My minor issues

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Personally, i think it should not matter how minor the issue is the level of customer support should remain the same. In our case it was nil.

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From your site, it would appear that your requirement for a level issue of customer support has been met!!!
 
I think it is better not to use the forum for this sort of personal dispute between yourself and another party. I think it is reasonable to ask people's opinions on the situation leaving out the names of the parties involved.
I think the best way to deal with this sort of problem is to write to your supplier and say that if they do not respond to you within x days you will start legal action in the small claims court. If that fails to produce a result, instruct a surveyor to inspect and report on the problem and get 2 or 3 quotes to repair the boat. The claim to the court would be for the surveyors costs and the quote.
I dislike trial by media, the other party does not get a say. I'm not in anyway detracting from your position but I don't like the principle.
I have no connection with any parties in this.
 
Si and Shelley

I'd suggest that you phone or write to the manufacturer, I did when I had a problem with a previous boat/dealer from a US builder, it lead to direct input from the MD and my issues were resolved, it's worth a go.
 
From what you say on your site, I think part of your problem (IMHO) is that you have allowed your dealer to fob you off. You bought the boat from Stirling Marine and it should be them that sorts out any defects. Many retailers will say, "oh, you need to speak to the manufacturer" - b0££0cks, he sold you a defective boat (if, indeed, it is defective), he should sort it out. I suggest you go back to Stirling Marine and insist that they sort it pronto.

Alan006, I understand what you are saying but the problem is that the consumer has so few real options open to him when dealing with big corporate. No doubt Bluewater Marine have a healthy marketing budget to tell the world how great their product is and how important the customer is to them. The consumer doesn't have that but the internet is starting to open things up for consumers and (IMHO) that is great. All Si and Shelley are doing is letting people know what Bluewater's (and, in my view, Stirling's) great customer service is really like.

Good luck getting things sorted.
 
I'm sorry I don't agree. Infact you confirm my worse fears by condeming the other parties based on hearing one side of the story.
British justice lets both sides put their point of view. This system does not.
 
Err, I don't think I have "condemned" anyone. But you are right that I have only heard one side of the story - mind you, if it hadn't been posted on here, i wouldn't even have heard that. Maybe that's what you would prefer - the consumer at large to be treated like mushrooms??


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British justice lets both sides put their point of view

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Just being pedantic for a moment - I thought justice was about facts, not points of view. The original poster has set out the facts (ok, as he sees them). The problem is that if he hadn't posted, no one (other that his mates) would know anything about this.

The problem is that big corporates have a lot of muscle and (in general) the consumer doesn't. I'm all for anything that levels the playing field a bit. And in case you're worried, don't forget that there are libel laws to protect people from unfounded allegations.
 
The reason I said you had condemned someone is that you stated your view of Bluewater's and Stirlings customer service, presumably based on this post.
The point I don't like, as I said is, that the other party does not get a chance to put their side. I know about libel law, thank you for asking. However, the relative strengths of each party should not mean that this in some way means they are less entitled to present their side of the story.
Perhaps we will have to agree to differ on this.
 
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I'm sorry I don't agree. Infact you confirm my worse fears by condeming the other parties based on hearing one side of the story.
British justice lets both sides put their point of view. This system does not.

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You are wrong. There is nothing stopping the other party posting their side of things.

Rick
 
Well, Rick, it is possible for the other party to respond on this forum, so you are right and I am wrong.
I wonder if the other parties have been made aware of this being posted here? If they have not then their chances of putting their side seems remarkably slim. Still that does not seem to be concerning people as much as I would hope it would.
I think I've already shown how quickly some people make their minds up based on one point of view.
 
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...but the internet is starting to open things up for consumers and (IMHO) that is great. All Si and Shelley are doing is letting people know what Bluewater's (and, in my view, Stirling's) great customer service is really like.

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Only very limited via the internet I'm afraid. No keywords to assist finding. With the right title and keywords they could do serious damage to the retailer.
 
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Well, Rick, it is possible for the other party to respond on this forum, so you are right and I am wrong.
I wonder if the other parties have been made aware of this being posted here? If they have not then their chances of putting their side seems remarkably slim. Still that does not seem to be concerning people as much as I would hope it would.

