Fiberglass Work-Walton's -Ladds?

D

Delta dawn

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Joined
Oct 9, 2004
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15495
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44
Anyone have any experiences with Walton's or Ladds for fiberglass work on a trilerable boat or other? Thanks
 
Well, I had some blisters worked on at Ladd's. Cosmetically it looked fine, but I was (and am) very troubled that they did the work in wet and cold conditions. My understanding is that the hull needs to be extremely dry to do this glass work, and this was done out in the rain the day after hauling. Also when working with them I'd say to get everything in writing in detail, as I had several conflicts in scope of work and costs.
 
I have spent about 15k with Ladds, but get it in writing. They are fairly honest, but I had one guy tell me a price without asking the boss. It worked out ok.

The fiberglas work they did on my Vetus Bow Thruster is still leak proof, but make SURE any parts needed are THERE. Vetus told us they had our Bow Thruster, but a week later they said they were out, it would be a few weeks, yada yada yada.
Ladd's got one in from somewhere & I didn't pay anymore, but I sweated bullets for a week.

Also, if they lift you out with the straps, check your fiberglas real close for cracks. I think we had to sign a waiver or something prior to them taking our 44 Tolly out, but we had spider web type cracks afterwards. I got it fixed, but Ladd's said tough luck at that time.
And watch any stripes..put it in writing they will be undamaged.

Don't get me wrong, they are good folks, but when I was there a few years ago I felt like they had too many people quoting prices. It caused confusion.
 
I used to work for Bob Walton (Walton's Marine) back in the 80's. I can tell you that he is honest, and he takes pride in the work that comes out of his shop. I don't know anything about Ladd's, so I cannot comment on them.

Robert
 
There is a guy on Bethel Island named Dennis who has an excellent reputation. I know the Rinker dealer uses him for their warranty FG work. I think the name of his company is CapriAquarius on the west side of Bethel Island Rd, downtown.
 
I had some fiberglass repairs (relatively minor, though) done by Melgoza's and he did an excellent job.
 
Hey Steve, have you been checking out new places in the delta with your boat lately or are you spending weekends looking for that next perfect boat?
 
There are two Walton's facilities, one in Rio Vista and one at Bruno's Island. Both belong to Bob Walton, with John Preston managing the shop at Bruno's. My boat was hauled and bottom finished at Rio Vista during the purchase in 1998, and twice since at the Bruno's facility. Neither Bob or John are going to win any personality contests, but you will not find anyone more hard working and honest. The fiberglass guy at the Bruno's yard (Fidel) is an artist with a grinder. I wouldn't consider anyone else.

FindMe, at Waltons.
 
Well, tomorrow we're going to Willow Berm with some friends to hang out for a few days. We've been to Caliente a few times and Disco Bay, Rio Vista, and Mildred, to name a few. Actually, we're kind of on hold with the 'moving up' plans, as I just found out my job is being eliminated! Looking for a new job will be my first priority, but I'm sure we'll be 'on the hunt' again! Now ... if only I could sell my boat! It's not a good time for selling right now ....
 
Bummer about the job. That happened to me when I was 58. I ran the numbers and decided I could retire if I moved out of the Bay Area. It worked out sooo nice!

Good luck to you!
 
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