Davo69
New Member
I'm considering buying a boat from Essex Boatyards and have had mixed reports of their approach and service. Does anyone have direct experience - good or bad?
Essex Boatyard
- Thread starter Davo69
- Start date
mainshiptom
Well-Known Member
What sort of boat? large or small, new or second hand?
Tom
Tom
Whitelighter
Well-Known Member
Hi Dave,
I bought a new boat from Nick and James at Essex last year. I also traded the boat I had at that time. I can honestly say that of all the marine brokers and dealers I spoke to regarding my prospective purchase, they were one of the few who took the time to construct a deal that suited me without just quoting figures and leaving me to make my mind up.
Their aftersales service is superb, and any problems that I have had (which have been very few BTW) have been sorted very quickly indeed.
I would definitely buy another boat from them, without question. They have a good amount of stock and it is well worth going to visit them on their new site ast essex marina.
Some of the critism in the past has been levelled at the presentation of their used stock, which has not been the best but their new purpose built site is much better for displey purposes.
In the end, pay them a visit and speak to James or Ben - they are genuine helpful people and good people to spend money with.
Jez
I bought a new boat from Nick and James at Essex last year. I also traded the boat I had at that time. I can honestly say that of all the marine brokers and dealers I spoke to regarding my prospective purchase, they were one of the few who took the time to construct a deal that suited me without just quoting figures and leaving me to make my mind up.
Their aftersales service is superb, and any problems that I have had (which have been very few BTW) have been sorted very quickly indeed.
I would definitely buy another boat from them, without question. They have a good amount of stock and it is well worth going to visit them on their new site ast essex marina.
Some of the critism in the past has been levelled at the presentation of their used stock, which has not been the best but their new purpose built site is much better for displey purposes.
In the end, pay them a visit and speak to James or Ben - they are genuine helpful people and good people to spend money with.
Jez
Davo69
New Member
That's great feedback - thanks Jez.
Davo69
New Member
2nd hand but fairly new. Someone I know had issue with regard to a refundable deposit and the way it was handled when they tried to pulll out. Everything I've experienced so far has been positive though. But then it would be - I'm buying!!
KevB
Well-Known Member
No direct experience but I have a very good friend who bought a boat from them a couple of years back. Against the advise of many boaters he took their sales pitch advice and bought a totally unsuitable boat for his needs.
Needless to say a few months down the line when he he realised he had been sold a pup they offered him a significant amount of money less than when he bought it, even in part exchange for another of their boats.
Must say though, most of what I hear about them is good. Maybe my friends experience was a one off?
Needless to say a few months down the line when he he realised he had been sold a pup they offered him a significant amount of money less than when he bought it, even in part exchange for another of their boats.
Must say though, most of what I hear about them is good. Maybe my friends experience was a one off?
Davo69
New Member
Thx. I guess it's like all these things - people will have good and bad stories to report. I just wanted to get a feel for whether there was a volume and pattern to the complaints.
BlueJasper
Well-Known Member
I bought a new boat from them and had problems from day 1. They were great at talking,promised the earth, but never delivered what they had promised. This went on for nearly 12 months and I found the level of work performed below standard. That was my personal experience.
I was also speaking to someone else over Christmas who had an even worse experience, in the end only settled with the threat of legal action.
I was warned at the start of my purchase about them, but I didn't know better.
Outside this forum I have never heard a good word about them.
I have since bought another new boat and in comparison the level or customer service has been very good thus far.
Only my view......
I was also speaking to someone else over Christmas who had an even worse experience, in the end only settled with the threat of legal action.
I was warned at the start of my purchase about them, but I didn't know better.
Outside this forum I have never heard a good word about them.
I have since bought another new boat and in comparison the level or customer service has been very good thus far.
Only my view......
Major Catastrophe
Well-Known Member
Davo69, This post has more on Essex boatyards including my own experience of them.
Davo69
New Member
Thanks - bears out what I've seen and heard so far. Good to hear they stick by warranties - one of my main concerns.
RogerRat
Well-Known Member
I have to agree with Jez, I bought a bad boat from Essex last year. After lots of work and worries, having lost confidence in it. /forums/images/graemlins/frown.gif Essex, helped all the way and eventually, James put a deal together on my current boat which virtually refunded my outlay. /forums/images/graemlins/smile.gif I would certainly deal with them again and recommend them. Just one thing though, you have to be fair as well. Don't but a used boat expecting it to be new and if used parts are offered, that's all you're entitled to. If you want new parts then you should offer to pay the difference.
Nautorius
Well-Known Member
Hi and welcome,
I have bought one boat and sold two trough them (one trade in and one brokerage). All I can say is that they are fairer than most in relation to Costs. They will deliver/pick up boats at cost and the price they tell you is the price you pay. It is up to you and a surveyor to know about what you want. If you are 'clued up' it is a great place to do business. I had Issues after I got the boat with the outdrives and I had it sorted and they paid the bills for me. I also had an issue with a GPS that was on when I bought it but missing when it was delivered. They replaced it with a much newer one for 1/2 the cost price (RRP £238, I paid £99 incl Postage). Overall they are honest and upfront with me.
There warranties only cover engines and outdrives so when you buy it blast it around. Any problems have it lifted and checked out immeadiately. then Fax them the quote and they negotiate with service agent.
With me I got an outdrive service thrown in because of issues with them. Since then no problems.
Remember they are a business that needs to make money. They do often have boats that won't shift so do good deals on them. Have a proper survey and you should be alright.
I have heard bad stories, but mainly down to people buying the wrong boat or old boats and not expecting bills! Some have been unlucky but most are happy.
You pay your money and take your chances,
Cheers
Paul
I have bought one boat and sold two trough them (one trade in and one brokerage). All I can say is that they are fairer than most in relation to Costs. They will deliver/pick up boats at cost and the price they tell you is the price you pay. It is up to you and a surveyor to know about what you want. If you are 'clued up' it is a great place to do business. I had Issues after I got the boat with the outdrives and I had it sorted and they paid the bills for me. I also had an issue with a GPS that was on when I bought it but missing when it was delivered. They replaced it with a much newer one for 1/2 the cost price (RRP £238, I paid £99 incl Postage). Overall they are honest and upfront with me.
There warranties only cover engines and outdrives so when you buy it blast it around. Any problems have it lifted and checked out immeadiately. then Fax them the quote and they negotiate with service agent.
With me I got an outdrive service thrown in because of issues with them. Since then no problems.
Remember they are a business that needs to make money. They do often have boats that won't shift so do good deals on them. Have a proper survey and you should be alright.
I have heard bad stories, but mainly down to people buying the wrong boat or old boats and not expecting bills! Some have been unlucky but most are happy.
You pay your money and take your chances,
Cheers
Paul
Davo69
New Member
thx - at least I'll be going in eyes open