Dee's Fluid Power

[OnTheHill]

These people made the original hatch cylinders for my 25. I had one "blow out" back in Jan. I got their name and contact info from the factory. I didn't want to go through the hassle of modifying to the new style. The new one blew out last weekend. I contacted them this week to ask about warranty issues. They said that they weren't under any warranty for blowing the seals. I was pissed to say the least. They would be happy to rebuild it and charge me. The cylinders actually shipped from Control Line Equipment in Ohio. I plan on contacting them today. The reasoning for no warranty is that only a "side load" could cause the problem. They said that I must have had too much heavy stuff on one side when I went to raise it. Any of y'all have to know that on the 25, everything has to come off, even the seats. I do have a tackle center and cooler seat. They were not the least bit concerned. In final, I would recommend changing your's over to the new style if you have problems. I ordered two when one went out, so I have another one. I figured that if one went out, the other might be right behind it.

[OnTheHill]

After a short conversation with Control Line, they have the same attitude as Dee's. It wasn't up for discussion. The problem is mine and Carolina's. I called Mac and let him know so he could stop recommending them. He was very upset and asked for their number. He called, and they blew him off too. There is NO warranty on Control Line cylinders.

[JohnD]

Rebuilt mine this past winter. Keith gave me phone # for Control in Ohio.. they were happy to charge my credit cards for the re-build kits. Think about $80 for parts for both.

Local guy did rebuild. Installed and within a week one of the seals leaked again. I was not happy. Anyway, local guy redid again and tested to 1000psi (vs 500 psi first test). Holding fine.
BUT - he did as $50 favor the work so it took weeks. At least he stood behind his work.

I heard so many 'excuses'... and it's probably not weight etc. It's a bunch of little o-rings and from what I'm told, and not just Ohio or CC or any specific brand, it's just the nature of the beast. they don't always sit right and have to be re-done. Still - if you know this, you should warranty it.. IMHO.
Thanks for the heads up. Hopefully will go another many years before needing to do.
johnd