New Bolster cushions

[Denis]

I need to have new bolster cushions made for my 28' TE, I thought I heard that Bristol Cushions out of RI used to supply them for Albin.

Using their ad from Soundings magazine, I sent them an e-mail and after two weeks and no response I called and talked to someone who answered the phone. I gave them my cell phone number and someone was supposed to call me over a week ago, still no response. I thought business was down and companies were hungry but I guess not in this case. Why did they bother to advertise in Soundings only to ignore my direct request for some work?
Has anyone else had new bolster cushions made in the Ct or RI area and are you happy with the result? Denis

[Carl]

Denis, Could just be your timeing. A lot of places like that shut down for the holidays. I dont know anything about them nor have ever used them, but it could have been just the time of year. Are you going to try to use a different type of foam in the new ones? I took mine off for the winter and they must have gained 10lbs in water. Let us know what you use and how you make out whoever you use.

[jcollins]

Denis,
When I was shopping I contacted them. They were helpful via telephone, but not real responsive via e-mail. They never did call back when they were supposed to. I ended up calling them. I assumed they were just busy at the time. Since I went with the canvas opposed to vinyl I used a local shop. I slide them off the track and store below when fishing or not on the boat. It takes about one minute. The shop I used is Danny's Custom Canvas in Maryland.

[Cape Codder]

Denis,
I agree it's probably timing.
I removed the lower unit on the 40 hp off my 13' Whaler last Monday to have seals replaced, and the shop is closed until next Wednesday.

I also called East Marine in Falmouth, MA, the authorized Yanmar dealer. I'm just at 500 hours and want to schedule a valve adjustment. No answer. Left messge. No call back.
Many of these marine businesses have taken a l-o-n-g holiday week to lick their wounds. Tough year for most.

One exception: I left an email on New Years Eve for Teakworks to discuss installation of a teak and holly sole on my 28 TE. Bob called back at 9:30am on New Years Day!!
I think he wants the business.....

[Capt Paul]

I used them to replace my bolsters, I was very happy with the work they did and the price. Communication was not a problem, I am on the West coast and they were reposnsive at the time. That was around August of 2007. I spoke with Steve or Oscar. via e-mail and phone.

Paul

[RicM]

I am also on the hunt for new bolsters and e-mailed them in December. Got a reply back in a few days. I plan on driving down there some time next week (about 20 my from my shop to theirs), and dropping the old ones off. I'll let you know what I find out.

[Denis]

Thanks for the replys, I suppose I will try another phone call and see what happens. I would like to get on top of it before the spring push.

[RobS]

I am also on the hunt for new bolsters and e-mailed them in December. Got a reply back in a few days. I plan on driving down there some time next week (about 20 my from my shop to theirs), and dropping the old ones off. I'll let you know what I find out.

Please do Ric. BTW, I do not remember your bolsters being in sub-par condition?

[Veebyes2]

After 13 years of owning an Albin 27 with its virtual forest of teak to take care of I swore I'd never have wood to maintain on the exterior again. Bought my 32 & I was in heaven. NO teak outside. The bolster cushions lasted about 8 years. I did not like the cost of replacement every 8 years so I went out, bought the lumber, mahogany, & made my own except I did not bother with the cushion part.

Now I just have to refinish them every few years. No big job. Take them off. Take them home & I have another rainy day project to keep me busy.

The look is good too.

[jcollins]

After 13 years of owning an Albin 27 with its virtual forest of teak to take care of I swore I'd never have wood to maintain on the exterior again. Bought my 32 & I was in heaven. NO teak outside. The bolster cushions lasted about 8 years. I did not like the cost of replacement every 8 years so I went out, bought the lumber, mahogany, & made my own except I did not bother with the cushion part.

Now I just have to refinish them every few years. No big job. Take them off. Take them home & I have another rainy day project to keep me busy.

The look is good too.

Tell the truth. You just wanted to show us that beautiful water. <sigh>

[RicM]

Rob:

The bolsters are not terrible, and I could probably squeeze another season out of them. They are are fading a bit and there is a spot where a seagull shit that discolored and is starting to break through, either from the contents of the poop or the various chemicals I used to attempt to remove the stain. It was one of those rare stretches last summer when I couldn't get to the boat for about a week and the sun just baked the crap into the vinyl. I like to stay ahead of these things rather than waiting until they look really bad. This time of year I am looking for anything boat related to spend some money on. The Shell credit card (fuel) is all caught up, and I feel like my income has shot up suddenly! I actually went battery shopping Friday, I am going to replace #1 with 2 6V Trojan T105 golf cart batteries. Thinking about changing the setup to "House" and "Start" with one of these :
http://bluesea.com/category/2/productline/overview/387


Veebees:
While your teak solution looks great, it would never fly with my wife who seems to bruise if she sneezes. She's the one who spends the most time at the rail hauling in the big stripers, so her comfort comes first! Teak "cushions" remind me too much of the hours spent on my knees begging forgiveness from an entity that was obviously not listening, for crimes I had yet to commit.

[Veebyes2]

Sorry John

If I have reason to use the pic again I'll try to photoshop the water out so you guys won't suffer. If there is need for a water pic I'll just send this one.



Back to topic.

[zinbaad]

Yea Yea you guys just gotta rub it in on us!!

[jcollins]

Sorry to go off-topic.

[RobS]

This time of year I am looking for anything boat related to spend some money on.

I'll send you a list and my shipping address....