GreatLakes OEM Tops Any Update?

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Fill Ess

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Oct 16, 2020
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It's been several months since they stopped taking orders. Are there any updates?

Their web site still says:

Due to high order volume we are not able to process new orders for canvas products. Please feel free to request a quote, we will update as the season progresses.
 
@KevinC should be able to answer this. He's an active member and a sponsor of the site.
 
Thanks @Shaps !

@Phil S: Unfortunately, GLBT is still not taking orders at this time. From what I have heard when they do start taking orders again we will need to re-quote everything because of a price change (I am guessing increase). It's been a while since their last price increase back in October of 2019 so we can't complain. When I hear of anything I will certain post here on CSR first.

Also, if you have ever filled out our request form (https://www.covemarine.com), we also plan on sending email notifications to our users.

Meanwhile, we are still here and available to answer any questions in advance. I am guessing that there will be a big influx of dealer orders even if only a small percentage of what we have responded to actually order.

Unlike previous years, I will recommend getting your orders in and completed as early as possible when/if they start taking new orders. This way should they shut down orders again you will have yours. Earlier this year we were quoting 12 weeks delays and in some case it actually took longer because of being on hold for materials.

-Kevin
 
I heard from our canvas guy at our marina that Sunbrella is in short supply and prices are skyrocketing.
 
KevinC said:
Thanks @Shaps !

@Phil S: Unfortunately, GLBT is still not taking orders at this time. From what I have heard when they do start taking orders again we will need to re-quote everything because of a price change (I am guessing increase). It's been a while since their last price increase back in October of 2019 so we can't complain. When I hear of anything I will certain post here on CSR first.

Also, if you have ever filled out our request form (https://www.covemarine.com), we also plan on sending email notifications to our users.

Meanwhile, we are still here and available to answer any questions in advance. I am guessing that there will be a big influx of dealer orders even if only a small percentage of what we have responded to actually order.

Unlike previous years, I will recommend getting your orders in and completed as early as possible when/if they start taking new orders. This way should they shut down orders again you will have yours. Earlier this year we were quoting 12 weeks delays and in some case it actually took longer because of being on hold for materials.

-Kevin
Click to expand...

Thanks Kevin. In the spring, they told me "Fall" but now it's Fall.

Tough call for those of us with canvas on its last legs. Either you hold out for OEM, or go custom. And the local guys are quoting several months wait time to get a custom enclosure.
 
Phil S said:
Thanks Kevin. In the spring, they told me "Fall" but now it's Fall.

Tough call for those of us with canvas on its last legs. Either you hold out for OEM, or go custom. And the local guys are quoting several months wait time to get a custom enclosure.
Click to expand...

Technically "Fall" starts in a couple of weeks, so I am hopeful that they will make a decision soon.

With boating in the Northeast coming to an end soon I would try to get as much time out of your remain canvas to last the season and make this a winter project.

Unfortunately certain canvas styles (of course the popular ones) have had some limited availability. I know my last order for 60in Captain Navy needed to be filled with 80in at a high cost per yard. Fortunately for small jobs it need not have a hugh impact as some items can be cut out of the extra 20in.

There are definitely decisions ahead for you but locally all good canvas shops seem to be booked and we have been hearing problems with a lot of over-bookings and completions dates being delayed for a variety of reasons.

-Kevin
 
Creekwood said:
Yeah, kicking myself for not replacing my GLBT tops last year. I thought about it and decided to leave it for this year.
Click to expand...

When orders start again (if you are ready) get in touch with me and we can get you quoted and place your order. If you have questions we can try to clear them in advance.

-Kevin
 
KevinC said:
When orders start again (if you are ready) get in touch with me and we can get you quoted and place your order. If you have questions we can try to clear them in advance.

-Kevin
Click to expand...
I was hoping you may have some leverage with them if you can aggregate some orders from CSR members. If you hear anything from them about their interest in that, let us know. Now I have to decide if its time to move from Tweed to Black. I think its time.
 
Creekwood said:
I was hoping you may have some leverage with them if you can aggregate some orders from CSR members. If you hear anything from them about their interest in that, let us know. Now I have to decide if its time to move from Tweed to Black. I think its time.
Click to expand...

As we learned this year - we hold very limited leverage against the orders placed by the Manufacturers. Since their primary business is new boat orders the aftermarket took the hit. I still talk to them regularly and when I hear something I will pass it along.

-Kevin
 
KevinC said:
With boating in the Northeast coming to an end soon I would try to get as much time out of your remain canvas to last the season and make this a winter project.
Click to expand...

I think that's a given :D

The canvas itself is not terrible but all the pieces have shrunk to the point where I need multiple snap extensions. Normally I leave up the camper top all season (no sides or back) and I'd take it down before shrinkwrap. Hopefully I can get by with just folding it forward to the radar arch, as the top zippers might not make it :eek:

I was wondering what percent of their business was aftermarket vs new boats, and I'm surprised that it's mostly new boat orders.
 
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