying on personal phone contact works against me in my time zone.

Don't get me wrong. I appreciate Murrays expert knowledge and location, and inventory. But lately, they've demonstrated to me that they have some quality control and communications issues that management seriously needs to work on.

This forum is an appropriate place for us to bring this up, as well as any "stellar" retail experiences they may have provided.

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Prindle 18
96734
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Not excusing Murray’s non response, but they have always been responsive to me. Tom has helped me out a few times on some time sensitive items that really saved the day, including getting me a Hobie 16 main from California to Florida in the knick of time when I tore mine before a big trip.

nohuhu

Thanks guys. It's not just an email, it's a confirmed online order that went missing, and slow or no responses to inquiries about that. In "theory", online ordering is there to prevent mistakes and track fulfillment.

My past orders with Murrays were not an issue. Some were done over the phone. But relying on personal phone contact works against me in my time zone.

Don't get me wrong. I appreciate Murrays expert knowledge and location, and inventory. But lately, they've demonstrated to me that they have some quality control and communications issues that management seriously needs to work on.

This forum is an appropriate place for us to bring this up, as well as any "stellar" retail experiences they may have provided.

I would call them and ask for Dray, Tom, or Steve Murray and relay your concerns with them as well... If something is lacking I am sure they would be grateful for your feedback.

--
John Schwartz
Ventura, CA
--

Mahalo for that, John. It's being worked on and I appear not to be effected by this.

Did they ever mention what the recall issue was?

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Prindle 18
96734
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nohuhu

Mahalo for that, John. It's being worked on and I appear not to be effected by this.

Did they ever mention what the recall issue was?

Some quality control thing and a few of them failed... don't remember the particulars..



Edited by JohnES on Jun 26, 2019 - 08:37 AM.

--
John Schwartz
Ventura, CA
--