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You'd think that someone who sold boats in the UK would read the "UKs largest boating forum" (or however IPC market it). In fact, given that a number of posts have been pulled because of legal threats by marine suppliers, we know that some do (though probably not as frequently as most forumites).

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I think I've already shown how quickly some people make their minds up based on one point of view.

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It seems you want to prevent anyone discussing any supplier or problems with kit. That would be a real detriment to all of us /forums/images/graemlins/frown.gif

Rick
 
it would be interesting to know what the repair guys said was wrong...and how big a job/cost to fix it. Some of these look annoying rather than anything more significant. Some if it looks a bloody shody disgrace indeed, though.
Cost depending, I d get it fixed, enjoy the boating season, send them the bill. But the goal for me here, would be to enjoy the boating.
I think when you raised this before, I suggested getting on the phone to USA, and getting someone senior. Send them the photos too, and say would you expect the boat to leave the factory like this? Did you ever do that? As someone also posted on this thread, it worked for him too. I ve found the independent manufacturers actually DID care about the product.
Good luck anyway...
 
Thank you for your comments, Rick, however I think you are choosing to misunderstand the points I was trying to make.

Firstly, you think it is reasonable for boat sellers in the UK to follow the forum as it is marketed as the UK's largest. Well, I would be very impressed if they came to work on a Sunday and checked all the media articles to see if they were mentioned anywhere. Then unless they post a comment how do we know they are aware of it?

I am not trying to gag anyone from stating their point of view, but I genuinely believe that many people form their opinion based on one point of view. This is unfair on the other party.

I personally think that it is great to endorse companies and products that give good service or kit, but I don't think this is the place for personal disputes unless all other avenues have been tried.

If that makes me a bad person, well I'm sorry.
 
Sticking to the techincal points raised by the photos:

I would say that the leaking bolts in what looks like the transom, with the horrible rusty water, are the most serious problem - mainly because the wood in the transom is now soaking wet, and will be very difficult to dry out properly.

The next most serious problem is the cracking around the engine bed, which suggests that something here is flexing. Also, not good.

The other problems look like too much gelcoat with not enough glass in a few spots. A good fibreglass man should be able to sort these minor problems out.

dv.
 
Alan006, you're right in saying that a trail by media is not an ideal solution to the problem.

My problem is that Bluewater Marine have the solutiuon.

All for a paltry £1000 (one of the quotes)

They are aware of this forum and my feelings as i emailed them a weblink to the post so they have oppurtunity to either post a reply or heaven forbid, actually call me!

Hopefully the Google robots will have bumped up my site in any search carried out for Bluewater marine.

There is nothing libelous about anything i have said for as you can see it is backed up.

I'm not too bothered about any damage done the the retailer as they have cost me my time, and the stress of the debacle has really taken the enjoyment out of boating not to mention the +£30k of our money we gave them.

So actually, and bluntly, if Bluewater marine loose out, whether it be one sale or the Chaparral contract, I couldnt care less.

IF they do contact me and all is resolved to my satisfaction then i will be only too pleased to tell you all about that to. Unlikely as it is....

So for now, if there is any prospective buyer looking for a boat, i'd avoid Bluewater Marine as once they have your money you will never hear from them again.
 
Thank you for your comments.

As I said earlier I am not trying to make any judgement on your particular situation. It is the principle of this approach that I am not happy about.

As I see it several people have offered suggestions as to things you could try, including legal action, to resolve your situation.

The impression I get is that some of these options can still be tried.These will either get you your remedy ( good for you) or if you are not so lucky then not. If you do not try all these avenues ( especially legal action), it is harder for an outsider to be as sympathetic to your situation as if you had tried them.

I think it would be a great shame if this forum becomes a home for unhappy people to complain about unfortunate situations when there are still other options open to them.

Having said all that, please believe me when I assure you I wish you well in your case as I know how stressful these things can be. Good luck.
 
S&S, sorry to read of your problems, a new boat should obviously be better than that.

But I'm confused about why you direct all your contact and criticism to Bluewater. If I am understanding the story corerectly, you have no contract with them. You purchase-of-boat contract is with the dealer, Stirling, and your fight should be with them.

Also, who is the warranty contract with? It's all a bit unclear from your website and this thread.
 
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