Waterline Systems

[Meat Wad]

Are they a functioning business?
I know their website is not working properly.
I have ordered items over the phone and Gordon says they are in stock and will be shipped out.
I have called twice in the last month and am assured I am at the top of the list.
No items ever arrive.

Anyone know anything?

 

[Herreshoff]

About six weeks ago I left a message with Waterline for parts info / pricing inquiry for j24 Parts  that weren’t  showing on the website.

Got a voicemail from Gordon and never was able to contact him. I did reach Randy Borges and he told me they do still offer the kit I was looking for and to send him an email and he’d get the info and pricing for me. Emailed Randy with no response. Tried the website email link and still nothing. Left a final voicemail politely explaining that I wasn’t having much luck with getting ordering info and asking they contact me but nothing.

It’s a bummer because I’d really like to get their parts but left wondering like you.

It’s confusing because they do answer the phone and seem to be open for business but something is not connecting.

I’m guessing it’s related to recent business changes.

 

[TyeDyedGary]

  I finally was able to obtain some needed parts as well as another fallow J-22 owner, by going to their web site. Make a note of the parts you need ei: part numbers, posted cost and quantity. Then send an e-mail to Randy Borges at [email protected], and also calling as a fallow up to the e-mail.

  I am guessing he just doesn't have the stock sorted out after a forced to clear out move from there old location and is still a little overwhelmed. 

 

[Meat Wad]

Waterline used to be the Water Craft Business???

I just wanted the J105 Stanchion bases and posts. Everything I read said these guys had it.

I' gotta call Waterline Systems and tell them to shred my CC info.

 

[Imsission]

US Watercraft and Waterline Systems are different.  Waterline Systems is supposedly still operating as the parts dealer and to build and support the Alerion Yacht brand.  They moved to North Kingstown, RI last year.  I have had bad luck trying to get someone to return phone calls and emails.  I emailed Randy Borges: [email protected] a few months ago about a new J24 mast but crickets.  I sourced it elsewhere in the meantime.  I called about two weeks ago to get some parts and the nice girl that answered said I needed to talk to Randy and that he was on the shop floor.  She forwarded me to his voicemail and after leaving message I haven't heard back.  I have since ordered from another reputable company that stocks some of these parts and calls or emails back.

Good luck hopefully you can find the parts elsewhere or get better service than I did.

 

[Meat Wad]

US Watercraft and Waterline Systems are different.  Waterline Systems is supposedly still operating as the parts dealer and to build and support the Alerion Yacht brand.  They moved to North Kingstown, RI last year.  I have had bad luck trying to get someone to return phone calls and emails.  I emailed Randy Borges: [email protected] a few months ago about a new J24 mast but crickets.  I sourced it elsewhere in the meantime.  I called about two weeks ago to get some parts and the nice girl that answered said I needed to talk to Randy and that he was on the shop floor.  She forwarded me to his voicemail and after leaving message I haven't heard back.  I have since ordered from another reputable company that stocks some of these parts and calls or emails back.

Good luck hopefully you can find the parts elsewhere or get better service than I did.

Found them. http://www.whitewatermarineinc.com

it seems the guys made the parts for the 3rd party.

 

[butternutz]

US Watercraft and Waterline Systems were/are different, but the presidents of both were/are the same slimy prick. Amazing how a shit always floats back to the surface.....

 

[silent bob]

Found them. http://www.whitewatermarineinc.com

it seems the guys made the parts for the 3rd party.

Have you talked to Garhauer Marine?  I’m not a big fan of their blocks, but their stanchion gear is excellent, and he’ll do custom work.  Prices are very good, and he’s in SoCal!

 

[Meat Wad]

Have you talked to Garhauer Marine?  I’m not a big fan of their blocks, but their stanchion gear is excellent, and he’ll do custom work.  Prices are very good, and he’s in SoCal!

I saw their link in one of the J class sites under resources.
I like the J 105 bases because it has a bigger footing and a center bolt too. Crew is so big these days I want safety and the base is most of the strength.
I gotta replace the old ones as I have already repaired one and 4 out of 6 do not have smooth eyes because the grommet is gone so I have plastic tubing helping with chafe.
The old designs have such small bases too.

 

[silent bob]

I saw their link in one of the J class sites under resources.
I like the J 105 bases because it has a bigger footing and a center bolt too. Crew is so big these days I want safety and the base is most of the strength.
I gotta replace the old ones as I have already repaired one and 4 out of 6 do not have smooth eyes because the grommet is gone so I have plastic tubing helping with chafe.
The old designs have such small bases too.

As I said, he does custom work!  

 

[Herreshoff]

So trying again to source the j24 vermiculite sump / floor kit through Waterline.

