Sled top crushed!

Mikeymoto · 01-07-2004, 07:54 PM

Came home from work today and the frame for the Bentleys top on the new North River doesn't look quite right :whazzup: I take a closer look and oops :shocked: one side of the frame is toast and the other is bent bad and the top rails look like a horseshoe.

I guess with all the freezing rain we had it was too much for the gal to handle. Ok its 4 months old and now it looks like I need to spring for a new top. Can I buy just the frame work from Bentleys? And should I turn in a claim on the boat owners policy. This wouldn't be covered under the NR warranty, right?
I need some advise.
Thanks,
Mike

FEAR NO FISH! · 01-07-2004, 07:58 PM

Would that be covered under your homeowner policy?

troybuz · 01-07-2004, 08:00 PM

If your only damage is the top frame I would not turn in a claim. Save your claims for when you really need the help...those insurance companies track things pretty tight now days. You don't want to get dropped, or have your rates increased for a few hundred dollars of problems.
Good Luck and remember the saying, a boat is a hole in the water to throw money into.

TinyWonder · 01-07-2004, 08:01 PM

Take it to bentley's for a look see.

I had a similar problem (passed a motorhome at 50mps and the top blew off and skidded down the pavement

They can just replace the bows and if the top is still good the charge should be much less than replacing the whole thing.

But they need to look at it to give you a firm price.

Good luck.

blacktail519 · 01-07-2004, 08:03 PM

Sorry to hear about the luck! Not sure about the the whole warranty thing, But i do know my boat insurance would cover mine. I dont know what your deductible is, but it my be worth looking into. What a bummer! I was worried about the top on my new boat this winter, and decided to buy one of those portable shelters with the tarp like covering with a metal frame. It has worked out great. It wasn't quite tall enough to fit my boat under, so i ran railroad ties along each side, and mounted the frame to those raising it up :smile: about 8". A few 18 penny nails to hold it securely down, and wammo!!! my boat is dry and Safe. May be something to think about in the future if you dont have somewhere to store it undercover. Good luck, Todd

Hanapa'a Time · 01-07-2004, 08:16 PM

MM,

Bummer about the top.
You also might look into upgrading to stainless bows and fittings, if they aren't already. If they are, the ice and snow must be piled on THICK. :shocked:
Hope all turns out well.

Kurt

Space · 01-07-2004, 10:02 PM

Go ahead and give the ARM & THE LEG (Bentley's) a call first. Then call Jerry's. I'm certain that he can do the job FAR cheaper than Bentley's.

SPACE

wetaline · 01-08-2004, 07:20 AM

Bentleys can just replace the frame... and they'll custom fit tubing/frame into tops they havn't made as well.

ibeanfishin · 01-08-2004, 07:31 AM

I to park my boat under a cover, but I lost it due to the ice. I'm glad I only have to replace the pipe and canvas and not the boat top. Sorry about yours. :depressed:

parthur · 01-08-2004, 07:48 AM

North River is now doing their own tops, frames, seats, & upholstery, etc. They have a huge shop at their Clackamas showroom.

If it's just the frames/poles you should be able to pick up the parts from them.

Ask for Matt the service manager, he does a great job and should be able to help you out.

PA

Kentucky Hog Hunter · 01-08-2004, 08:09 AM

Sorry to hear about that....

I worked in my boat yesterday fo at least 2 hours getting the snow & ice off of it...

At least she will be ready for Saturday but for some reason I don't think these canvas tops were made for this type of weather event...

Good luck...and I 2nd Fear no Fish...if you have homeowners then you should be able to file a weather related claim...

Sturgeon Tom · 01-08-2004, 08:13 AM

Sorry to here about your tops buy that is one reason I use Tony tops. He double tubs the frame and it will not to that or bend when trailering. Take it to him and he will repair it correctly and probally save you some money. It probally is not enough money to cover the deductable on your home owners ins.
st

greenbuttskunk · 01-08-2004, 08:20 AM

I've spent the last three days knocking the ice and snow off my boat cover, glad I did or it would be toast today. I left it loose and the wind billowed it out often and helps break the ice off. I think the worst is behind me now. Hopefully it warms up for sat so I can get it out of the nasty driveway.
GBS

El-Kabong · 01-08-2004, 10:07 AM

I just spoke with Bentleys. They can make up a new part for you. They hope to be back in business tomorrow. Call before you drive.

01-08-2004, 03:27 PM

[ 01-18-2004, 07:16 PM: Message edited by: ****** ]

Mikeymoto · 01-08-2004, 09:36 PM

****** I would say I'm glad I'm not alone in this but that dosn't quite come out right. Thanks for all the replys. I called the dealer where the wife bought me the boat(yes she suprised me last fall and had it all picked out ready to go)and they will be taking it down to Roseburg tomorrow for repair. I do have homeowners and boatowners insurance, but depending on the cost will determine if I file a claim. You all know how the insurance company's are dealing with someone filing a claim=cancellation. [img]graemlins/berry.gif[/img]

So hopefully it will be done soon.
I will probably upgrade to a stainless frame when this one is history.
MM

El-Kabong · 01-09-2004, 09:03 AM

My bentley top suffered a broken bow in this mess as well. The replacement is only going to cost about $55 bucks (I was GREATLY relieved) but will take a few days to get the new one made.

Never again will I cut corners and leave the top up. I had even knocked off the snow, but overnight it was too much and snap.

edsr · 01-09-2004, 10:51 AM

Hell, the whole tent thingy I keep my boat under collapsed. Forty bucks and a couple hours work should put it right again. We're not used to the icy stuff. I knocked the snow off on the first night, re-rigged and thought it would be fine. The secound batch and the ice got me, really weighs-in.
edsr