LETTERS ICOM Defective Cables Note From the Editor:: In the May issue, we published a letter from a boater (“ICOM Radio Defective Microphone Cables,” available in Back Issues at www.southwindsmagazine.com), who had experienced cables that were deteriorating after a short period. The boater contacted ICOM, who refused to acknowledge it was at fault. We asked for others who had experienced a similar problem to let us know. I heard from two via email and one by phone. I have two ICOM microphones with the exact problem discussed in your latest issue. I would be glad to bring them to you for you to see. I have already replaced them. Joe Barnette The mike cable insulation on our 802 ICOM began falling apart four years after purchasing it. We purchased a new mike and cable in 2010, but have kept using the old one, taping up the bad sections. The new cable is still in the box aboard and appears to be okay. When we went into Sailorman to order a new mike, the clerk said that they must have a problem as he has sold a number of them. Dick Bentzel S/V Equinox I received a call from Rick in Louisiana who told me that he had the same cable problem with his ICOM cables and gave me the name and number of a company in Tallahassee, FL, that was a dealer for ICOM and was replacing the cables at no cost (except shipping). I called the number to discuss printing the company name and phone number. I talked to Tim Warren who told me that ICOM had acknowledged they needed replacing and was paying for the replacements. He felt that ICOM just took a while before realizing that the cables were defective. I was told I could print the company name and contact information: Williams Communications, (800) 649-5783. Ask for Tim Warren. Editor Marine Deposit Not Returned I have been a full-time liveaboard for over five years. My boat is well-maintained. I pay my bills on time, and I lead a quiet life. I have sailed all over and around Florida and stayed at over 30 marinas. Those stays ranged from just a night to over two years. I have only had problems at two places in the Tampa Bay area where they kept my security deposit—in my opinion illegally—even after they were given proper notice that I was leaving. I’d like to warn your readers to be very careful dealing with private marinas in the Tampa Bay area. I have yet to have a problem with a municipal marina, and I’m staying at one now. Name withheld on request Name Withheld, It is the policy of this publication to not print the names of private businesses that are criticized by others, unless I, the editor, have personal knowledge of the businesses’ actions that are being criticized, and believe they acted improperly. Consequently, we have withheld the names of the marinas referred to by this writer. For more information on our letters policy, go to www.southwindsmagazine.com/letter-to-the-editor.php. 8
July 2013
SOUTHWINDS
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