petem
Well-known member
Here's my ideas for 10 simple ways that boat manufacturers/dealers could improve their proposition.
1) Recall boats when design errors affect safety.
2) Design boats so that any component can be easily removed.
3) Drastically improve helm ergonomics so that you can see over the bow when seated.
4) Offer an optional safety pack (including liferaft, flares, mob recovery system, lifejackets).
5) Take responsibility for engine problems.
6) Provide Seastart cover for the first three years.
7) Extend warranties to two or three years.
8) Advertise with an ‘on the water price’.
9) Make life easy for the lazy owner, offer to arrange cleaning, servicing and maintenance.
10) Charge a reasonable sum for engine upgrades.
Notes:
1) The steaming light on my boat was completely obscured by the hood. I only realised this when I saw a later boat in the production run than my own. The dealer/manufacturer had made no attempt to warn me of the danger.
2) When my boat was broken into the hatch door was very slightly chipped. To replace the door would have involved removing the helm moulding, disconnecting all controls and instruments, removing the windscreen and frame. Total cost £2500.
3) I never took my boat to France as I would have had to stand for four hours. If I sat down I could see nothing.
4) All this gear is expensive. Include it in the price and it can be paid on finance with the rest of the boat.
5) Dealers will tell you to go straight to the manufacturer. You buy a boat as complete package (including engine) so the manufacturer should sort out the problem.
6) You get breakdown cover for a car. Why not with a boat?
7) The reality is that a new model will have little testing. If you’re making the consumer test your product then at least provide a decent warranty. After all, the sale of goods act will oblige you to fix major components that weren’t fit for purpose.
8) I want to know what it costs, not £x plus delivery plus antifouling plus a radio, plus launching, plus VAT less the amount you’ll knock off for cash.
9) Provide a decent service, it’s not hard!
10) Never understood why the difference in list prices between two engines as quoted by the engine manufacturer is a fraction of what the boat builder will charge you to upgrade.
Please feel free to disagree or add you own.
1) Recall boats when design errors affect safety.
2) Design boats so that any component can be easily removed.
3) Drastically improve helm ergonomics so that you can see over the bow when seated.
4) Offer an optional safety pack (including liferaft, flares, mob recovery system, lifejackets).
5) Take responsibility for engine problems.
6) Provide Seastart cover for the first three years.
7) Extend warranties to two or three years.
8) Advertise with an ‘on the water price’.
9) Make life easy for the lazy owner, offer to arrange cleaning, servicing and maintenance.
10) Charge a reasonable sum for engine upgrades.
Notes:
1) The steaming light on my boat was completely obscured by the hood. I only realised this when I saw a later boat in the production run than my own. The dealer/manufacturer had made no attempt to warn me of the danger.
2) When my boat was broken into the hatch door was very slightly chipped. To replace the door would have involved removing the helm moulding, disconnecting all controls and instruments, removing the windscreen and frame. Total cost £2500.
3) I never took my boat to France as I would have had to stand for four hours. If I sat down I could see nothing.
4) All this gear is expensive. Include it in the price and it can be paid on finance with the rest of the boat.
5) Dealers will tell you to go straight to the manufacturer. You buy a boat as complete package (including engine) so the manufacturer should sort out the problem.
6) You get breakdown cover for a car. Why not with a boat?
7) The reality is that a new model will have little testing. If you’re making the consumer test your product then at least provide a decent warranty. After all, the sale of goods act will oblige you to fix major components that weren’t fit for purpose.
8) I want to know what it costs, not £x plus delivery plus antifouling plus a radio, plus launching, plus VAT less the amount you’ll knock off for cash.
9) Provide a decent service, it’s not hard!
10) Never understood why the difference in list prices between two engines as quoted by the engine manufacturer is a fraction of what the boat builder will charge you to upgrade.
Please feel free to disagree or add you own.
