Need board repair info Portland Oregon area

[ObviousSup]

I just got my new board and it was damaged in shipping. Apparently covering the box with labels saying "Do not forklift" doesn't mean the same to forklift drives as it does to me. The carbon fiber rail was dinged when the box was skewered. Since it is my first board I don't know who would be the best person to take it to in my reasonable area (I don't mind driving for quality).
I am hoping the inspector can inspect it tomorrow to get the claim process started but am not trilled hearing it usually takes 30 days to complete a claim.

[uglysupper]

Always the worst feeling.

Drop by Big Winds in Hood River, who will put you in touch with their board repair guy. Not dirt cheap but very pro.

Save the receipt and send it to the shipping company - if it clearly says "do not forklift" and the box was clearly speared, you may be able to make a claim on the repair cost.

[pdxmike]

Or try Gorge Performance in Portland (gorgebob's store). 

[ObviousSup]

I have talked to the shipper and they  are supposed to send out an inspector. I hope tomorrow so I can get rid of the huge box. I noted that the box was damaged when I picked up the board at Will call and the guy at the shipper looked at the holes in the box. When I called their claims department they said I should have opened up everything when I was there but understood why I didn't. As I was setting everything aside I realized that there was a big hole on the bottom of the box where I haven't looked. As soon as I saw the rain damage I stopped unwrapping so they can see the damage to the packing that is inline with the board damage.  The shippers were a bit shocked to find out the value of the board. I guess they aren't used to SUP's.

It sounded like the damage wasn't a big shock when I called Hobie to let them know what was up and ask their advice. Mark just told me to find someone I trusted to fix it and if they had any questions he could give them any suggestions they might want for the fix.  It is just rare for me to get a truly new toy rather than a something that is just new to me so having it damaged before I can use it really bothers me.

[PonoBill]

Gorge Performance can fix you up. there are two good board repair guys in Hood River. Both good, neither are fast.

[ObviousSup]

neither are fast.

That seems to be a pretty common refrain from what I have read unfortunately. I am used to getting multiple quotes for car bodywork. How common is that in board repair. Or will I just tick off the repair guys? Since there seems to be a limited supply that might not be a wise choice I suspect.

Since the damaged rail is exposed carbon fiber how noticeable will the repair be? The more I looked and felt the area it is has been caved in slightly in addition to the small cracks.

[pdxmike]

I dropped off a board once at Gorge Performance for a ding repair from my door jamb running into its nose.  They said to allow a few days.  The next day I got a knock on my office door and it was Bob with my repaired board.  Granted, it was the off-season and I'm only 100 yards away, but still...

[PonoBill]

neither are fast.

That seems to be a pretty common refrain from what I have read unfortunately. I am used to getting multiple quotes for car bodywork. How common is that in board repair. Or will I just tick off the repair guys? Since there seems to be a limited supply that might not be a wise choice I suspect.

Since the damaged rail is exposed carbon fiber how noticeable will the repair be? The more I looked and felt the area it is has been caved in slightly in addition to the small cracks.

A good repair will be structurally perfect, add a little weight, and probably won't be cosmetically perfect on a complex surface. If the board is a single color it can be pretty good.

The shipping company isn't likely to replace your board, but they should. New is new, damaged is used and abused (like all my boards)