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Need advice regarding compensation for stained sails

3K views 18 replies 13 participants last post by  SpeedAgent 
#1 · (Edited)
Hey folks.

(sorry if this seems a bit off-topic, not sure where better to post this)

I'm looking for advice on how to resolve being trapped between three companies, all of whom deny any liability or responsibility for damage to my sails, yet the bottom line is that my sails were stained by some recent covers I purchased, and I am of the strong opinion that one or more of the parties involved should reimburse me for the replacement of my sails (professional cleaning them has proven unsuccessful).

At this point, I prefer not to name names, as I'm hoping for an amicable resolution without having to "shame them in public" to do the right thing. I'm hoping someone might have some ideas how to break through the apparent deadlock that I find myself in and get one or more of the companies involved to "do the right thing".

In a nutshell, I purchased sail covers from a fairly well respected and successful sailboat retailer. The covers themselves were made by another company, who also seems fairly well respected, and makes lots of canvas goods for boats, and seems to have a pretty healthy volume of business. The fabric itself used in the covers is one of the most popular brands used for that purpose.

The construction of the covers themselves was first rate. I was initially very happy with the quality of the covers. All of the canvas was a deep forest green, not their most common color, which may or may not be relevant, and special ordered (my understanding is that they were all made from the same batch of material). Unfortunately, after only just a couple of months, my sails were stained green from the covers, one mainsail one genoa (stored on roller furler). Obviously, I was not very happy about this, especially since the genoa was brand new, purchased at the same time as the covers, and from the same retailer.

(for those who may wonder, no, the staining was not mildew or anything organic, but some kind of transfer of the actual color from the covers)

I contacted the original retailer, from whom I purchased the covers (and genoa), and they instructed me to return the covers, along with the stained sails, and gave me the impression that they would compensate me for the damages. I was about to move to Finland at the time, and the boat was being shipped, so in order to ensure it left with sails, we agreed to have two new sails shipped overnight via FedEX so that they would get to me before the boat shipped, and my credit card would be charged temporarily, as a security deposit, until they received the damaged sails and defective covers. Unfortunately, after receiving the covers and stained sails (and having my $$ for the replacement sails) they claimed they made no such promise and said all they would do was pass the issue on to the manufacturer of the covers, to whom they sent the defective covers and my stained sails, and that if I liked, I could return the recently ordered replacement sails for a refund, if unpacked from their original sail bags.

Since I (like most sailors) take pride in the appearance and polish of my boat, and I didn't want stained sails, and as I felt confident that the parties involved would be fair and do the right thing, I decided to wait and see how things played out. The replacement sails are still new, unpacked, in their original sail bags.

The manufacturer of the covers sent the defective covers and stained sails onward to the fabric manufacturer for tests (which took forever) and the fabric manufacturer concluded that the staining was due to abrasion, leaving green micro-fibers embedded in the sail material, and that their fabric was not defective and that the manufacturer of the covers should have included a barrier fabric to guard against such abrasion. Whether or not that is true, and no dye transfer of any kind occurred, is beyond my abilities (and finances) to verify, so I have no choice but to take the fabric manufacturer's word for it (noting that they are hardly an objective party insofar as the results of those tests are concerned).

So back the issue goes to the manufacturer of the covers, who firmly asserts that there was nothing wrong with their construction and that they sell hundreds of those covers and never have had any problems before. The manufacturer of the covers negotiated with the fabric manufacturer to have the fabric manufacturer attempt to professionally clean the sails. Although I've asked for details of what kind of cleaning techniques were applied, no information has been forthcoming, other than the assertion that cleaning was attempted. Unfortunately, there was no reduction of any amount to the staining. They did, however, return the stained sails to me at their cost, which was commendable (though hardly fair compensation for the damaged sails).

So now I'm stuck between these three companies, all refusing to take any responsibility for the staining of my sails, nor provide any compensation for the cost of the replacement sails.

The bottom line, however, is that somehow, somewhere, something went wrong with these covers and my sails are stained green. This is a fact acknowledged by all three parties.

I've argued to all three companies that it is unacceptable for an innocent customer such as myself to be trapped between their three companies in this manner and that the cost of the replacement sails, if split three ways (or however they want to slice it) would be far less a loss for each of their companies than the full cost of replacing the sails would be for me, yet I've had no further reply from any of them.

