PGD
New member
We see all the time high priced parts, poor service and no after sales service as well as warranties that aren’t worth a lot, what else bugs you. Interested to hear your views.
Peter
Peter
What Bugs you about the marine industry ?
- Thread starter PGD
- Start date
DepSol
New member
Being told by someone on the sales/service reception in August 'I am sick of people telling me that they are going on holiday and need the boat ready in time for it' also 'if the boats not ready do what the rest of us have to do catch a plane!
I reminded him of how many planes I had caught in the last 4 months and that i bought the boat so I didnt have to fly.
I do understand that they are under lots of pressure in August but hot headed remarks like this do not get forgotten easily. On the flipside he did ensure my boat was ready and in perfect working order so all was forgiven.
Dom
I am boating again ;-)
I reminded him of how many planes I had caught in the last 4 months and that i bought the boat so I didnt have to fly.
I do understand that they are under lots of pressure in August but hot headed remarks like this do not get forgotten easily. On the flipside he did ensure my boat was ready and in perfect working order so all was forgiven.
Dom
I am boating again ;-)
G
Guest
Guest
Whatever industry you deal with you will always find individuals who bring it into disrepute. However, I can assure you after twenty five years in this industry, I know any number of companies and individuals who work long hours providing a high level of service to our customers.
Sweeping statements like yours are unreasonable, unjustified and unfair. I'd love to know what you do for a living, no doubt we'd all have something to say about it as well!
Director of boatmatch.com, an internet based boat brokerage business.
Sweeping statements like yours are unreasonable, unjustified and unfair. I'd love to know what you do for a living, no doubt we'd all have something to say about it as well!
Director of boatmatch.com, an internet based boat brokerage business.
PGD
New member
No need for the venom, I have watched this forum for a long time now and there seems to be a very vocal dissatisfaction with the industry.
I agree there are hard working people who deliver excellent customer service – some us actually care and acknowledge that customers pay our wages. But then there are others that seem to have a don’t care attitude towards the boating public.
There are instances where this industry is being compared to back street garages and at the other extreme where the refit job on my engine was well in excess of my already high expectations and delivered under the budget figure.
Take the issues people have with Volvo warranties and the issue of prices for spares these need addressing I feel.
This post was designed to spark debate, some will agree and some will offer an alternative view, that’s what it’s all about.
Peter
I agree there are hard working people who deliver excellent customer service – some us actually care and acknowledge that customers pay our wages. But then there are others that seem to have a don’t care attitude towards the boating public.
There are instances where this industry is being compared to back street garages and at the other extreme where the refit job on my engine was well in excess of my already high expectations and delivered under the budget figure.
Take the issues people have with Volvo warranties and the issue of prices for spares these need addressing I feel.
This post was designed to spark debate, some will agree and some will offer an alternative view, that’s what it’s all about.
Peter
Dave_Snelson
Active member
Well the only thing that really bugs me is the price of parts, or the price of any accessory for that matter.
The moment you put the word "marine" in front of any part description, the price quadruples!
The best (and probably most quoted) is the price for Volvo / Mercruiser spares. Its just a bloody Chevvey for heavensake!
The only other thing that irks me (well actually it puzzles me lots) is the lack of choice in the 21 -24ft boat sizes fitted with diesel motors. What with consumption and cost of the fuel, you would think diesel would be the std fitment with petrol very much a second option - but no! This must have something to do with the "fact" that all us motor boaters are made of money......
At the end of the game, the King and the Pawn go back in the same box.
The moment you put the word "marine" in front of any part description, the price quadruples!
The best (and probably most quoted) is the price for Volvo / Mercruiser spares. Its just a bloody Chevvey for heavensake!
The only other thing that irks me (well actually it puzzles me lots) is the lack of choice in the 21 -24ft boat sizes fitted with diesel motors. What with consumption and cost of the fuel, you would think diesel would be the std fitment with petrol very much a second option - but no! This must have something to do with the "fact" that all us motor boaters are made of money......
At the end of the game, the King and the Pawn go back in the same box.
Canboria
New member
I have recently sold my 27ft yacht (private sale), I am now looking for a clean 24/26 sports cruiser, year around 1998/2000, I have scoured the internet sites and found many that meet my requirements, alas when you EMail the company many do not bother to reply, so I ring only to be told that its sold, when I ask, months ago, but its still advertised on the WEB, generally no comment. When I find one that's actually for sale I ask for an honest appraisal, I have had excellent, as new condition, little used, so off we go cover hundreds of miles only to find that the general condition external and interior is far less than described, a little honesty would be appreciated along with keeping their Web sites up to date.
mustard
New member
Web Sites not up to date and never answer the phone!!
Three different brokers this afternoon with phones not manned and don't answer their mobiles... should name & shame 'em I suppose. I mean, unlike car showrooms, you're spending big bucks on a boat and you can't even get to the bloody sales people...i'd be going spare if I missed a sale because of their incompetence....
Three different brokers this afternoon with phones not manned and don't answer their mobiles... should name & shame 'em I suppose. I mean, unlike car showrooms, you're spending big bucks on a boat and you can't even get to the bloody sales people...i'd be going spare if I missed a sale because of their incompetence....
DepSol
New member
How much do you want to spend? Petrol or Diesel?
Dom
I am boating again ;-)
Dom
I am boating again ;-)
PGD
New member
Sounds like estate agents speak with their Deceptively Spacious comments, so perhaps Mr boatmatch.com would like to reply in defence ? Their site is good and easy to use but I can’t comment on the availability of the boats or quality of the data.
Canboria
New member
DepSol
Around 32k, would like diesel but seem to be very rare in that size.
