Combing pads

jcollins · Post by **jcollins** » Wed Sep 19, 2007 6:03 pm

Mine are shot. My wife is tired of the duct tape (it is a little embarressing). Time to replace them. Anyone had theirs redone? Any recommendations out there?

Post by **Capt Paul** » Wed Sep 19, 2007 8:13 pm

John,

I needed to do my Combing pads over over and I e-mailed ALBIN and they told me to go to Bristol Cushion. 401-247-4499. Talk to Steve or Oscar. Price seemed right. Issue is they are so busy with "major clients" my order keeps getting pushed back. 6 weeks and still no combing pads. The said "this week" last time I called, Time will tell.

If you call them let them know I sent you , "the guy from California" .May be it will help get my order through...

http://www.bristolcushion.com/csh_main.html

Paul

Post by **JackK** » Thu Sep 20, 2007 8:28 am

Mine are bolted in place with fender washers. I notice on the new Albins they have gone to a track system similar to awnings on RV's and my drop curtain on the 28.

It doesn't look that complicated - screw the track in place, grind an opening in the track to allow you to slide the combing pad on, and slide on the pad.

I plan to "upgrade" mine when these wear out.

If anyone makes the trek to Bristol Cushions (actually in Warren,RI), there is a really good restaurant across the street from them - The Country Inn. Really good seafood and Portugese food reasonably priced.

Jack

Tuxedo · Post by **Tuxedo** » Thu Sep 20, 2007 10:48 am

Replaced mine in the spring. Work was done by a local canvas shop, took about 2 weeks, and cost $500.

Guys did a really nice job, including putting some mesh on the back side of the cushions to let air flow around the foam pad.

Post by **Capt Paul** » Thu Sep 20, 2007 11:17 am

I received an e-mail this morning that confirmed my order was complete and they would ship today or tomorrow.

Jack K,

I ordered the type you mentioned with the track system. They still make both kinds. He mentioned the track system to me and it sounded like the way to go. Allot easier to get on and off for cleaning and stowing away.

Paul

Post by **JackK** » Thu Sep 20, 2007 1:21 pm

Paul -
Great news on delivery.

After mine became waterlogged the first season, I removed the foam pads and let them completely dry. Then I bought a roll of industrial stretch wrap (they use it to wrap pallets of goods for shipping). I carefully wrapped the foam and then re-inserted into the covers. I wrapped lengthwise rather than trying to spiral around like a hockey stick.

I haven't had the problem of wet combing pads since. It's a little like wrestling an anaconda to put them back into the vinyl without unwrapping them but worth the effort.

Jack

jcollins · Post by **jcollins** » Thu Sep 20, 2007 3:26 pm

Tuxedo wrote:Replaced mine in the spring. Work was done by a local canvas shop, took about 2 weeks, and cost $500.

Guys did a really nice job, including putting some mesh on the back side of the cushions to let air flow around the foam pad.

Tom,
Did you go with canvas? I'm thinking of canvas this time to get that Gatsby look.
What's the name/number of your shop?

Tuxedo · Post by **Tuxedo** » Thu Sep 20, 2007 3:53 pm

Actually, they were replaced with vinyl. I doubt my shop could help you. I took the combing bolsters over there and they used the original for a pattern. Remember I had a 31, and I'm sure they trashed the originals.

When I was in MD, I used Almo for all the work on the Albins I sold. They were pretty good at the time, but that was 10 years ago. Still, you might give them a call.

My sailing friends had some really nice work done by a outfit in Annapolis, and if you want I can find out the name of the outfit.

Post by **Carl** » Fri Sep 21, 2007 2:33 pm

I will not go back to Almo. A couple years ago I took them my cushions after getting a quote and lead time. Took twice as long as they said. Also I specified stainless steel staples only. After the first rain I had rust running down the gunnels. After further inspection it was clear they were not stainless. I called them up and they said "we have been using those staples for years....thats all we have ever used" . I ended up removing them all and replacing with stainless. I know its not real close but Daves in Glen Burnie has done some work for me and I have been very happy.

Carl

jcollins · Post by **jcollins** » Sat Sep 22, 2007 3:04 pm

Carl - Do you mean Dave's Trailers? I've been there for wheels and tires. I didn't know they did this kiind of stuff.

Tom - If you can find the name of the outfit in Annapolis that would be great.

Paul - What did you pay for yours?

Thanks everyone!

Post by **Capt Paul** » Sat Sep 22, 2007 10:37 pm

John,

I shoulf be getting the final bill in a couple of days ( shipping etc.). I ordered the ones with the track which are a little more money then the screw in kind. I let you know as soon as the bill comes in. Around $600 - $650 though..

Paul

Tuxedo · Post by **Tuxedo** » Sun Sep 23, 2007 9:10 am

John - Canvas Creations in Annapolis.

And, when I said nice work, it might have been an understatement. They have a new Tartan 3700, not a bad looking boat in it's own right. But, with the dodger and bimini these guys did, when they pull into a new place, they are referred to as "The boat with the canvas".

Post by **Carl** » Mon Sep 24, 2007 8:00 pm

John, Its right down the street from the trailer place. I dont think it has anything to do with the trailer place. The trailer place is great, they have always had what I needed.

Post by **Carl** » Mon Sep 24, 2007 8:04 pm

John, I just went back and read your comment about useing canvas. You sure you want that getting splatered with blood from a bluefish?

jcollins · Post by **jcollins** » Mon Sep 24, 2007 8:13 pm

Carl wrote:John, I just went back and read your comment about useing canvas. You sure you want that getting splatered with blood from a bluefish?

<smile> Yes, I know. I told that to Sharon. I may win this one. I may not. If I go with canvas I'll get the ones that can be removed.

Albin Owners Group

Albin Owners Group

Combing pads

Combing pads