rob1699
Well-Known Member
Sorry if this is a long one...
I purchased a 2004 Fairline Targa 34 called Johanna Jayne from Essex boatyards in August last year, for cash, no p/x as I sold my previous boat (a Targa 30) privately.
A couple of days after the boat was delivered to Torquay I discovered that the owners pack was not with the boat (the blue leather folder with nicely printed details all about the boat), so I brought this to their attention immediately. No worries they said we’ll sort it out asap, it must be with the previous owner.
Unfortunately, it was not with the previous owner, and to get a new one printed from Fairline the cost would be in the region of £500, which I was expected to pay for or at least contribute the lion share of, as they said that it was the fault of the previous owner that the pack was missing.
Now, the fact that it was a stock boat – not brokerage (it was taken back in p/x against another boat) I consider the responsibility of providing all the documentation rests firmly with Essex, (particularly as they are main Fairline dealers), and not the previous owner. My view is that my contract was with them and not the previous owner, so the onus is upon them to provide all the paper work.
When I pointed out that I was concerned about possible resale issues without the original pack, the remark was “well you bought it without the pack didn’t you?”…yes I did…but I didn’t realise it was missing, and I didn’t for one fleeting moment even think that it would be an issue as I was buying with absolute confidence from a main Fairline dealer.
To cut and long story very short, I’ve done every asked of me, I’ve searched the boat from top to bottom, I’ve provided photographic evidence of every piece of paperwork that came with the boat, and 7 months later I’m no closer to getting the matter resolved, unless you count being offered a photocopy of the pack, which in my book is totally unacceptable on a £165k boat! Would you find the same acceptable from a Porsche or a BMW dealer? No way!!
Last week I decided to write a polite yet firm letter giving them one last opportunity to resolve the matter, and guess what….I have heard absolutely nothing.
I am now very tempted to give the file to my solicitor and [--word removed--] the cost as it has now become a matter of principle.
Am I expecting too much, or am I being taken for a complete idiot? This does not give me any confidence to purchase another boat from Essex, or even another Fairline if this is how their main dealers treat their customers.
Your views on where I should go from here would be very much appreciated.
Rob
Ps I don't mean in anyway to detract anyone from making a boat purchase from Essex as the initial buying process was absolutley excellent, its just that after 7 months of getting nowhere I am totally exasperated, and am seeking advice from board members.
I purchased a 2004 Fairline Targa 34 called Johanna Jayne from Essex boatyards in August last year, for cash, no p/x as I sold my previous boat (a Targa 30) privately.
A couple of days after the boat was delivered to Torquay I discovered that the owners pack was not with the boat (the blue leather folder with nicely printed details all about the boat), so I brought this to their attention immediately. No worries they said we’ll sort it out asap, it must be with the previous owner.
Unfortunately, it was not with the previous owner, and to get a new one printed from Fairline the cost would be in the region of £500, which I was expected to pay for or at least contribute the lion share of, as they said that it was the fault of the previous owner that the pack was missing.
Now, the fact that it was a stock boat – not brokerage (it was taken back in p/x against another boat) I consider the responsibility of providing all the documentation rests firmly with Essex, (particularly as they are main Fairline dealers), and not the previous owner. My view is that my contract was with them and not the previous owner, so the onus is upon them to provide all the paper work.
When I pointed out that I was concerned about possible resale issues without the original pack, the remark was “well you bought it without the pack didn’t you?”…yes I did…but I didn’t realise it was missing, and I didn’t for one fleeting moment even think that it would be an issue as I was buying with absolute confidence from a main Fairline dealer.
To cut and long story very short, I’ve done every asked of me, I’ve searched the boat from top to bottom, I’ve provided photographic evidence of every piece of paperwork that came with the boat, and 7 months later I’m no closer to getting the matter resolved, unless you count being offered a photocopy of the pack, which in my book is totally unacceptable on a £165k boat! Would you find the same acceptable from a Porsche or a BMW dealer? No way!!
Last week I decided to write a polite yet firm letter giving them one last opportunity to resolve the matter, and guess what….I have heard absolutely nothing.
I am now very tempted to give the file to my solicitor and [--word removed--] the cost as it has now become a matter of principle.
Am I expecting too much, or am I being taken for a complete idiot? This does not give me any confidence to purchase another boat from Essex, or even another Fairline if this is how their main dealers treat their customers.
Your views on where I should go from here would be very much appreciated.
Rob
Ps I don't mean in anyway to detract anyone from making a boat purchase from Essex as the initial buying process was absolutley excellent, its just that after 7 months of getting nowhere I am totally exasperated, and am seeking advice from board members.
