Sunseeker Stand - Southampton Boat Show 2021

[Portofino]

I wonder if it’s the qualifying questions?
As an exciting owner of a interesting competitors boat and a previous owner of a S/Sker ( could be A N Other ) maybe that subconsciously in the sales persons mind opens up more ?
We have never been refused , rebuffed etc .

A lot of Q and small talk - read effort can be left aside for existing owners .

Eg @ Cannes one year we found our way on a San Lorenzo iirc 135 ish ( feet btw ).
Nice sales guy …..had quickly found out what I had and where it was berthed .As said above , I had a mate and his family + my family so 4 adults and 4 teenage kids .Just us .
On the top deck of this tri deck boat the guy and my self ( he had singled me out as the principal) gazed out at the bigger yachts anchored in the bay .
He saw me looking at the bigger ones and immediately said “ A four cabin boat is all you ever need “
We crossed eyes as the boys , my son and my mates lad were fooling around .
He then said “ would you want 4 families on your boat “ - “ imagine more than 4 couples “ .


Nuff said !

Newbies like CUE99T I suspect must be hard work from there side .

Don’t know if experienced owners just don’t ask silly questions- dunno ? Eg fuel consumption?
Or experienced owners seem better prospects and easier for them ( sales guys ) to get on with ? No daft questions etc .Just practical Qs like beam for berths and crew accommodation , the LLL for tickets etc stuff like that .

Reminds me in a way like speed dating you have 30 secs to make an impression…….to get the full tour something like that

 

[Andrew M]

Fully concur, nearly everyone at the show that this year, that we went to visit and look over boats, was polite and friendly, Sunseeker, Princess, Fairline, Prestige. All very friendly and welcoming. The only make we wanted to have a look over and didn't get to was the larger Targa as the guy on there for some reason did just ignore us standing on the pontoon.
Really enjoyed the show and we both thought the new entrance and stands in that 1st part worked really well. I fully understand why exhibitor numbers were down a bit but it was still a good show.

 

[Bigplumbs]

Fully concur, nearly everyone at the show that this year, that we went to visit and look over boats, was polite and friendly, Sunseeker, Princess, Fairline, Prestige. All very friendly and welcoming. The only make we wanted to have a look over and didn't get to was the larger Targa as the guy on there for some reason did just ignore us standing on the pontoon.
Really enjoyed the show and we both thought the new entrance and stands in that 1st part worked really well. I fully understand why exhibitor numbers were down a bit but it was still a good show.

Yes indeed a very good show. We tend to not look at the larger boats at all as we will I suspect never be in a position to afford one and actually don't like to look too hard at something I can never afford

 

[CUE99T]

@Portofino - Yup very hard work at the moment..... but its winter now so no rush and interested to see what Retruned Goods come back from Med under the new VAT system......

I've been floating for 25yrs on the water but mostly sub 30 and now find it hard to get into the 40+ but tbh all I asked was things like beam etc as fuels questions I already know.....watched plenty of youtube afterall I'm not a boomer....... (as my son likes to call me)

 

[CUE99T]

@henryf if you're unwarranted criticism statement is aimed at not just my comments then fair enough but what Ive posted is fact not a moan or opinion, and I paid over £1400 (flights/hotel) to be at the show for 4 days to do proper investigation of new boats and refurb options - I wasnt just there filling in my time......I'm a pretty busy guy!

My point was I didn't see why create the relationship with me 5-6yrs ago and keep in touch then when I go out my way to prioritise them as the company to buy from I'm ignored (I always wanted to buy a Predator just for the name) ..... 2 emails, 2 calls leaving a VM, and a direct read text to the brokers mobile stating I was flying down and would be great to catch up ..... yet nothing - if you think I'm being unfair then maybe I just don't get the world of boating and I'll go back to buying cars and its not for me.

On the show side - what I was also saying was Sunseeker cordoned off all their boats and had an office so it felt very uninviting to get onto the boats, and tbh since I'd been ignored on my engagement tries with them I was probably less interested in dealing with them so didnt ask to go on their boats. Everyone else seemed more than inviting.

Maybe with Sunseeker I'd rather cut my nose off to spite my face as my granny would say!!

If you love Sunseeker mate then brilliant, and maybe I'm just extremely unlucky and started my engagement at the wrong time, but I can only go on what Ive experienced and it wasn't good, then again I bought a Porsche for the missus recently from Porsche Portsmouth cos Glasgow couldn't be bothered to engage properly and they couldn't have been more helpful, so maybe I just need to find a better broker and its nothing to do with the brand.

To be honest I came to the forum to get some buying advice and it's just reminded me why I gave up forums years ago with some others comments.

