The Simpson Lawrence Horizon Express windlass on my boat needed maintenance, and I was dismayed to find a note on the Lewmar website that says Lewmar no longer supplies spares for the old Simpson Lawrence windlass range; it advises contacting John McMaster from SL Spares (www.slspares.co.uk).
McMaster is a fabulous source of information on Simpson Lawrence windlasses. His website lists spares that he carries and has the user manuals, and for a very modest charge, they offer the full-service manuals. The marine industry is very fortunate that folks like McMaster take up support for products that are no longer carried by the manufacturer but that so many of us still use.
Alex Collier
Beneteau Oceanis 461
Via email
In the middle of spring cleaning and waxing, my Shurhold polisher up and quit. A quick email to Shurhold (www.shurhold.com) resulted in their eager interest in helping me out; they had me send it to their offices in Florida, from Canada. In a very short time, the polisher appeared on my doorstep, fixed and ready to go. Many companies wont honor warranties or even help fix broken components when sold outside the USA. I commend Shurhold for standing by and helping their customers in need. It was very much appreciated.
Brian Genge
Papalani, North Pacific 43
Victoria, B.C.
Canada
I wanted to say thank you to PS Editor Darrell Nicholsonfor his advice to find a boat surveyor. Money well spent! The Landfall 39 with teak decks (see PS Advisor, May 2015) we were looking atwas indeed in worse shape than I had imagined with lots of hidden surprises.
Your advice, along withCasey Auten AMS, CMI, from Professional Marine Surveyors (North Texas / Dallas Ft. Worth, www.professionalmarinesurveyors.com) kept us from making a very costly mistake. Casey let me know he was there to protect my interests and took the time to ask what we wanted and expected out of the boat. I appreciate the fact that his observations were not sugarcoated. He always maintained a professional attitude, and when something was spotted that I thought I should have seen previously, he didnt make me feel like a dumby, and explained his observation. His marine surveying skills aredefinitely recommended.
Dave and Sandra Brunk
Via email
In reference to your February 2015 and March 2015 articles on foul-weather gear: I had a pair of 10-year-old West Marine Explorer jackets that were almost never used, but failed nonetheless. The fabric delaminated with the inner layer shedding like confetti. I was reluctant to return a 10-year-old item, but to its credit, the local West Marine (www.westmarine.com) replaced them with prior model year Third Reef jackets (for less than $20), a more-than-reasonable resolution.
John Gray
Ingenue, Beneteau
Richmond, Va.
