Using a Shop Smith Mark V on a Chris Craft Roamer refit

[roamer46]

Sorry if it wasn't clear in my article, but the manufacturer rejects any blame for making the frames too big. They blame me for it all. So returning the windows isn't an option at this point. I may have to cut the clamp rings apart, cut and reweld them so they'll fit in the window openings, then powder coat them. I've put a hold on my payment to them. We'll see if that changes their minds.

[JPG]

Sorry if it wasn't clear in my article, but the manufacturer rejects any blame for making the frames too big. They blame me for it all. So returning the windows isn't an option at this point. I may have to cut the clamp rings apart, cut and reweld them so they'll fit in the window openings, then powder coat them. I've put a hold on my payment to them. We'll see if that changes their minds.

Caution! They may sue to get you to change your mindset.

Seems to me that the 'proprieter' is a flake! But word of mouth is a poor way to 'communicate' scope of work and the details. Detailed drawings are supposed to assure proper adherence to intended results. Patterns are good, but not useful unless it is known how to use them.

This too shall pass!!!

[roamer46]

They can sue all they like. The contract, drawings, and written communications are clear. I'll happily pay them when they deliver the contracted items. Their unprofessional response has already cost them two window jobs. Word travels fast online...

[ERLover]

Sorry for your pain, a payment hold should get there attention, and social media wow, I emailed a company that we were going to hire to help care take for mom, they did not follow thru with somethings, I did a time line on it in the email, closed with, "social media is such wonderful and instant thing". No poop, I hit the send button, the phone rang in 2 minutes, full of apologies and what can we do to make it right.

[roamer46]

ERLover, the payment hold has indeed gotten Motion Windows' attention, and at least two big boat owners have thanked me for the review. They were planning to replace their windows and were considering Motion, but won't be using them after seeing the company's response to my complaints about oversizing the frames.

In other window news, I'm installing the bow seat windows. These are the ones that Motion made a couple years ago, and 2/3 of those were oversized, too. I had to adjust the paint a bit to get two of them to fit (that's after I sent them back Motion for being waaaay too big...now 2 of them are just slightly too big). But before the windows could go in, I had to install the interior panels that the windows clamp to. I gotta say...it's looking pretty good.

1969 Chris Craft Roamer 46 Refit: Installing the Bow Seat Window Mahogany Panels

Cheers,
Q

[roamer46]

I got the last mahogany panel and bow seat window installed. We'll put a big ol' fat check on the punch list next to bow seat windows. For a rookie wood whisperer, I gotta say these complex mahogany panels fit pretty darned good. Next, I've got to get back into the tent-building business. I'm expecting lots of snow this winter, and Tent Model X took a big hit from the boat next to mine that exploded back in July. There's no way it'd hold up to a snow storm in its current condition. Anyway, I'm just real glad the bow seat windows are done. The sooner the exterior is waterproof, the sooner I can wash all the dust off!

1969 Chris Craft Roamer 46 Refit: Completing the Bow Seat Window Installation

Cheers,
Q

[skou]

"After the way things have gone with most of the highly paid professionals on this refit, it feels good when a rookie like me does a better job than the pros."

The ONLY difference between a "professional" and a decent amateur, is the "professional" is getting paid.

Most of the time the amateur does MUCH better work, but is slower. (I don't think I'll be getting any argument, in THIS crowd!)

Oh, been following this for a few years now, and am REALLY impressed!

steve

[roamer46]

Thanks, Steve!

I am definitely much slower than the pros. But the fact that I can only work on this on weekends may be as much of a factor in my slowness as anything else. Having the right tools around makes an enormous difference. ;-)

[roamer46]

I've been taking advantage of the great weather we're having to transform Tent Model X into Tent Model XXX. The best change for the new version is re-using old shrink wrap plastic as a vapor barrier between the gravel below and the tent above. That should cut down on condensation drastically. I figure it'll take 4-5 days total to reconfigure it. Hopefully this will be the last tent I ever build.

1969 Chris Craft Roamer 46 Refit: Tent Model XXX

Cheers,
Q

[skou]

"Finally, the goddess of the seas is smiling upon me. Either that, or the b**** is setting me up for another zinger like she’s done so many other times on this project. :-)"

OK, "someone" owes me a new keyboard.

Milk, even "adult" milk is NOT good for keyboards, especially when deposited by a "spit take,"
or a "nose-spit" take.

Seriously, keep it going, "Q!"

steve