 

[Switch]

I was looking at a Sunseeker Predator 55 at the show (no hope of ever buying one - just looking). There was a chap sat at the helm, " I've just bought one of these" he said as he pointed to a Sunseeker folder containing the contract he'd just signed on the seat next to him - "what are these screens for?" he said pointing at the dual MFD displays at the helm, he added, " I'm used to a 20ft boat on the Thames, nothing like this"

I'm sure he was pulling my leg but I felt genuinely excited for him having just bought this wonderful machine. I'm glad there are people who can afford brand new boats. Best of luck to him.

 

[Chris H]

I was in Leeds just today, lovely city, shame about the people…

Surprised they let you in........

 

[henryf]

@henryf if you're unwarranted criticism statement is aimed at not just my comments then fair enough but what Ive posted is fact not a moan or opinion, and I paid over £1400 (flights/hotel) to be at the show for 4 days to do proper investigation of new boats and refurb options - I wasnt just there filling in my time......I'm a pretty busy guy!

First of all hello.

I can totally relate to your frustration. I got in contact with a firm called Sirenna Yachts from Turkey having seen them at Düsseldorf & Cannes. Some initial difficulties with contact then got on to their sales director.
Flew out to Cannes specifically to see them, they sent entry tickets but even then the contact was initially a bit cold. I pushed through made some more contacts in the firm and did end up seeing everything I wanted over 2 days, but there was a moment when I very nearly said F this for a game of soldiers, I’ve just flown over from the UK to see you, filled out more forms and taken more medical tests than an astronaut, do you not want to sell me a boat?

As it happens they are working flat out to service existing orders and established dealers so someone like me is probably a couple of years down the line. We parted as friends and I will keep them on the boiler for the next purchase.

Anyway, back to Southampton. In an ideal world you have a contact who’s at the show. Go to the stand reception, say you’re here to see X or you’re interested in buying Y. They will usher you in, sort you out with a drink and get someone to chat to. That person then escorts you to the boats jumping any queues. Don’t just queue to get on a boat especially at Sunseeker who operate an open policy whereby if you queue you can get on any boat.

Incidentally Fairline is the same, go to the stand office rather than just waiting to get on a boat. They even sorted me out with a Danish pastry (when I cheekily asked) to give me a quick sugar hit ?

It helps that as an owner I know what to say, I can answer and ask sensible questions (sometimes more wisely than the temp or newbie guarding the boat). I do give a couple of clues as to ability to purchase such as a decent wrist watch but above all it’s being open and honest with the staff there on the stand.

I guarantee that if you go onto the Sunseeker stand looking to buy a boat someone will be assigned. They are nothing if not salespeople ?

If you need any help on navigating the Sunseeker range get in touch with Jamie Coombes from Sunseeker Torquay. He and Tom look after that branch which is part of the massive Sunseeker London family so they have fingers in every location.

Feel free also to message me off this forum if you need any help or pointers. I mean that genuinely not in a patronising way.

All the best

Henry

 

[ShaneAtSea]

First of all hello.

I can totally relate to your frustration. I got in contact with a firm called Sirenna Yachts from Turkey having seen them at Düsseldorf & Cannes. Some initial difficulties with contact then got on to their sales director.
Flew out to Cannes specifically to see them, they sent entry tickets but even then the contact was initially a bit cold. I pushed through made some more contacts in the firm and did end up seeing everything I wanted over 2 days, but there was a moment when I very nearly said F this for a game of soldiers, I’ve just flown over from the UK to see you, filled out more forms and taken more medical tests than an astronaut, do you not want to sell me a boat?

As it happens they are working flat out to service existing orders and established dealers so someone like me is probably a couple of years down the line. We parted as friends and I will keep them on the boiler for the next purchase.

Anyway, back to Southampton. In an ideal world you have a contact who’s at the show. Go to the stand reception, say you’re here to see X or you’re interested in buying Y. They will usher you in, sort you out with a drink and get someone to chat to. That person then escorts you to the boats jumping any queues. Don’t just queue to get on a boat especially at Sunseeker who operate an open policy whereby if you queue you can get on any boat.

Incidentally Fairline is the same, go to the stand office rather than just waiting to get on a boat. They even sorted me out with a Danish pastry (when I cheekily asked) to give me a quick sugar hit ?

It helps that as an owner I know what to say, I can answer and ask sensible questions (sometimes more wisely than the temp or newbie guarding the boat). I do give a couple of clues as to ability to purchase such as a decent wrist watch but above all it’s being open and honest with the staff there on the stand.

I guarantee that if you go onto the Sunseeker stand looking to buy a boat someone will be assigned. They are nothing if not salespeople ?

