Praise for Fox's Chandlery

AntarcticPilot

AntarcticPilot

Well-Known Member
Joined
4 May 2007
Messages
11,115
Location
Cambridge, UK
www.cooperandyau.co.uk
I placed an order for a tiller pilot on Wednesday, and it arrived on Thursday! Free delivery and a good price as well (Boat Show special price). Very impressed, especially as they did their best to do themselves out of a sale by checking carefully that my existing one is beyond economic repair (it is - I already knew that, from the Service Centre). The old one doesn't owe me anything; I'd had it since 2007 when it failed last year.
 
Good to hear, but you've got me worried as my tiller pilot was new with the boat in 2000. Perhaps my preference for helming myself is beneficial.:)
 
johnalison said:
Good to hear, but you've got me worried as my tiller pilot was new with the boat in 2000. Perhaps my preference for helming myself is beneficial.:)
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Well, my Moody 31 is at the top end of the displacement range for an ST2000+, and I've used it quite a lot! The report from the Service Centre on the old one mentioned that practicallty all the mechanical parts were worn out, as well as damp having wrecked the circuit board - the latter was the final straw, and probably occurred during my trip from Scotland to the East Coast.
 
My 2000ST+ has lasted for 11years. This winter I have made a proper cover for it with some Sunbrella and a window off cut. Up until now I have resorted to wrapping it in cling film when it rains.
 
MoodySabre said:
My 2000ST+ has lasted for 11years. This winter I have made a proper cover for it with some Sunbrella and a window off cut. Up until now I have resorted to wrapping it in cling film when it rains.
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Yes, I'm considering making a cover for it, as the general concensus seems to be that they usually die of water penetration. MIne had a good soaking on the way round from the Clyde, and when Jim and I dismantled it to see if there was anything obvious we could fix, there was water inside, and it was clear that a grommet on the ram had worn out, allowing water to penetrate even more readily than it would otherwise. It had done a lot of hours, as I usually used it when under motor - it steers better than I do under engine, and it doesn't get bored! I like steering under sail, and do a better job than a tiller pilot (I react to catspaws and windshadows; the tiller-pilot doesn't!), but motoring doesn't require the same level of human input.

I found a useful pattern on the web: http://svripple.blogspot.co.uk/p/pattern-for-tiller-pilot-cover.html .The ones on eBay only cover one side of the pilot, and while they'll keep rain off, they won't prevent flying spray or driving rain from penetrating.
 
Similar situation to the OP, I popped in to consider replacing my VHF aerial as the mast was down and there is no time like the present. I asked where the aerials where, to which the response was 'follow me'. I asked about ones with a windex, and was given options, and I explained that I was considering replacing as the mast was down at the moment.

I'm wondering if they have reverse sales tactics? ie talk the customer out of it so they buy? I was asked so many questions, eg how old is the aerial, have you had any problems etc? that I felt they really did care about the best result for the customer. When I decided to buy, the person helping me seemed shocked!
 
dolabriform said:
Similar situation to the OP, I popped in to consider replacing my VHF aerial as the mast was down and there is no time like the present. I asked where the aerials where, to which the response was 'follow me'. I asked about ones with a windex, and was given options, and I explained that I was considering replacing as the mast was down at the moment.

I'm wondering if they have reverse sales tactics? ie talk the customer out of it so they buy? I was asked so many questions, eg how old is the aerial, have you had any problems etc? that I felt they really did care about the best result for the customer. When I decided to buy, the person helping me seemed shocked!
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Probably shocked because so many people obtain the advice of knowledgeable retail assistants and then go and buy on line.
 
I reckon their pricing is pretty good even compared to online. Especially when you factor in delivery costs and after sales advice and accountability. Same thing goes for Seamark Nunn.
Wherever I go on the boat I always have a look at the chandleries but I’ve never found one as well stocked or helpful as either of them.
 
Champagne Murphy said:
I reckon their pricing is pretty good even compared to online. Especially when you factor in delivery costs and after sales advice and accountability. Same thing goes for Seamark Nunn.
Wherever I go on the boat I always have a look at the chandleries but I’ve never found one as well stocked or helpful as either of them.
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I just discovered that Foxs are delivery free if you are an RYA member. Check out 'Members Benefits'
I tend to use Seamark Nunn as I am more likely to be passing that way with work. Guess we are lucky to have them both (and Levington, Southwold etc) in this part of the world.
 
What the OP is really saying is that the delivery/courier industry has now really got their act together
As far as any supplier has to do with it it is no different to one walking into a shop & the shop assistant sticking the item in a brown paper bag. Only now they do not have to listen to the customer whinging about the weather, the parking or standing there wondering whether to have a 3/4 widget or a 19mm one, whilst having one eye on the snotty little kid in the corner trying to nick something. All the supplier now does is look online , stick your address on the bag & off it goes.
If you think about it , perhaps It is the delivery companies that really deserve the praises
 
What you are really saying is that the delivery/courier industry has now really got their act together
As far as any supplier has to do with it it is no different to you walking into a shop & them sticking the item in a brown paper bag. Only now they do not have to listen to the customer whinging about the weather, the parking or standing there wondering whether to have a 3/4 widget or a 19mm one. All the supplier now does is look online , stick your address on the bag & off it goes.
If you think about it , perhaps It is the delivery companies that really deserve the praises
 
Kurrawong_Kid said:
Probably shocked because so many people obtain the advice of knowledgeable retail assistants and then go and buy on line.
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That is the real problem. Then when the chandlery disappears everyone is disappointed. In Burnham I always go to Andy at Yachting Solutions first because he is knowledgeable ( He actually sails a boat) & because I want to be able to go there when I just want that small widget on the quick & not pay over the odds for delivery or wait for it the next day. For my electronics it is Mantsbrite in Maldon because the extra few sqids I might have paid for my Raymarine & Lorenz gear was easily recovered in the advice & constant service that is always there if I just drop in & ask.
 
Foxes seems to be the same price as the pure online chandleries for almost everything, but unlike some has always delivered quickly without hassle or given advice and click and collect. I'll use them in preference. They did also get a Raymarine auto pilot for me several years ago at a low price I wasn't expecting.
 
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