TargaLout
Well-Known Member
MDL Shamrock Quay charged me £116 for Midday to 7.00pm last Friday of the boat show for a short time berth. Now that is a rip off. I had no alternative but to pay. How sad is that? 48ft boat.
If you think that was expensive T43....
- Thread starter TargaLout
- Start date
ChartScrubba
Well-Known Member
I have heard that even if you are an MDL bertholder with 20 nights free, when you try to book free nights on the scheme the marinas tell you they are full, but when you call back as a paying customer you get a berth straight away.
I thought you were with MDL and could stay for unlimited short stays? £116 sounds stupid to me, but typical of this shower.
I thought you were with MDL and could stay for unlimited short stays? £116 sounds stupid to me, but typical of this shower.
fireball
Well-Known Member
Were you told the price on arrival or on departure? If on arrival then, as you say, you have no choice. However, if they haven't told you (and you have asked) until you leave then I'd bung them a tenner and say "see you in Court" .... and see what happens ...
We paid £12.50 for a buoy overnight in a popular spot ... ok, we're only 30' ....
We paid £12.50 for a buoy overnight in a popular spot ... ok, we're only 30' ....
Nick_H
Well-Known Member
Shamrock Quay is mighty pricey (especially given its less than prime location in an industrial estate), but that sounds like a mistake. I was charged about £60 a night in a 57 footer last year. Have you phoned to check you weren't overcharged in error. It's not even that close to SIBS, must be a good half hour walk?
TargaLout
Well-Known Member
Unfortunately, as I said, I had no choice because I had to be there. They did tell me upfront that I would have to pay as one of my "weekends" in another MDL marina and the 60% SIBS surcharge. As T43 said they should encourage all berth holders to bugger off and encourage overnight visitors to pay these high prices.
[2068]
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I've had quite a few freebie nights on the MDL scheme, and never failed to get in anywhere (yet).
dv.
dv.
Liselle
Well-Known Member
We have never had a problem on the MDL scheme, mind you I dont tend mention that I am an outlook member until I go to pay.
rickp
Well-Known Member
[ QUOTE ]
I've had quite a few freebie nights on the MDL scheme, and never failed to get in anywhere (yet).
[/ QUOTE ]
Have you had the pleasure of being ranted at in the Torquay office because they put you in a leaseholders berth (and so they have to pay the leaseholder whilst you use a free night)? You'd think that if it were so important, they'd ask when you contact them.
Of course, if someone spoke to Mr Eads like that, I'm sure there'd be repercussions.
Rick
I've had quite a few freebie nights on the MDL scheme, and never failed to get in anywhere (yet).
[/ QUOTE ]
Have you had the pleasure of being ranted at in the Torquay office because they put you in a leaseholders berth (and so they have to pay the leaseholder whilst you use a free night)? You'd think that if it were so important, they'd ask when you contact them.
Of course, if someone spoke to Mr Eads like that, I'm sure there'd be repercussions.
Rick
[2068]
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No, but I got shouted at in Cobbs Quay when I tried to find out whether I could stay another night on the same berth. I did get an apology from Mr Eads after complaining.
dv.
dv.
gjgm
Well-Known Member
same here.. and they dont ask in advance either...
TargaLout
Well-Known Member
S28, Liselle and gjgm how fortunate for you well done. Don't hijack my thread about how easy it is to get a free MDL outlook night. That is not the point.
fireball
Well-Known Member
I'm just trying to think .... nope - don't think we've stayed in any MDL other than Port Hamble - and (this time) had a new bloke who was very friendly and helpful ..
Can't think I've had any problem elsewhere (yet) with grumpy og's .... I don't think I'll bother with any MDL now though as they obviously have an over-inflated view of themselves and have forgotten WHO THE CUSTOMERS ARE ....
Can't think I've had any problem elsewhere (yet) with grumpy og's .... I don't think I'll bother with any MDL now though as they obviously have an over-inflated view of themselves and have forgotten WHO THE CUSTOMERS ARE ....
Sneds
Well-Known Member
They sound like a right bunch of arses to me!
We have two "Quay" marinas in the Bristol Channel and both are friendly, professional and courteous.