If you need any help on navigating the Sunseeker range get in touch with Jamie Coombes from Sunseeker Torquay. He and Tom look after that branch which is part of the massive Sunseeker London family so they have fingers in every location.

Feel free also to message me off this forum if you need any help or pointers. I mean that genuinely not in a patronising way.

All the best

Henry

If its not too much of a personal question....which Sirenna are you looking at?

I dont really like the 58 & 64 but the new 68 is really nice

 

[KINGFISHER 8]

If that was aimed at me, then I think after 2 emails, 2 phone calls and a text which shows as read....but a Salesman who WAS actually sitting talking to no one but sitting on his phone when I passed him.......isnt who I want to work with tbh. I may or may never afford a Y90 or even want one but Ashley at Ancaster who was on the SL showed us around like a true gentleman and I made it clear that I'd probably never be a buyer as I want to be Owner Operator yet couldsnt be nicer.....

a simple text back saying "sure just come see me I'll be at the show wouldn't have been hard"......or was he on the phone to you in good company?

it wasn't ... it's what we usually get on the forum come boat show time.

 

[CUE99T]

First of all hello.

I can totally relate to your frustration. I got in contact with a firm called Sirenna Yachts from Turkey having seen them at Düsseldorf & Cannes. Some initial difficulties with contact then got on to their sales director.
Flew out to Cannes specifically to see them, they sent entry tickets but even then the contact was initially a bit cold. I pushed through made some more contacts in the firm and did end up seeing everything I wanted over 2 days, but there was a moment when I very nearly said F this for a game of soldiers, I’ve just flown over from the UK to see you, filled out more forms and taken more medical tests than an astronaut, do you not want to sell me a boat?

As it happens they are working flat out to service existing orders and established dealers so someone like me is probably a couple of years down the line. We parted as friends and I will keep them on the boiler for the next purchase.

Anyway, back to Southampton. In an ideal world you have a contact who’s at the show. Go to the stand reception, say you’re here to see X or you’re interested in buying Y. They will usher you in, sort you out with a drink and get someone to chat to. That person then escorts you to the boats jumping any queues. Don’t just queue to get on a boat especially at Sunseeker who operate an open policy whereby if you queue you can get on any boat.

Incidentally Fairline is the same, go to the stand office rather than just waiting to get on a boat. They even sorted me out with a Danish pastry (when I cheekily asked) to give me a quick sugar hit ?

It helps that as an owner I know what to say, I can answer and ask sensible questions (sometimes more wisely than the temp or newbie guarding the boat). I do give a couple of clues as to ability to purchase such as a decent wrist watch but above all it’s being open and honest with the staff there on the stand.

I guarantee that if you go onto the Sunseeker stand looking to buy a boat someone will be assigned. They are nothing if not salespeople ?

If you need any help on navigating the Sunseeker range get in touch with Jamie Coombes from Sunseeker Torquay. He and Tom look after that branch which is part of the massive Sunseeker London family so they have fingers in every location.

Feel free also to message me off this forum if you need any help or pointers. I mean that genuinely not in a patronising way.

All the best

Henry

Thank you Henry thats very kind of you, and hello to you too.

I thought by calling all the brands and making appointments that would be the best way, so I did actually call them all 4-6 weeks before the show and ask for appointments but getting hold of anyone to call me back wasn't the best engagement and that was from most if I'm completely honest. The Sealine and Galeon chaps said if I didn't buy at the show it would be 2023 order book and that felt rushed which put me off initially but on meeting the guys down there was better tbh.

My problem is WE don't like Galley Aft and that seems to be every new boat, so feel a bit screwed so have been looking at brokerage but the stock is literally. crap thats left apart from a few and they feel a touch heavy on money.

As I said just gonna sit it out for a few weeks as got a few other things going on consuming my time so it'll happen when it happens and appreciate your comments and taking the time to reply.

Maybe I just don't have the patience that I used to have for sales people anymore when its not instant return response.....who knows.

 

[Bigplumbs]

Thank you Henry thats very kind of you, and hello to you too.

I thought by calling all the brands and making appointments that would be the best way, so I did actually call them all 4-6 weeks before the show and ask for appointments but getting hold of anyone to call me back wasn't the best engagement and that was from most if I'm completely honest. The Sealine and Galeon chaps said if I didn't buy at the show it would be 2023 order book and that felt rushed which put me off initially but on meeting the guys down there was better tbh.

My problem is WE don't like Galley Aft and that seems to be every new boat, so feel a bit screwed so have been looking at brokerage but the stock is literally. crap thats left apart from a few and they feel a touch heavy on money.

As I said just gonna sit it out for a few weeks as got a few other things going on consuming my time so it'll happen when it happens and appreciate your comments and taking the time to reply.