Would really like to get the verm out of the old girl after all these years.

Mostly just want the fiberglass floor stringers from Waterline, Could live without their teak & holly but their stringers are supposed to be sweet.  I’ve seen so many pics of j24s with plywood floor stringers just run into the sump resin. It seems like a lot of pics of rotted plywood. Not what I want. 

Gordon at Waterline told me they’d have to make up the floor stringers and it’d need to be an order for like 3 boats or he’d need to have a few lined up at one time to be worth his time. Kind of a pain. Not feeling the love that’s for sure.

Anyone have an old Waterline vermiculite replacement kit consider selling?

 

[jackolantern]

Randy's poor accessibility is a perfect example of why the guy who's the greatest on the shop floor isn't necessarily also the best in the board room or vice-versa.

Please see the Barry Carroll vs. Eric Goetz disparity as well. 

 

[Herreshoff]

I don’t know what’s going on over there.

It was frustrating having Randy say they offer the kit, directing me to Gordon and then have Gordon send me away.

The fiberglass floors just seem to be the proper method of repair following vermiculite removal. I’m considering going with marine plywood epoxied instead but only because can’t get the kit. 

It appears plywood is okay in lieu of sold glass 

http://j24forum.org/usa/faqs/verm_repair.htm

Question for those who have done these, If Waterline continues to be a no go, would it be reasonable going with G9 or G10 glass epoxy sheet for the floors instead of plywood? 

*Edit that-never mind, I just checked pricing on glass epoxy sheets and seems it gets pricey.

 

[J28]

Why not make your own glass epoxy sheets?  You don’t need expensive vac bagging equipment.  Google “fiberglass hand lay up”

 

[Herreshoff]

I was thinking yeah why not just layup some floors and tab them in. There’s not much to them.

Just the thought of cutting some to fit out of some sheet or board sounded clean and solid.

Funny thing Waterline sent out an email today advertising Fall savings and to contact them for parts and service needs.

also something about hard to find parts etc...

I snipped back in a reply email that I still need the vermiculite kit and if any chance, ever?

What do you know, I got a response from Henry Pendleton.

Henry now heads up the parts department at Waterline and he says they can indeed provide me with the kit for

$1063.00- and if I had any questions and / or would I like to place an order.

I’ve got an email back to him asking what that price includes.

I’m guessing the glass stringers and teak and holly flooring. Doubt resin etc..

Ive heard others mention that they’ll break it up and sell you what you need.

I don’t know. An old j24 that gets raced only probably doesnt need teak and holly but 

it sure does look nice. 

Ill see what the $1000 bucks includes but I’m really feeling like it might just be worth it to me.

Anyways, thankful that Waterline seems to be getting things sorted now.

 

[Epi-sailor]

Re Waterline: not to highjack the thread but thought it would be useful to chime in with my 2 cents.  I just ordered some small parts for our 109.  While the web site was absolutely awful, and parts were typical boat industry overpriced, and I had several concerns about service given other post here on SA - Waterlined delivered.  Website while clunky worked and parts showed up on time.   

 

[Herreshoff]

Yeah It seems they are trying.

Got a email from Henry at Waterline first thing this morning with the vermiculite kit instruction sheet that includes a list of recommended materials and tools. In addition it lists everything included in the kit.  Waterline supply: 9 sq. ft. Of Pensky foam, 1708biaxial fiberglass cloth, Cabin Sole, floor supports / stringers.

Another email after asking if the  verm is just rear section of or entirely through sump.

i don’t know, maybe they got to a point where they were only filling part of the sump with the vermiculite? Mine is full to the brim and I’m thinking itheres going to be a bunch under the floors.

sorry, anyways I’m really feeling optimistic after communicating with Henry. Super responsive so far. 

His contact is [email protected]

 

[BigBoatHack]

US Watercraft and Waterline Systems were/are different, but the presidents of both were/are the same slimy prick. Amazing how a shit always floats back to the surface.....

And here I thought I was the only one who felt this way!

 

[WHK]

I was at the foreclosure auction last year.  All inventory was sold, so there was no working stock remaining for Waterline Systems to sell.  J/Boats had the J/109 Class remove Waterline Systems as the "Authorized J/Boats Repair and Service Center" from the class website.  Previously Waterline Systems retained most of the J/Boat build files and prints in the old TPI building.  These were restricted from sale in the auction and did not move when Waterline Systems opened to North Kingstown.  Unless some subsequent agreement was reached with J/Boats, I do not believe that Waterline Systems has the J/Boats drawings.  Any parts ordered through Waterline from what used to be inventory would need to be purchased by them from a 3rd party at the time of sale, since they probably wouldn't have invested to build a new inventory of parts to have on hand.