ComplaintsforSipala Spars & Rigging LLC

• Initial Complaint

  07/01/2022

  Complaint Type:

  Service or Repair Issues

  Status:

  Unanswered

  More info

  I cannot fit the entire complaint in 2000 characters. We contracted with Sipala Spars & Rigging to paint our mast and re-rig our boat. They advertise themselves as a mobile business. He sent an estimate prior to work for unstopping the mast. Further discussion was in person and text message. The discussion included painting the mast, re-installing the electrical work for the new wind vane and cups that we would buy. The discussion included re-rigging. Mike ****** unstopped our mast on May 5, 2021. He promised the work would be done by the end of July 2021. He didn't complete the work. By November he told us we had to have our boat moved to his marina in order to complete the work. He moved the boat there on November 18 and stated that the boat was safe. On December 13 he texted; "We are working to have Blue Sky done soon." On October 25 Mike ***** asked for an estimate of cost of additional work (chain plates, fiberglass plate) and asked if it's still the "same estimate as when we discussed originally, right? not including chain plates and g10 plate" Mike ****** responded "and mast collar." Mike ***** responded "okay." On November 16 Mike texted to Mike ****** " in April we agreed to 7000." He asked about the additional charges for the chainplates, mast collar and G10 plate. Mike ****** responded, " I don't know the total cost, but we will get that to you soon. " Sarah left over 15 voicemails and messages either stating that our understanding is the cost is 7000 asking for a response or asking him to let her know why the boat wasn't completed and when it would be. We did not receive a receipt or invoice. After learning we are filing a complaint, on June 29 he emailed a invoice, claiming he will not complete work until we have paid for his work to date. This is the first time he has asked for payment since Summer 2021, despite our begging for answers why the work isn't done. We consider this an excuse for his poor business practice.

  Business response

  12/21/2022

  Consumer Response /* (3000, 8, 2022/07/08) */ ***Document Attached*** Consumer Response /* (3000, 9, 2022/07/08) */ ***Document Attached*** I'm attaching a recent series of emails. Soon i will attach screenshots of text messages exchanged sonce her started work on our boat MAy 5 2021 Consumer Response /* (3000, 22, 2022/07/23) */ ***Document Attached*** on October 25 we tell Sipala ***** that we have now missed the window to move the boat to New Jersey, and can he install the mast. He tells Mike that he needs the boat moved to his marina to complete the work. So now he has to hold onto and be responsible for the entire boat in order to complete the work. He is now Three months overdue and no longer a mobile service. We agree- he has our mast, mast step mast collar and other parts from the mast and there is no other choice offered. Consumer Response /* (3000, 23, 2022/07/23) */ ***Document Attached*** img 1822 October 6 shows our mast painted. Work was to be completed at the end of July. And then August, And then September. we were reassured when it wasn't done in July that " there's plenty of time left for sailing." Consumer Response /* (3000, 24, 2022/07/23) */ ***Document Attached*** continuing text messages and photos, including September 7 2021 where Mike ****** stated that he didn't have our mast step, and Mike ***** sent him a photo of it sitting in his workshop Consumer Response /* (3000, 28, 2022/08/01) */ I have reread the complaint and would like to amend as follows: in mid-March 2022, nine months after the project should have been completed, there was an email invoice from "lankford bay marina" sent to Mike ***** for the work for chain plates, mast step, labor, etc. Despite the numerous phone calls from Sarah, texts and in person at the marina conversations that Mike ***** had with Mr Sipala this was never mentioned as the reason he was not completing work until after a complaint was filed with BBB. The day that he emailed this we attempted to transfer him 3000 dollars, but he only accepts cash or check. A check was immediately sent by Fed ex overnight mail. He received this check per Fedex. To date ( August 1) he still has not cashed it.

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