Maybe I just don't have the patience that I used to have for sales people anymore when its not instant return response.....who knows.

I am sure you saying that 'its crap that left' will make you loved by many !

 

[henryf]

There’s nothing wrong telling people crappy aspects of their boats are crappy. Keeps them on their toes ?

I was looking at a Sirenna 58. The 64 is a “better” boat but more money. Initially struggled with a few aspects of the 68 but during a lengthy tour with a member of the production team it transpires all the bits I struggled with were owner options often against factory advice.

Ultimately I like Sirenna as a brand and feel they bring something very interesting to the table.

Aft galley. As owners of a Princess 50 mk3 we’ve really struggled to find a replacement. All the galley up stuff struggles with skinny kitchens and tiny refrigeration. Ultimately the replacement will be aft galley. At mid 50ft there are some solutions. We charter so need to cover some operational limitations which private users might get away with although actually I think we just magnify a normal owner’s needs.

 

[henryf]

Oh, and getting more miserable as you get older. Welcome to the club

 

[CUE99T]

I am sure you saying that 'its crap that left' will make you loved by many !

OK, maybe a bit harsh but I dont think it was just me that said that one.... I'm looking for a well looked after model.....as I said its not about age its about how someone has kept their boat or I'm simply picking up the rope and popping it around my neck!

the hardest thing in Scotland is getting your boat fixed IMHO......and I'd like to get one that simply wont be burst from day one. There is probably lots of 1-2yr flipper sellers out there that wont have looked after it more than likely as they are simply trading up, but I think thats also a dangerous area with so little stock on the market.

no offence meant to any sellers but I can't really swear so that was the best words I could come up with! lol

 

[ShaneAtSea]

There’s nothing wrong telling people crappy aspects of their boats are crappy. Keeps them on their toes ?

I was looking at a Sirenna 58. The 64 is a “better” boat but more money. Initially struggled with a few aspects of the 68 but during a lengthy tour with a member of the production team it transpires all the bits I struggled with were owner options often against factory advice.

Ultimately I like Sirenna as a brand and feel they bring something very interesting to the table.

Aft galley. As owners of a Princess 50 mk3 we’ve really struggled to find a replacement. All the galley up stuff struggles with skinny kitchens and tiny refrigeration. Ultimately the replacement will be aft galley. At mid 50ft there are some solutions. We charter so need to cover some operational limitations which private users might get away with although actually I think we just magnify a normal owner’s needs.

How about the Absolute Navetta 58?........i think the price might be pretty much the same if not lower than the Sirena 58? (I hate the engine stop buttons)

 

[Bigplumbs]

There’s nothing wrong telling people crappy aspects of their boats are crappy. Keeps them on their toes ?

I was looking at a Sirenna 58. The 64 is a “better” boat but more money. Initially struggled with a few aspects of the 68 but during a lengthy tour with a member of the production team it transpires all the bits I struggled with were owner options often against factory advice.

Ultimately I like Sirenna as a brand and feel they bring something very interesting to the table.

Aft galley. As owners of a Princess 50 mk3 we’ve really struggled to find a replacement. All the galley up stuff struggles with skinny kitchens and tiny refrigeration. Ultimately the replacement will be aft galley. At mid 50ft there are some solutions. We charter so need to cover some operational limitations which private users might get away with although actually I think we just magnify a normal owner’s needs.

Well perhaps not but always. Useful to see things how others see them which might be:

'Rich bloke wants to buy new huge expensive boat that normal mortals cant even imagine..... Having difficulty so looks at some second hand ones instead..... Throws rattle out of pram and claims all the second hand ones are not good enough for him so brands them crap..........................

Does this perhaps open your eyes a little.

 

[CUE99T]

@Bigplumbs I can see why a few struggle with you on other threads I've read....... many boats have you got now?

 

[ShaneAtSea]

Well perhaps not but always. Useful to see things how others see them which might be:

'Rich bloke wants to buy new huge expensive boat that normal mortals cant even imagine..... Having difficulty so looks at some second hand ones instead..... Throws rattle out of pram and claims all the second hand ones are not good enough for him so brands them crap..........................

Does this perhaps open your eyes a little.

I used to love watching middle class people rant and rave at Easy Jet staff on that TV program Airport because they were late or forgot their passport......" You'd never get this treatment on British Airways"

 

[CUE99T]

How about the Absolute Navetta 58?........i think the price might be pretty much the same if not lower than the Sirena 58? (I hate the engine stop buttons)

I think the Absolute 48 with the fee standing furniture looks excellent in the animated version, and hope to see it at the Barca show if I can get to it when I'm over.