dangers of the sea

[bluestone]

The link is to a a cruising cat (wildcat from SA) which had construction defects. I have heard of these boats before and thought they sounded great. From their website the cruising couple have moved on and are cruising again. Good for them. The report doesnt reflect well on the boatbuilder tho. Interesting read.



http://www.bumfuzzle.com/C.C.%20Correspondence.htm

 

[Gypsy]

Yes VERY interesting - it will be interesting to see if anyone with appropriate knowlege and qualifications is willing to comment on the later part of the argument regarding the repair methods.

I looked up both the web sites which Patrick claimed he had purchased and was using to publicise his grievances but both are available for sale by Dotster.

Did he decide against this plan - frightened off??

Ray

 

[Sea Devil]

Charter Cats have really bad manners to say the least - The fact they do not respond to emails from owners with out extrordinary delays is appaling.

Really frightening story - the way boat builders refuse to admit to problems when they arise, as they must, in an industry which still to some extent producing hand made items. I have heard of similar problems with UK builders.

Sounds like the couple just cut their losses and got on with their circumnavigation but I would not really want to buy from Charter Cats simply on the basis of their customer service - A two year old boat even with its 2nd owner should still have a warrenty and the builders should have the good manners to communicate.

 

[boatmike]

While not wishing to get involved in the controversy I have previously cautioned potential buyers on this site about the wisdom of having balsa or foam cored structure below the waterline. If it is done with care and the correct procedures followed (vacuum bagging etc) a sound and very light hull can be produced. For a racing boat this can be justified as can the high cost of using carbon epoxy laminates etc. For a cruising boat, even a cat which is weight sensitive I would rather see solid laminate. Lord knows enough people have osmosis problems with that without lightweight cores to contend with as well. Unfortunately there are many builders (not all I hasten to add) who get involved in cored structures and really don't have the quality control to ensure that it is done properly.