Complaint Review: Caribean Canvas Company

On 17-July, 2015 I made contracted Mr. Brett Thompson and Ms. Andrea Russell the owners of CARIBBEAN CANVAS COMPANY, LLC to make a new bimini and enclosure for our Sea Ray 440 Express Bridge Boat.

There was an existing one, but we wanted a new one made.

They quoted a total of $6,132.00 for the job and indicated that they would start the job on the 24th of August and the job would take about a month.

We provided them a $5,000 deposit.

I constantly stayed in touch with them for updates on the project.     In early October they delivered the bimini, without any side panels.

On November 20th they called indicating they had delivered the remainder and were seeking payment.

I was very clear that with a 82% deposit, I would not pay the balance until I saw the work.

On the 5th of December, I was able to visit my boat and see the work that was done.

We are not "new" to boating, we currently own two large boats (36' sail & 47' power) so have realistic expectations.

As for our "Brand New" enclosure.. It does not fit, almost every seam is not sewn straight, two different colors of threads were used, in some areas sewing directly on the isinglass, frayed edges, etc..

I made the mistake of giving the local Marathon vendor over 80% down (as I strongly believe in supporting local Marathon businesses) and they took advantage of that. What was suppose to take "about a month" took over three months, which if the finished product was good, I wouldn't have cared. But what I got as an abomination of the marine canvas industry.

So, a $5,000 deposit on 17-July. Finally got the enclosure (if you can call it that) on the 20th of November. Visited the boat and saw it for the first time on 5-December.

They say that they can't fix it and it was the "best they could do".

We all work hard for our money and to maintain our boats. A full canvas enclosure is a major purchase one we have saved for and had planned for months before deciding on a local Marathon vendor with a seemingly good reputation.

An enclosure that doesn't fit, crooked sewing lines, different color threads and windows that don't open properly is unacceptable by any standards, especially in our local community. This was not a patch job, not a repair, not a re-sew but 100% all brand new.

We as boat owners deserve better than "best we can do" and then have them shrug off all responsibility while taking our money.

It can't be fixed without being totally redone. They have refused. They have also refused to provide a refund. So, my wife and I are out $5,000 and have an enclosure we must scrap now.

You can't call yourself a professional marine canvas shop and sew crooked lines and install canvas that doesn't fit properly.

PLEASE PLEASE make your own decision, look at the pictures. Anyone in Marathon is welcome to come see my boat before making a decision to use this local vendor. Don't take my word for it, see it for yourself!

I've posted pictures here: http://s1044.photobucket.com/…/library/Caribbean%20Canvas%2…

When you see these pictures, don't cringe. Yes, this was SUPPOSED to be a brand new job. Not a re-sew, not a repair. But a BRAND NEW $6,200.00 enclosure.