Buying in Europe: EU warranties

[JeremyF]

I am starting to research buying my next boat. Have settled for a Bav34. There seems to be at least 15% difference between UK and Holland on a like-for-like kitted out and on the water price.

One issue, though; warranty. There is a 24 month maufacturers warranty, but unlike cars, whereby dealers get retrospectively paid for any warranty done, it seems that Bavaria include a warranty support fee to the dealer at time of sale.

This looks like its against EU regulations, as it forces one to buy from an in-country dealer.

Was planning to take this up with RYA legal, once Ive got confirmation on the policy from Bavaria, but does anyone have an experience of geting warranty work done for EU-supplied non-UK yachts?

 

[iangrant]

I wouldn't fancy your chances taking your shiny new bav for repair to the nice people in Hayling Island! Perhaps you should give Opal a ring.

Ian

 

[JeremyF]

I'm not so sure EU gives Bavaria any choice but to provide warranty throughout the EU. It is forced to work for cars, why not for boats.
If this was dealer warranty, then it is not transportable across EU, but this is manufacturers warraty, so I believe that Bavaria has to offer the same support irrespective of EU country. Anything else is a restriction of free trade.
Ive mailed Bavaria with the scenario of being resident in Holland now, but envisage returning to UK in the next 24 months. We'll see what they have to say.

 

[iangrant]

I saw a bloke who bought a Bav in the UK struggle with the UK dealer for a warranty repair(s) like screws sticking out of the coachroof (they held on the curtains but were too long) wrong prop fitted - three lift outs later - etc. etc. put me off buying one I can tell you! (many other horror stories available from earlier posts)

 

[Guest]

I saw your comments about the Bavaria UK Warranties.
I am seriously considering placing an order for a 32 with Opal.
Where can I find about their service examples?

Mikejp

 

[Guest]

Really interesting stuff. Can you give me a contact in Holland?
I have tried making contact with one agent there without success.
I am looking for the Bavria 32, any comments about this choice?
Mikejp

 

[JeremyF]

Thomas Thurau at info@hollandsailing.nl is one of 2 Bav dealers in Holland. Phone number is via the Bav website. I did some more calculations last night, and the difference is about 10%, not 15% as I originally thought, but Holland has VAT at 19%

I suspect that most of the difference is not in the ex-works price - I suspect that Bav has a pan-European dealer price in Euro's. Its Opal with crazy mark-ups for fitting out. £500 + VAT for applying 2 tins of antifoul, for example.

I think the realistic strategy is to use european prices as the opportunity to beat Opal down on the 'extra's

 

[iangrant]

I was about to place an order for a Bav 37 in the summer, discounts offered were good etc.. the test sail was fun, but then I decided to visit Opal's Bavaria launching site (Hayling Island) where I met a couple of owners and saw the comissioning in progress - draw your own conclusions - I ripped up the order form and bought a 4 year old Jeanneau 37.

 

[david_e]

1. Have you considered getting a price ex-works from Opal and the Dutch dealer then arranging delivery & commissioning yourself. (assuming they will do this) I would be interested to find out if the ex-works price is the same. After that you can do your own sums.

2. With regard to their service, speak to other owners directly or as you are doing here via the site. You could ask them for the names of some customers at random.