[Paddlewise] Delaminating spray skirt saga: Rule # 1 - Call the manufacturer

OK, maybe this is common sense to some, but perhaps it will be useful
information to others:



A few weeks ago I posted a message on Paddlewise about repairing a
delaminated spray skirt.  I received many helpful suggestions (and thanks
for those, BTW).  Even though the warranty had expired, I figured I'd call
the manufacturer (Snapdragon).  Much to my surprise, since the kayak was
purchased in Canada, Snapdragon is located about 5 miles from my house.  So
I gave them a call and they offered to replace the tunnel for a mere $20!
So I cartwheeled out to my car, drove on over and dropped it off, and we
even had a nice chat about kayaking.



Second example:  I have a Ritchie "Kayaker" compass on one of my boats
that's probably about 6 years old (one year past the warranty period) which
has lost perhaps a tablespoon of fluid over the years, apparently through a
_very_ slow leak.  It finally had gotten to the point where it was affecting
the performance of the compass.  So I sent them a friendly email asking if
it could be repaired (even though I pretty much knew it couldn't be, since
the compass capsule is completely sealed) and after answering a few
questions, they told me to send it in and they would replace it for free.
By the way, I learned that these things aren't filled with water (my backup
plan had been to drill a small hole through the top, add distilled water
using a syringe, then seal it back up).  They originally used "odorless
mineral spirits" and now use "Isopar L", whatever that is.



Third example:  I also had a Garmin eTrex Summit gps, where the extremely
thin gold-plated contacts had corroded after exposure to salt water.  Again,
it was after the warranty period.  I sent them another friendly email simply
asking about the cost to have it repaired, and they offered to replace it
for free.  (Note however, that the replacement unit, despite my more careful
treatment of it, has also begun to experience the same corrosion problem.
In case you're wondering, I don't keep it in a dry bag, although I do
carefully seal both the battery compartment and the contacts with good
quality electrical tape before taking it on the water.)



Evan Dallas

Woodinville, Washington
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