We have two "Quay" marinas in the Bristol Channel and both are friendly, professional and courteous.
[2068]
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[ QUOTE ]
S28, Liselle and gjgm how fortunate for you well done. Don't hijack my thread about how easy it is to get a free MDL outlook night. That is not the point.
[/ QUOTE ]
But but but my point is I'm still confused as to why you had to pay at all /forums/images/graemlins/confused.gif
S28, Liselle and gjgm how fortunate for you well done. Don't hijack my thread about how easy it is to get a free MDL outlook night. That is not the point.
[/ QUOTE ]
But but but my point is I'm still confused as to why you had to pay at all /forums/images/graemlins/confused.gif
TargaLout
Well-Known Member
I had to use that facility. I had no alternative. It had to happen. Therefore I had to pay £116 as the receipt said.
djefabs
Well-Known Member
Very different to the warm welcome that we had at Brighton. I seem to remember discussing ''customer service'' whilst at SIBS, seems it fell on deaf ears. I have never been able to secure a 'free' night, perhaps I have made the mistake of being honest and mentioning that I'm a MDL berth holder when trying to book.
Very great shame really because Sparkes was one of the friendliest marinas with great staff, very helpful on site contractors etc but now very different. There is only one very good contractor (Hayling Glass Fibre) left and each week I learn that more of the staff are leaving.
And don't mention the fuel price /forums/images/graemlins/mad.gif /forums/images/graemlins/mad.gif
Very great shame really because Sparkes was one of the friendliest marinas with great staff, very helpful on site contractors etc but now very different. There is only one very good contractor (Hayling Glass Fibre) left and each week I learn that more of the staff are leaving.
And don't mention the fuel price /forums/images/graemlins/mad.gif /forums/images/graemlins/mad.gif
[2068]
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...so why didn't one of the 15 free nights for Outlook members apply?
ebbtide
N/A
Re: If you think that is a good contractor ....
"There is only one very good contractor left"
Try complaining about his poor workmanship and exorbitant charges!
Incidentally, what are the fuel prices at Sparkes now? On Monday their fuel berth was double-parked with dry-launch weekenders and couldn't get near!
"There is only one very good contractor left"
Try complaining about his poor workmanship and exorbitant charges!
Incidentally, what are the fuel prices at Sparkes now? On Monday their fuel berth was double-parked with dry-launch weekenders and couldn't get near!
djefabs
Well-Known Member
Re: If you think that is a good contractor ....
I have never had to complain about Hayling Glass Fibre's poor workmanship or exorbitant charges. I have had a number of jobs carried out, have clearly stated what I require and the quote has always been acceptable. I have always been pleased with the result and would recommend their work to anyone.
Perhaps you would like to enlighten me on the alleged 'poor work & exorbitant charges' that you have suffered?
Current price of fuel on Monday morning .79p less 10% discount for berth holders.
I assume if you do not know the current price you did not asked the yard guys to move the dry launch boats. They are very accommodating and can hardly be held responsible for the dry launch guys very late return after a glorious weekend.
Perhaps a word with the management could highlight the problem.
I have never had to complain about Hayling Glass Fibre's poor workmanship or exorbitant charges. I have had a number of jobs carried out, have clearly stated what I require and the quote has always been acceptable. I have always been pleased with the result and would recommend their work to anyone.
Perhaps you would like to enlighten me on the alleged 'poor work & exorbitant charges' that you have suffered?
Current price of fuel on Monday morning .79p less 10% discount for berth holders.
I assume if you do not know the current price you did not asked the yard guys to move the dry launch boats. They are very accommodating and can hardly be held responsible for the dry launch guys very late return after a glorious weekend.
Perhaps a word with the management could highlight the problem.
Argonautical
Well-Known Member
Re: If you think that is a good contractor ....
Hi guys.
Malaprop I agree with DJFABS, Hayling glass fibres work is to a very exacting standard indeed, they have worked on both of my Targa's now, and I too would recommend them to anyone.
