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 *************************************************************************** PaddleWise Paddling Mailing List - Any opinions or suggestions expressed here are solely those of the writer(s). You must assume the entire responsibility for reliance upon them. All postings copyright the author. Submissions: PaddleWise_at_PaddleWise.net Subscriptions: PaddleWise-request_at_PaddleWise.net Website: http://www.paddlewise.net/ ***************************************************************************
"Evan Dallas" <evand_at_pensionresourcegroup.com> wondered: [re: Ritchie compass fluid] > 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. The dope on Isopar L ... off the Ritchie web site: http://www.ritchienavigation.com/docs/manual2003/GeneralInfo.pdf towards the bottom of page 0-4 ... Isopar L is just a purified version of odorless mineral spirits. Google will set you free, Evan. -- Dave Kruger Astoria, OR *************************************************************************** PaddleWise Paddling Mailing List - Any opinions or suggestions expressed here are solely those of the writer(s). You must assume the entire responsibility for reliance upon them. All postings copyright the author. Submissions: PaddleWise_at_PaddleWise.net Subscriptions: PaddleWise-request_at_PaddleWise.net Website: http://www.paddlewise.net/ ***************************************************************************
It's always good to see that manufacturers will back up their products and value their customers' opinions. But alas, it is not true of all... I have a backpacker's tent I often carry on paddling or hiking trips. It is a very good tent, well designed and constructed. However, after a year or so the outer fly unaccountably began sticking to itself. I went to their website and found a contact email promising a rapid response. They finally replied six MONTHS later, basically saying. "Gee, we have no idea what the problem is. Why don't you buy a new one from us?" Joe Pylka > [Original Message] > From: Evan Dallas <evand_at_pensionresourcegroup.com> > To: <paddlewise_at_paddlewise.net> > Date: 2/10/2005 5:05:59 PM > Subject: [Paddlewise] Delaminating spray skirt saga: Rule # 1 - Call the manufacturer *************************************************************************** PaddleWise Paddling Mailing List - Any opinions or suggestions expressed here are solely those of the writer(s). You must assume the entire responsibility for reliance upon them. All postings copyright the author. Submissions: PaddleWise_at_PaddleWise.net Subscriptions: PaddleWise-request_at_PaddleWise.net Website: http://www.paddlewise.net/ ***************************************************************************
This archive was generated by hypermail 2.4.0 : Thu Aug 21 2025 - 16:33:40 PDT