Golden Arrow marine

[scr0che]

I've used Golden Arrow for last 5 years, but not any more. I was quoted £198+VAT just to look at an electrical issue with my engine, and when I queried it was told that was correct as it included travel time. I also queried payment terms as they want your card details before they even look, and told me they would take payment immediately the job was done. Doesn't sit right with me, won't use again, couldn't recommend unless you have VERY deep pockets.

 

[jrudge]

I dont know Golden Arrow and I dont know how far they have to travel to your boat, nor do I know the nature of the electrical problem, nor how long they are prepared to work for this fee ( until it is fixed, 1 hour etc)

Without these variables it does not seem fair to slate someone.

As a minimum I suspect it is half a day by the time they have got there, found the boat, had a look at the issue and gone back to base. They all deserve a living and one assumes if the problem were that simple you would have fixed it by now.

Land Rover charge close on £200 per hour. Now that I call excessive.

 

[scr0che]

Just stating facts. This thread was opened for the poster to gauge opinions and experiences with GA, so they can make an informed decision themselves. Happy to answer any private posts, not entering into petty arguments here.

 

[jrudge]

You are not stating any facts at all.

No idea of the repair, distance etc.

There is nothing petty in dissing a business but not presenting anything like a balanced picture.

 

[Firefly625]

I've used Golden Arrow for last 5 years, but not any more. I was quoted £198+VAT just to look at an electrical issue with my engine, and when I queried it was told that was correct as it included travel time. I also queried payment terms as they want your card details before they even look, and told me they would take payment immediately the job was done. Doesn't sit right with me, won't use again, couldn't recommend unless you have VERY deep pockets.

for them to come out to your boat, send a engineer qualified to investigate an electrical issue, an issue which might take a couple of hours... sounds a fair price to me, and the fact they want paying once the job is done... shocking!

 

[Andy Cox]

I've used Golden Arrow for last 5 years, but not any more. I was quoted £198+VAT just to look at an electrical issue with my engine, and when I queried it was told that was correct as it included travel time. I also queried payment terms as they want your card details before they even look, and told me they would take payment immediately the job was done. Doesn't sit right with me, won't use again, couldn't recommend unless you have VERY deep pockets.

The use of bold text in your post seems to suggest you are surprised they would charge for travel time.

I also agree as said previously, that making such derogatory comments - not stating facts - about a well established and well regarded business without offering all the relevant information is unfair on them and sounds a bit like axe grinding to me.

 

[A1Sailor]

Just stating facts. This thread was opened for the poster to gauge opinions and experiences with GA, so they can make an informed decision themselves. Happy to answer any private posts, not entering into petty arguments here.

You say you've been using them for 5 years. Now, you've received a quote you haven't accepted and object to paying as soon as work is done.
Have you delayed settling invoices with them in the past?

Please answer - I want to be able to make an informed decision myself.

 

[Paul_f7]

My experience a few years ago was not good, didn’t expect the extra charges or the weeks lost due to “forgetting” about my job ?. Told the delay to engage forward or reverse was a wiring issue and the only way to fix was to replace the port engine controls wiring loom (thousands of £’s)... turned out to be a 4p washer, shock! as they hadn’t replaced an internal spring which caused oil pressure to drop.... Hopefully they’ve improved, but personally I use others now

Anybody used these? Want to get my engine rebuild at some time during the winter. Send a few emails and spoke to the guy responsible for rebuilding, but not very responsive.

 

[ashtead]

I won’t be using them again. They attended at boat and removed a part but didn’t bother to tell me ,but they always seemed quick enough to contact me re charges. Anyway I had to drive to their offices and collect part and refit myself . Luckily they had in stock but who leaves a boat with part removed immobilising without telling the owner. Costs are also hi.

 

[Blue Sunray]

I had some dealings with them a couple of years ago, buying a Torqueedo through them at the Boat Show. I was utterly unimpressed, they seemed completely disinterested in actually getting the item into stock, having been paid at the show. When it eventually came in they didn't get accessories I had ordered delivered, refunded the money for them to my credit card after a bit of argument, then a couple of weeks later sent me a final demand for payment for said items resulting in a conversation with a rather objectionable person in their accounts department who was very reluctant to admit fault on their side.

On top which the way their liveried vans are driven is an utter menace on M27 and thereabouts.

I certainly wouldn't use them again if I had a choice.