Fiberglass Supplier

[Trey1096]

I need to order some supplies and I came across these guys:

http://www.mertons.com/index.html

Their 1708 seems to be very low and their WR is cheaper than most.
The 50” 1708 is $8.00/yd ($5.76/sy) and the 38” 1708 is $6.00/yd ($5.69/sy).
I’ve never heard their name so I’d like to hear that someone knows something about them.

Any other suggestions for suppliers are welcome.

Also, if anyone needs any, West has packs of MAS 1708 for the unbelievably low price of $42.99/yd!

Trey

Never used them, but at those prices I would personally try at least a small order to see what the service is like! Let us know, because I'm about to build an order for supplies myself.

[nitz]

Try these guys. http://www.uscomposites.com/specialty.html
I buy all my epoxy and stuff from them, and they ship it quick and their prices are good.

[Trey1096]

I was looking at the US Composites site and their prices are the closest I found to Mertons.

I called Mertons and got Joe Merton. I faxed him a list of what I wanted, called him back and paid. He seemed like a nice enough guy. He was busy so we didn’t do much chatting.

I ordered some 9oz cloth tape, 1708 in 6” and 50” widths, some cab-o-sil, and a few miscellaneous items. I thought it nice that he asked if he could fold the cloth. He said it would all go in one box if he did and that shipping would be less.

I’ll report back with the results when the package arrives.

I asked if anyone had experience with him, or another good company. Are there any sources that I should stay away from?

Also, I used to get supplies locally from PolyGard. They sold Hi Bond products. They weren’t the cheapest in the world, but their prices were reasonable and they were close. Unfortunately, they became a casualty of the current economy.

Now I’m looking at ordering a lot more stuff than I have in the past. Is it an issue to have things like epoxy and vinyl ester resins and hardeners shipped?

Trey

[deepsushi]

I wouldn't be concerned with ordering from Mertons. I have ordered 2-3 times from him and all my purchases have arrived quickly and my orders have been 100% positive experiences.

On my last order I ordered a whole slew of various cloth styles / widths / weights in varying lengths, etc and everything I ordered was correct.

[thehermit]

Try these guys. http://www.uscomposites.com/specialty.html
I buy all my epoxy and stuff from them, and they ship it quick and their prices are good.

They have plenty of my $$$

[bigeasy1]

Well,I can tell you how the service at Mertons is,because I'm usually there every night of the week.
He's a friend of mine,and was a huge help in the restoration of my Tsunami.
It's the luxury of having a friend in the fiberglass business that is ten minutes from home.

I'm not saying this because he's a friend,but his service is great.He has restored,and built,several boats of his own and is a very accomplished glass man,so any advice he gives,is from not only good product knowledge,but also years of hands on glass work.
I've seen him several times, talk people out of buying supplies that they don't need.His biggest fault,is spending to much time on the phone helping customers with glass work or problems.
I'm always telling him,that boy,you give a lot of free lessons to people.
He usually ships the same day,or next day all over the country via UPS.

He carries just about everything needed to build or restore a boat with.If you don't see it on his site,give him a call,as he has a lot of stuff that's not on the web site.

I hope this didn't come across as an advertisement,and if so, feel free to delete this reply.I can just say from knowing him for many years,I would highly recommend him.

[joema]

joe merton stand up guy uesd manny times very helpfull on time good price

[Tashmoo2]

Joe is a great guy and will give you all the advice you need. I have been dealing with him since 1978. He has a lot of boat finishing experience and sells quality.

I have picked his brain a lot and prefer to do business with someone who is really willing to help you.