In response to the below review, I have to give my side of what really happened. I would normally not respond, but PAUL is a flat out liar.

He brought his raft into Oceans West to have it serviced. They do not service Winslow so they brought it up to us. The factory upgrades are a mandatory service or parts that we are required to do as per Winslow. I nor the customer has a choice. The not requested supplies were the outdated equipment that had to be replaced as per manufacture. I am sure if there was outdated equipment left in a serviced raft & it was used, I would be sued for not replacing the outdated items. As for price, anything you do in the marine industry is expensive. Pauls ignorance to life saving equipment is obvious as he can only how he spends his money on the vessels rigging.

When the raft was ready to pick up @ Oceans West, he sent his wife & he had her tell them that he paid me direct, which was a lie.

We can not make all Customers happy, but we do put our best into saving there lives.

Not for the cruising sailor. . .



Our Winslow raft was sent to Avalon as a favor by folks doing service for us in San Diego. Avalon never offered an estimate or any feedback, just sent the raft back with a bill for $2400 for a raft that can be purchased new for around $3000. Nothing wrong with the raft, which had been serviced previously for half the cost, and it's always been vacuum-packed in a special sleeve in a closed laserette. Their charges were outrageous and they included a number of 'factory upgrades' and overpriced supplies that were not requested. Calls to the factory and another service depot confirmed that their charges were way high. When I talked to the owner about being uncomfortable with the bill, he rudely offered a lecture on lifesaving equipment and how I wasn't appreciative. I suspect he's not a sailor, or he would know that investments in the rig, ground tackle, navigation equipment, etc. are the priority and what keep us from having to use deploy lifesaving equipment to begin with. For pricing, customer orientation, and sailing knowledge, I give Avalon the thumbs down.



I can recommend Sal's Inflatables,1914 Stanford St, Alameda, CA 94501,Phone:(510) 522-1824



and Oceans West, 2886 Main Street

San Diego, CA 92113 (619) 544-1900