Need your opinion

fun2bethad · **Posted:** Tue Jan 10, 2012 11:52 am

Hey all, I am in need of a new camper top for my Vista 238 as one didn't come with the boat when I purchased it. The local dealership has quoted me $1,650 plus shipping. Is it appropriate for me to ask for a discount? I don't know how much wiggle room dealerships have on their margins. Everywhere else that I have gone for a quote has told me they can't do it because the fit has to be exact do to the zippers, ect. Let me know what you think. Thanks!

blue dragon · **Joined:** Tue Jul 12, 2011 5:01 pm **Posts:** 792

Talk to Terry at Winnisquamine Marine. Tell him you are a member of the forum, for the forum discount. As an example, local dealer wanted $1200 for the trailer cover. Without the forum discount, it was in the $950 range, and with the discount, it was in the $775 range.

230 Mike · **Posted:** Tue Jan 10, 2012 1:01 pm

I think it all depends on the relationship you have with the dealer. Best case, it can't hurt to ask but I wouldn't push it. And if he does do anything for you, be sure to remember that for later.

jsimon · **Posted:** Tue Jan 10, 2012 1:46 pm

If you are talking about the entire camper canvas, without poles, with the isinglass, 1,650.00 is a good deal. If it is factory though, I myself would not do it. The factory canvas fits for sh*it IMO. Having it custom made at a local canvas shop is the way to go for good fitting, leak free canvas.

My $0.02

ric · **Posted:** Tue Jan 10, 2012 3:08 pm

What JSimon said.. Factory canvas fits decent, but not perfect. If you're going to spend the money I'd jump for the custom stuff and have it perfect. My neighbor recently purchased a new regal and took the snap in covers and threw them in the trash. Had new ones made the next day. The fit/finish is 1000x better. Not nearly as saggy and no gaps.

Winter Sux · **Posted:** Tue Jan 10, 2012 6:41 pm

blue dragon,,,where the heck is that winissq,,marine,,whatever it was? I thought you were in Pickering?

John :mrgreen:

TX H210SS · **Joined:** Thu May 27, 2010 9:10 am **Posts:** 1488

I have never bought a top like that so I am merely repeating what I've read many times. Try Leta,s or Letta,s shop. Google it all reviews have been good. She has the specs on most boats and uses top materials worth some checking. The Bayliner group all speak highly of her.

Paul I. · **Posted:** Tue Jan 10, 2012 11:37 pm

jsimon wrote:

If you are talking about the entire camper canvas, without poles, with the isinglass, 1,650.00 is a good deal. If it is factory though, I myself would not do it. The factory canvas fits for sh*it IMO. Having it custom made at a local canvas shop is the way to go for good fitting, leak free canvas.

My $0.02

YES, to the above. And I would ask for a discount.

blue dragon · **Joined:** Tue Jul 12, 2011 5:01 pm **Posts:** 792

Winter Sux wrote:

blue dragon,,,where the heck is that winissq,,marine,,whatever it was? I thought you were in Pickering?

John :mrgreen:

I am in Pickering, but I always price check with the US dealers. http://www.winnisquammarine.com/index.htm

Thats their website.

french829 · **Posted:** Wed Jan 11, 2012 1:00 pm

Quote:

I am in Pickering, but I always price check with the US dealers. http://www.winnisquammarine.com/index.htm

Thats their website.

+1 These guys have taken care of me a few times. Even dropped shipped to my house they were cheaper than my local dealer.

SW Florida Dave · **Posted:** Wed Jan 11, 2012 9:33 pm

+1 on what jsimon said. Go with a local canvas shop the FW canvas fits poorly at best and it shrinks badly.

powellcrazy · **Posted:** Thu Jan 12, 2012 8:59 am

I too recommend taking boat to a custom canvas shop, it will be cheaper and will get better end results.

My local canvas shop on repaired a couple side screens for me, but when I need more done. That is the route I am going.

But $1600 for entire set up, poles, canvas and all necessary hardware, does not sound all that bad either.

fun2bethad · **Posted:** Thu Jan 12, 2012 1:09 pm

Thanks so much for all the input. My take away is DO NOT go with the Four Winns canvas but try instead to find a local canvas shop. As I mentioned, I did have a few local ones tell me that they wouldn't do it as they were too worried about getting the fit right but I'm sure there is a shop out there with the courage and skill to make it happen. Just as a side, the $1,650 I quoted was only for the camper sides, front, and back. I already have the poles and bimini installed on the boat and they are in great shape. Thanks again all!

www.iFourWinns.com

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