Seastart

[wombat88]

I'm thinking about signing up to Seastart for a small motor boat with a 50hp outboard in which, despite everything, I have no confidence.

I've looked at their website and all looks good but I am keen to hear from people who have had to use their services.

Anyone got any experiences good or bad?

 

[ImpImp]

A few years back, but called them out on a busy bank holiday, swift, polite and efficient.

 

[jac]

Used them twice. Once they turned up quickly fixed the issue promptly, clean tidy, nice guy. ( Boat was in a marina on the Hamble which may have aided speed.) Second was for an issue i wasn't sure they could fix ( dodgy windlass - Boat was moored up and just tested it before setting off) - They couldn't but knew a man who could. I used him and he was fine - turned up quickly, fixed the issue etc etc.

I have just renewed my membership with them which tells you something. To me, if you'd pay for AA for the car then SeaStart seems a sensible use of a small amount of money if you're mainly cruising in their area of operations

 

[Hermit]

I joined when we bought a new (to us) boat with an engine I was new to looking after. Then, for the first time in my life, I picked up a rope round the prop. Sea Start arranged a diver which cost me £50. They were helpful, friendly and quick to respond. I would recommend them if you have an engine that is a bit of an unknown quantity and you are in an area they cover.

 

[Boathook]

I'm not a member but know someone who is and they had to use them twice I believe, in 2 years, due to various mechanical breakdowns. He was impressed with the service. Do make sure that you are in their area as they aren't round all the UK yet.

 

[Scubadoo]

I've been a member for must be 20years+ and in that time I think I've had four call outs, one where my drives belts all failed due to a bracket bolt failing, they got me up running so I could limp home within an hour, the second was fouling a floating lobster pot rope, they came over with a diver(no extra charge), took the props off and refitted, again within an hour, and the third was when a relay failed on the drive trim, that one they arranged a local engineer to fault find and fix as I managed to limp into marina. The other call out was at my home berth, faulty oil pressure reading, they confirmed it wasn't an engine issue.

The other thing I like is you can call them any time for advice regarding the engine. Their service is simply excellent and a no brainer considering the low cost membership. Most of my issues couldn't be identified during my normal maintenance checks, hence why I stay a member. The extra cost is parts which seem reasonable given the circumstances or they can use your spares if carried onboard.

 

[Aeolus]

I'm a member and have had two call-outs. I agree with previous posters - 1st rate service, excellent value. Check that they cover your area - they don't have boats in all UK waters.

 

[Adrian62]

I have been a member for 3 years and had 2 call outs one just after launching starter motor failure and another time when the engine would not turn over after returning from a trip . Both times the engineer was there in 30 mins . Fixed both times with the spares he had and even followed me back to my mooring . Very good service .

 

[salar]

I have been a member for about as long as they have existed. I have called them out only twice, but both times it was a major problem that couldn't be resolved at sea and required a tow. I renew every year for peace of mind, even though I have the knowledge to fix minor problems and plenty back-up systems on board. There's always something, sooner or taker, that will get you, even just a bit of stray netting round the prop!

 

[superheat6k]

Any experience of using Seastart is generally bad - but that is why you joined and then called them out !

Highly recommended, and run by a genuinely nice, real and lifelong boater - Nick Eales.

Two primary reasons: 1 Bad fuel; 2 Bad electrics - and I understand in no particular order.

 

[wombat88]

100% positive response, I will join.

 

[Sianna]

it's a bit of a no-brainer I think, £155 a year for a call out service. Never had to use them, yet, but it's peace of mind if something does go wrong. Those I know who have used them them have always been happy with the service

 

[nicho]

They were superb when one engine refused to start in Lymington - didn’t really fancy a trip back to Chichester on one. They were there within 30 minutes, sorted very quickly. Wouldn’t be without their backup.

 

[STATUE]

Good heavens, going to sea on a mindset that someone else will get you out of trouble, is a bad and unseaman/person like basis in the handling and maintenance of a yacht.
... probably sailing without the skill of sewing is also OK.
I am an amateur and not in the yachting industry, but I am very aware of my responsibilities to myself and others

 

[nicho]

Good heavens, going to sea on a mindset that someone else will get you out of trouble, is a bad and unseaman/person like basis in the handling and maintenance of a yacht.
... probably sailing without the skill of sewing is also OK.
I am an amateur and not in the yachting industry, but I am very aware of my responsibilities to myself and others

Unfortunately there was nobody to help when we were battered by F11 mid Atlantic, but we survived. Now approaching 80, I don’t fancy going over the side to clear a rope from the prop these days, so Sea Start is a must for me. Presumably you shun the RAC, AAor Green Flag too?

 

[Sianna]

Good heavens, going to sea on a mindset that someone else will get you out of trouble, is a bad and unseaman/person like basis in the handling and maintenance of a yacht.
... probably sailing without the skill of sewing is also OK.
I am an amateur and not in the yachting industry, but I am very aware of my responsibilities to myself and others

It's not really a mindset that someone will get you out of trouble, nor associated with a lack of maintenance, but more of a peace of mind that if something untoward and out of your control happens, you have a back up / support plan.

Personally I'd call that responsible seamanship.

 

[AntarcticPilot]

Be aware that their area of operations is quite restricted, basically South Coast only, and not even half of that. Area of Operation | Sea Start

 

[nicho]

Be aware that their area of operations is quite restricted, basically South Coast only, and not even half of that. Area of Operation | Sea Start

Yes, you need to look

Be aware that their area of operations is quite restricted, basically South Coast only, and not even half of that. Area of Operation | Sea Start

Indeed, and they only operate up to three miles offshore - mind, we only operate Weymouth to Chichester these days and mainly the Solent - with a Mobo to boot with bloody VP engines!!

 

[ImpImp]

Good heavens, going to sea on a mindset that someone else will get you out of trouble, is a bad and unseaman/person like basis in the handling and maintenance of a yacht.
... probably sailing without the skill of sewing is also OK.
I am an amateur and not in the yachting industry, but I am very aware of my responsibilities to myself and others

On that basis we'll disband the RNLI as well then?

 

[wombat88]

If I go sailing in our 12' dinghy I have sails, oars and even rowlocks. I know how these things work and intend to be self sufficient.

If I go out in our little motor boat I am relying 100% on a 25 year old (maybe) outboard that has fuel injection etc etc and has obviously not been looked after until my ownership. I do not know the detail of how it works. Even if I were to learn the fault codes and had bought a dongle to give a read out on a laptop I doubt I would know how to remedy things without replacement parts.