FWIW, although I am presently in Finland, all three companies are US companies, and the damage occurred while I was living in the US (Texas), and I am a US citizen, so I presume that US/Texas law would apply, should it come to that.

What should I do?
 
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#2 ·
Two additions to my original post...

1. The retailer from whom I purchased the covers did eventually refund the purchase price of the covers, though did not recognize in any way that they were defective. But at least I'm not out the cost of the covers.

2. Suing any or all of the parties involved is probably not a realistic option, since we are talking here about just over $1K USD and I'd probably end up poorer than that if any lawyers got involved.
 
#3 ·
Sounds like you're SOL, unless you plan to return to the States in the near future. At that time you could file a small claims suit against all 3 companies. I'm sure that between them, they'll make good on your new sails. If they fail to appear in court, you will win by default.

Question: Do you have enough evidence left to prevail, especially since you sent the stained sails and defective covers back to the retailer?

Good luck and enjoy Finland!
 
#6 ·
I've spoken with them, but in this case, since the retailer has offered to take back and refund the replacement sails, they won't act (and to be honest, insofar as those charges are concerned, that seems fair).

The issue is about the compensation for the stained sails. I could send the replacement sails back, and get a refund, but then I'm still left with stained sails and no compensation.
 
#8 · (Edited)
Were it not for the fact that you are in Finland, it sounds like you have a pretty good case for small claims. I don't know how much the new sails cost but usually the limit for small claims is 5000.
If the manufacturer of the cloth claims that the color hasn't run and it's just a matter of loose fibers transferred to the sails, then it stands to reason that they would maintain that the sails could be cleaned. If you have proven that the sails can't be cleaned, doesn't that disprove the transferred fiber theory?
 
#10 ·
Already got the sails back, and already informed all three parties I'd employ all reasonable means to obtain compensation.

This thread is part of exploring what those "means" might be.
 
#12 ·
Patrick...if a retailer sells you a product that is defective and causes collateral damage, you should go after them directly in small claims court when you get back to the states. THEY being a corporation will have to supply a lawyer but you may represent yourself. They can recover damages from THEIR supplier if they want to but that is not YOUR problem. Sue them! If you have any lawyer friends, you might have them write a letter first outlining the settlement you demand.
Good luck!
 
#13 ·
I think that the fault probaby lies with the supplier of the fabric. It is likely that testing the fabric would prove it to be less than colourfast. May be a case of them using a new mill offshore to economise.

To me the abrasion theory sounds like a desperate attempt to manufacture some excuse. If indeed abrasion had occurred then the fibres would easily be washed off the sails and the green would be gone.

As far as what to do...not sure. Here in Ontario we have the Consumer Protection Act which basically states that goods have to be merchantable for their marketed purpose. I would imagine that there is a similar law in Texas - probably several of them.

The retailer would be the one to claim damages from. I'd ask a lawyer in the US to send off an indication of your intent to pursue the matter immediately rather than wait until you were residing stateside again. A judge is not going to look favorably on an aged claim.

The retailer is probably aware of their liability but counting on your expatriate status to protect them. A lawyer's letter could tip them over the edge.

Good Luck !
 
#14 ·
I agree that the color staining the sails isn't the result of "abrading the fabric"... since, that would more likely than not be easily washed away. Most marine-grade acrylic canvas is not dyed in the sense of traditional fabrics, and the color shouldn't "bleed" since the fibers themselves are colored in the manufacturing process...not dyed after being made.

I'd agree that if you know any attorneys you know that are licensed to practice in Texas, that you should have them fire off a letter to the company that made the sail cover for collateral damages to the sails.
 
#17 ·
The retailer is responsible for the stains. You did not have any type of financial activity with the third parties. The manufacturer, the producer of the fabric, yarn manufacturer, dye manufacturer and others are all third parties. The retailer is the one that is responsible to you. The others might be responsible for the damage, but it is up to the retailer to ask for the damage not you. Instead of bothering with the others you should sue the the one who sold you the covers.
 
#18 ·
I have reached a settlement with the parties involved. They have compensated me for approx. 60% of my total losses. I do not consider the settlement completely fair, but have decided it is not in my interest to pursue the matter further.

Thanks to everyone who offered advice.
 
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