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Article Summaries |
Winter Is Awesome For Boat Repairs!
"Get it done during the winter!" is the advice of Waterville Auto Top & Upholstery's Mike Quattrucci, Jr. regarding boat tops, covers and seats that need repair work. Owner and sole proprietor of this unique repair and replacement business since 1987, Michael, 54, is a third generation trimmer who has worked in the trade since age 15. "We're a stable business," Michael states. "A lot of my competitors come and go." Pointing out that his advertising says it all, Michael states, "We're a full time-full service shop where experience counts." It's also been a family enterprise throughout the years. The business began with Michael's grandfather, Dominic Barra, an Italian immigrant who was a harness maker in Portland. Sucessfully changing with the rising popularity of cars, he adapted his skills into the automotive trim trade. Michael's father, Michael Sr., worked for his father-in-law until moving from Portland to Waterville in 1959. He operated Waterville Auto Top at a location off College Avenue until the mid-1970s. Originally, the majority of the business was comprised of convertible tops, vinyl tops, car and truck interiors. The current Kennedy Memorial Drive facility in Oakland was built in 1981. Expanding on his central Maine base, Michael credits his proximity to I-95 for his many customers from Augusta/Gardiner, Coastal Maine, and Bangor/Ellsworth, and he credits his proximity to the many lakes for his boat repair customers. As the quality of cars improved, Waterville Auto Top expanded into boat repair approximately 25 years ago. This specialty now represents 25-35% of the company's total business. The focus is on runabout boats, Michael describes, with a lot of restorations — aluminum or fiberglass models that need whole new interiors. "Each year our boat business gets better," states Michael. He has built it by promoting winter repairs. There are excellent reasons for doing the work over the winter. Scheduling can be easily arranged through local marinas who will coordinate repair and storage schedules. There is more time available in Michael's business during the winter, versus April through July when his work demands triple. And, owners can return in the spring to boats that are ready to use. "Don't wait until next spring!" Michael summarizes, regarding repair work for boat tops, covers and seats. Call Waterville Auto Top at 465-7847. | ||
