Build Quality Poll - Best

[StellaGirl]

We all seem to have opinions on the build quality and design of modern GRP production boats but I am interested to see what the overall view is. I have listed below some of the common builders and thought a poll on the best quality would be interesting....dont worry I will be doing a worst quality poll next...

 

[aluijten]

Just based a superficial impression after some investigations on BOOT in Düsseldorf this year I would say Elan

Arno.

 

[Sybarite]

It all depends whether you take Bénéteau as a marque or as a group. The latter includes : obviously Bénéteau, but also Jeanneau, Lagoon (catamarans) Wauquiez (you don't get much better quality than that -http://www.wauquiez.com/GB/containers_gb/presentation_gb.htm), CNB (superyacht division in which they have won awards - eg http://www.cnb.fr/semicustom/cnb77.html# as well as a trawler division, their traditional area since 1884.

John

 

[Sailfree]

I cant really comment on all the makes mentioned as I only have direct experience commisioning 3 new boats of 2 makes. I expect (even if unreasonable) for all modern production boats to have teething problems. I find this statement reminisant of the Uk motorcycle and car industry and it was not until the Japanese started manufacture did customers expect and get reliability. So at present it is the way the dealer (mostly) and manufacturer (to a lesser extent) correct these that is important. Charter boats are used more and soon find any boat builders weak points. Ask charter fleet operators what gives them the least problems is probably a more reliable way. Having owned 3 charter boats I will now not buy anything with Volvo bits. Is my experience typical - I don't know but my experience was that nearly all my problems were with Volvo bits (and their denial of any responsibility) rather than the boat manufacturer. I think Quality v Cost must also reasonably be taken into account. When paying twice the amount I would expect a much better quality boat.

 

[AlexL]

I have a new Hanse, and have had no teething problems at all, it seems very well built, many people have commented on the quality of the teak in the cockpit and the thickness and solidity of the cockpit locker lids. Obviously it is built to a price, but there is a difference between building something to a price and not putting it together correctly. And mine has definately been put together correctly.

I have spent most of my career in the automotive manufcturing industry, and there is a big difference between "Quality" - i.e what customers percieve about 'quality' product , and "reliability" and these should always be viewed separately. I.e a merc is seen to be a 'quality' car, but the data shows they are very unreliable, whereas a Ford is seen to be more of a mainstream joe average product, but the data shows that they are very reliable. the Merc obviously has more features and higher spec toys and materials, but that doesn't meen it was built correctly.
I cannot comment on any boats other than those I have owned, but do not assume that just because an HR or Najad or Swan costs twice as much, that it will be reliable. it may be, but just because they have higher spec materials, and 'better' joinery, does not mean that their manufacturing processes haven't made a mistake. Indeed it is actually more likely that the highly productionised brands like bavaria are the least likely to have manufacturing issues which will manifest themselves as the aforementioned reliability and teething problems.

 

[Peppermint]

Re: Having sailed boats from

Beneteau Bavaria Jeanneau (British) Hunter Moody GibSea Halberg Rassey Dehler Catalina Maxi Najad & Westerly, one thing is apparent. They all do somethings well. They all make pretty obvious cock ups.

Some of the worst built are the most satisfying to sail, not Bav though, some of the most up market are infuriatingly badly laid out.

Hardworking boats in charter fleets do, on the whole, show that you gets what you pay for. The good un's last better with less maintenance. Re-sale might be better too.

If you can get the punters in, you'll get a better return on a Bav. They take less capital and have lots of bunks that you can price pretty much the same as on anything else. You do more maintenance though and it's harder to get the punters because so many Bavs are out there in charter.