Wm. J. Mills & Co. Sailmakers Endorsement
Posted: Mon Aug 17, 2026 10:33 am
In July 2026 I had the misfortune of the boot for the the REVENGE 22 W-T Mills Flying Top disappearing during a cruise. It was there when we started and disappeared--probably overboard--sometime during the cruise.
I called Wm. J. Mills & Co. by telephone to inquire about a replacement boot. My call was answered by a recorded message that informed they were in the midst of the busy season, and I should please leave a voice mail message, which would prompt a return call in a day or two.
A very nice representative of Mills called me back two days later. I described the details of the canvas I needed, a boot for a Flying Top for a 1990 REVENGE 22 Walk-Through. I received an order form via email a day or two later. I filled out the form and the credit card authorization, and emailed it back. I also sent them several photographs of the Flying Top so they could confirm the exact canvas I had.
In spite of it being the busy season, I was quite surprised when the UPS driver left a small box from Mills on my porch about eight days later. Inside was a neatly folded new Flying Top boot in the specified Sunbrella Pacific Blue hue.
The final step was to get the mooring cover off the boat, erect the Flying Top, and see now the new boot would fit. The outcome was a perfect fit, maybe better than the old boot which might have had a bit of shrinkage from about 25-years of use.
I could not have been better served by the folks at Mills. They are a top-grade marine canvas maker that can replicate a canvas element they made over 25-years ago that fits perfectly.
During this process I had also contacted a local boat canvas shop that does similarly excellent work with Sunbrella, and solicited a quote. They estimated to make a boot would require having the Flying Top left with them, and the boot's cost would be rather expensive as it would be a one-of-a-kind bespoke piece.
The OEM replacement from Mills was half the local artisan's price and that included the shipping. I am very pleased with Mills and just amazed at what they can do for old Boston Whaler boats.
You don't keep a business going for 146-years without providing your customers with excellent products and service.
I called Wm. J. Mills & Co. by telephone to inquire about a replacement boot. My call was answered by a recorded message that informed they were in the midst of the busy season, and I should please leave a voice mail message, which would prompt a return call in a day or two.
A very nice representative of Mills called me back two days later. I described the details of the canvas I needed, a boot for a Flying Top for a 1990 REVENGE 22 Walk-Through. I received an order form via email a day or two later. I filled out the form and the credit card authorization, and emailed it back. I also sent them several photographs of the Flying Top so they could confirm the exact canvas I had.
In spite of it being the busy season, I was quite surprised when the UPS driver left a small box from Mills on my porch about eight days later. Inside was a neatly folded new Flying Top boot in the specified Sunbrella Pacific Blue hue.
The final step was to get the mooring cover off the boat, erect the Flying Top, and see now the new boot would fit. The outcome was a perfect fit, maybe better than the old boot which might have had a bit of shrinkage from about 25-years of use.
I could not have been better served by the folks at Mills. They are a top-grade marine canvas maker that can replicate a canvas element they made over 25-years ago that fits perfectly.
During this process I had also contacted a local boat canvas shop that does similarly excellent work with Sunbrella, and solicited a quote. They estimated to make a boot would require having the Flying Top left with them, and the boot's cost would be rather expensive as it would be a one-of-a-kind bespoke piece.
The OEM replacement from Mills was half the local artisan's price and that included the shipping. I am very pleased with Mills and just amazed at what they can do for old Boston Whaler boats.
You don't keep a business going for 146-years without providing your customers with excellent products and service.