Snipe/Mersea trailers!

Devonmark35 · 09 May 2011, 08:49

I was reading the thread about when to maybe replace a trailer which got me thinking about buying another brand trailer. This is the reason why.

I have a snipe R13-500 which just suffered a complete bearing collapse (totally my fault) I got it all recovered and straight away ordered a full set of hubs complete with bearings and bearing buddies from Mersea trailers (parts suppliers for Snipe) best part of £90!

Anyway that was last Tuesday. On Thursday I gave them a ring just to check they had been processed or posted. They guy answered the phone like this "mersea yep". I thought I had the wrong number to start with. I asked him about my order and rather than talk to me the line went to hold and a moment later a woman came on to discuss. She was better but when asked about posting she would not confirm they had been posted only that she would organise which tells me no they have not been posted!

Well its now Monday and still now sign of these bearings. For an item that I presume would be a stock item I find it difficult to understand the delay.

Coupled with their telephone manner I think my next trailer will be by another manufactuer! Can anybody recommend a good supplier/make of trailer that is backed up with good support!

Cheers

Mark

Ian M · 09 May 2011, 21:01

Afraid that all I can do is sympathise. By my experience you have at least a month if not longer to wait!
Rather than going to Mersea, have you thought about some of the independant suppliers such as Towsure, Autow, etc? Some of them can be very helpful with advice

Paul Cannell · 09 May 2011, 21:08

Both good to deal with

Wheel Bearings

SINGLE BEARINGS AND SEALS

matt h · 09 May 2011, 22:18

just get the bearing numbers, (it will be stamped on the outer part of the roller) something like 4203 and go to antifriction components (Bristol) will be 1/2 the price or less than any dealer

Devonmark35 · 10 May 2011, 08:47

Yep thats what I should have done.

Their prices seemed ok to me and I thought being a biggish company the delivery would not be an issue!

I phoned them yesterday and was informed the order was still down stairs and not sent despite an email having been sent to me several days ago saying order was being dispatched. The lady I spoke to said she would get them posted yesterday on overnight delivery so I would get them today and that she would phone me back - guess what no call back. Thats just plain and simple poor service. I will never use these people for anything ever again.

I am going offshore for 2 weeks now and the boat was due to go down to Rob at Black Dog for some work. Thats now not going to happen - thanks Mersea/Snipe! Never again and for all those thinking of using Mersea - think carefully!

Leapy · 10 May 2011, 08:54

Quote:

Originally Posted by Devonmark35

for all those thinking of using Mersea - think carefully!

I've rung them three times in the past...well over a year ago now. On each occasion 'someone' will ring you back.

I'm still waiting

9D280 · 10 May 2011, 09:29

Sounds like I should have bought a lottery ticket ......

Phoned to get some extended length roller supports, 3 days later they were on my doormat.

lakelandterrier · 10 May 2011, 12:56

I've had problems with them....phoned to order some replacement parts fot my trailer, chap said he'd get the right person to 'phone back, didn't. Phoned again, chap said he'd come back with a price....didn't. Placed enquiry by e-mail through their web-site...no reply. Wrote to MD expressing concern of loack of response / serve...guess what...no reply.

Took custom elsewhere, but wasted a fair bit of time trying to deal with them.

Devonmark35 · 10 May 2011, 14:05

Just got another email from them. Apparently they will be with me tommorow. Wont hold my breath. Doesnt matter now as im away for two weeks from the morning. I am so annoyed with those people. Was going to write to MD but I bet he wont be bothered!

I wonder if Indespension is better. Anybody recommend a good trailer set up?

Devonmark35 · 10 May 2011, 17:12

Quote:

Originally Posted by Paul Cannell

Both good to deal with

Wheel Bearings

SINGLE BEARINGS AND SEALS

Just phoned the Taunton guys - more than helpful

Cheers Paul

Shaz · 04 June 2011, 09:04

The Mersea trailer for our rowing boat has finally turned up after about 4 months. We'd been given a date to collect it, rang the day before & told actually it wasn't ready, didn't fancy the idea of driving to Essex again so got them to send it.

It took us threatening to cancel the order before they actually sent anything after numerous calls & e-mails asking when it would be delivered.

Todays mission is to try and put it together, now concerned whether they've sent all the bits ....

Devonmark35 · 05 June 2011, 22:12

Its not just me then! Hopefully you wont need to contact them for spares (for a while at least)...........

Jus · 27 October 2011, 14:34

I was just having a quick search around to see if it was just me having trouble with Snipe spares from Mersea, and found this thread so thought I'd resurrect it!

I first had a week or so waiting for someone to call me back, in the meantime got fed up waiting so placed an order for hubs + bearings + bearing buddies.

The hubs that turned up fitted fine, but...

1)They only sent one buddy (they are only sold in pairs off of the website)
2)The one they sent didn't fit in the hubs they sent.

I now have to photograph the hubs for them so they can try and find a match and hope that fits!

Trailer Guy · 27 October 2011, 16:11

Quote:

Originally Posted by Jus

I was just having a quick search around to see if it was just me having trouble with Snipe spares from Mersea, and found this thread so thought I'd resurrect it!

I first had a week or so waiting for someone to call me back, in the meantime got fed up waiting so placed an order for hubs + bearings + bearing buddies.

The hubs that turned up fitted fine, but...

1)They only sent one buddy (they are only sold in pairs off of the website)
2)The one they sent didn't fit in the hubs they sent.

I now have to photograph the hubs for them so they can try and find a match and hope that fits!

Trouble is Snipe have gone pop a few times over the years (not under current ownership though), so their database probably isn't the greatest.

Additionally, they historically used different manufacturers of running gear, so identifying parts sometimes proves difficult.

Do you have an axle manufacturer's plate on the axle, or a name / symbol on the dust cap? Also, if you have a drum casting number I might be able to help you out, so you can at least be fairly confident they'll send you the right things!

Post your pic up on here too!

Jeff · 06 November 2011, 10:05

I can only speak as I find but I have ordered parts for my Snipe trailer on two occasions over the last 5 weeks - and in both instances parts were delivered promptly and as requested.
On the last one, a part I thought was supplied incorrect was in fact my mistake and when I sent an e mail I was phoned back within 5 minutes

All sorted
Very pleased with the service
Hope others get the same buying experience as a 'bad reputation' is hard to shake off.
Jeff