When Mags and I bought our first boat we were very new to marina's full stop. Sparkes seemed like a great place because of its proximity to the sea, and having talked about Porto solenti, we decided to take over the previous owners berth on the wall. As the year progressed we got to know more people and as others have said it was a really friendly place to knock about even if the weather was crap.
Sadly for us, the resteraunt did and does attract some 'Wrong Uns', and as a result fag ends, food, bottle tops used to end up on top of the boat, and generally on a nice warm afternoon you couldnt get any privacy at all, with people hanging over the railings staring at you! The music got louder in the evenings...........and later, and having moaned 'A Bit' to the staff, they kindly agreed to move us. The previous manager a chap called Mike, had the helm of the marina when we first arrived and from day 1 he really was a helpfull guy, always wanting a chat, and often around on Saturdays. The lads doing the graft were also extremely helpfull, and to be honest it was a great place to have your boat.
Having been moved to the end of A pontoon, I realised pretty quickly how much quieter it was (Unless Garick And Roger And I Are DAncing), and now all the bar and associated rubbish are history. Now the new manager also seems to be a helpfull chappie, again always wanting a natter, but you tend to detect an underlying sense of dischord amongs the guys there. They work hard there especially on a busy weekend, but at times with seemingly a lack of organisation. The fuel berth has been infuriatingly busy at times with boats parked and abandoned when your in a hurry to get out, and the pontoons themselves are largely in need of some serious repairs. One office lady can be a little over zelous in the bill chasing stakes, but I think its a nice marina.
As I mentioned before we dont have much to benchmark it against, but definately its becoming a little more 'Ghost Townish' than it used to be. Definately worth an overnight for anyone, but be prepared for a challenge with your berthing skills because its tight for sure. You will find it a friendly place if you are greeted by ash, Tom or Mark, and they will be as helpfull as any other marina staff that I have met elsewhere to date, and usually with a smile on their faces.
Garick, a bloody expensive nights moring fee's if you ask me!
It was only 36 quid at Swanwick for the Targa 48!
Jas.
Hi guys.
Malaprop I agree with DJFABS, Hayling glass fibres work is to a very exacting standard indeed, they have worked on both of my Targa's now, and I too would recommend them to anyone.
When Mags and I bought our first boat we were very new to marina's full stop. Sparkes seemed like a great place because of its proximity to the sea, and having talked about Porto solenti, we decided to take over the previous owners berth on the wall. As the year progressed we got to know more people and as others have said it was a really friendly place to knock about even if the weather was crap.
Sadly for us, the resteraunt did and does attract some 'Wrong Uns', and as a result fag ends, food, bottle tops used to end up on top of the boat, and generally on a nice warm afternoon you couldnt get any privacy at all, with people hanging over the railings staring at you! The music got louder in the evenings...........and later, and having moaned 'A Bit' to the staff, they kindly agreed to move us. The previous manager a chap called Mike, had the helm of the marina when we first arrived and from day 1 he really was a helpfull guy, always wanting a chat, and often around on Saturdays. The lads doing the graft were also extremely helpfull, and to be honest it was a great place to have your boat.
Having been moved to the end of A pontoon, I realised pretty quickly how much quieter it was (Unless Garick And Roger And I Are DAncing), and now all the bar and associated rubbish are history. Now the new manager also seems to be a helpfull chappie, again always wanting a natter, but you tend to detect an underlying sense of dischord amongs the guys there. They work hard there especially on a busy weekend, but at times with seemingly a lack of organisation. The fuel berth has been infuriatingly busy at times with boats parked and abandoned when your in a hurry to get out, and the pontoons themselves are largely in need of some serious repairs. One office lady can be a little over zelous in the bill chasing stakes, but I think its a nice marina.
As I mentioned before we dont have much to benchmark it against, but definately its becoming a little more 'Ghost Townish' than it used to be. Definately worth an overnight for anyone, but be prepared for a challenge with your berthing skills because its tight for sure. You will find it a friendly place if you are greeted by ash, Tom or Mark, and they will be as helpfull as any other marina staff that I have met elsewhere to date, and usually with a smile on their faces.
Garick, a bloody expensive nights moring fee's if you ask me!
It was only 36 quid at Swanwick for the Targa 48!
Jas.
