If you're happy with Specialy Marine products, the bar is set pretty low. Their suppliers are overseas and passed off wood interiors that:
- Weren't a true mahogany, wood species unknown
- Plywood on parts where Whaler used solid wood. The plywood used wasn't marine grade and used glue that failed in a wet envirnment
- Veneer with a soft wood core, Whaler used solid Mahogany
- Multiple small pieces laminated together to achieve the width needed and used a glue not designed for wet environments
There's also complaints about early failure of cushions that used substandard vinyl that becames sticky after a couple seasons and bad rust problems with stainless steel casting made in China, using metals that were not the 316SS claimed and also had edges that were unfinished. I suppose after enough time and pushback on their supply base, they may have made some improvements, but you have to ask yourself, is it worth the risk of having to do the job twice, not to mention their prices and pretty close to a quality made product built in the United States.
The list goes on and on.
Here's a quick 7 reveiws from Whaler owners that purchased from Specialty Marine and as I mentioned, there are 100 or more with similar experiences.
https://imgur.com/a/8BGAj3OIf you need help to determine if Specialty Marine is for you, put "Specialty Marine" into the search feature of this site, the other website Whalercentral.com or the largest owners group EBW on Facebook and you'll have a month of reading and reveiwing pics of shoddy products.
I'm sure Phil could speak volumes to the troubles many have had with Specialty Marine products.
Caveat emptor
D-