Derek
Around 32k, would like diesel but seem to be very rare in that size.
Derek
DepSol
New member
My mate has a Maxum 2300 SCR for sale yr 2000 model £25k. Gort the 7.4 ltr engine in it.
Is it that type or do you really want to be closer to the 26ft.
Dom
I am boating again ;-)
Is it that type or do you really want to be closer to the 26ft.
Dom
I am boating again ;-)
Canboria
New member
looked at the Maxum 23 just a little to small, thanks for the thought. need to please you know who.
Derek
Derek
tr7v8
Active member
Fair few on Essex Boatyards site at that price.
Jim
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Jim
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burgundyben
Well-known member
Funnily enuff...
I found that the Boatmatch.com website a pain, if you search for a make of boat and it has none listed it shows you all the boats it has, but does not say 'we found no matches'....so you go looking thru all the boats in the hope of finding what you want, but iots not there......
For sale, 1970 Triumph Spitfire-sold, 1947 Lambretta, 1922 Great grandmother, PM for details.
I found that the Boatmatch.com website a pain, if you search for a make of boat and it has none listed it shows you all the boats it has, but does not say 'we found no matches'....so you go looking thru all the boats in the hope of finding what you want, but iots not there......
For sale, 1970 Triumph Spitfire-sold, 1947 Lambretta, 1922 Great grandmother, PM for details.
DepSol
New member
You could have mine if you want to go up another 6k but then you wold have to add VAT. Sorry.
So you want something with toilet hot water shower microwave cooker fridge etc etc all the stuff that chicks want in a boat that you have to pay for but they never use.
Let us know what you have in mind and I will keep an eye out for you.
Dom
I am boating again ;-)
So you want something with toilet hot water shower microwave cooker fridge etc etc all the stuff that chicks want in a boat that you have to pay for but they never use.
Let us know what you have in mind and I will keep an eye out for you.
Dom
I am boating again ;-)
Gludy
Active member
I agree - there individuals in every industry that let the side down.
However, in just one year of having been exposed to the Marine Industry, I have to say that the structure and attitude of the industry as a whole stinks.
I could give examples of good companies and good services within the industry but they would be the exception, not the rule.
Instead of attacking back asking what other do for a living, so you can attack their industry, you should take a professional look at your industry, which, in my opinion has to rank top of the league for poor service and a bad attitude, part of which you seem to have also propogated with your own message.
Paul
However, in just one year of having been exposed to the Marine Industry, I have to say that the structure and attitude of the industry as a whole stinks.
I could give examples of good companies and good services within the industry but they would be the exception, not the rule.
Instead of attacking back asking what other do for a living, so you can attack their industry, you should take a professional look at your industry, which, in my opinion has to rank top of the league for poor service and a bad attitude, part of which you seem to have also propogated with your own message.
Paul
mustard
New member
Totally agree Gludy, for the second time as a newcomer it really ranks that I cannot even get a current brochure and price list from Fairline Boats, for goodness sake! They've run out! Well, Princess haven't. And so many other fruitless and useless enquiries as I try to get the info I need to buy. I mean, I want to know, for example, what updates were made from one model to another. If you know your boats, like I know my cars, thats easy. But to get it from a manufacturer is a nightmare. It really is all totally sub-standard, but you get to feel like a real whinger, so I've given up until I can personally go and brow-beat the necessary people to death!
Look, I don't want to get anti-pom business, but SWMBO wants to buy two beds. One for my place in France, one for my home here. 6-8 weeks here, 10 days delivery in France. Same thing. And believe it or not, The french supplier will deliver here in the same time!!
Its the same with boats here. Spoke to Sealine - little real response, busy with show and too worried about their US masters ahead of final decisions. Princess - went to the local marina and got a fair hearing, but suspicious about my motives. Fairline -well don't start me. Showed interest in France, and, well, the response!! THe only time you get this is when the good times are rolling. They must be here for UK manufacturers.
As for brokers - I just have not had a good, decent , honest experience. What is going on?
Look, I don't want to get anti-pom business, but SWMBO wants to buy two beds. One for my place in France, one for my home here. 6-8 weeks here, 10 days delivery in France. Same thing. And believe it or not, The french supplier will deliver here in the same time!!
Its the same with boats here. Spoke to Sealine - little real response, busy with show and too worried about their US masters ahead of final decisions. Princess - went to the local marina and got a fair hearing, but suspicious about my motives. Fairline -well don't start me. Showed interest in France, and, well, the response!! THe only time you get this is when the good times are rolling. They must be here for UK manufacturers.
As for brokers - I just have not had a good, decent , honest experience. What is going on?
Gludy
Active member
I was looking at a boat the other night - costs about 800k - one of the options was to have a sea trial for a mere few £,000's. This of course also means that the new boat is built without giving it any sort of sea trial. Fancy listing such a trail as a paid option!
On the other hand, I suppose, given the bad state of the industry and the problems with new boats, you are really being charged for the embarrassement they suffer as the boat fails on it very first run!
I was to buy a car for that money, would they add to the list of options the fact that I might like to check it with them out after purchase by taking it for a spin? No.
Having recently witnessed a brand new 300k boat on its maiden voyage spill a huge quantity of diesel into the marine (all because they had plumbed all the return diesel to one tank, that could not take it and so just pumped it out), I would now ensure that any boat is really checked and that includes a sea trial before purchase, let alone afterwards for an additional cost.
Then I order an item mail order that never arrives. I give in, only for it to arrive almost 8 months later!
Then the other half arrives with some cleaning stuff, same brand, same size, same stuff as I paid £7 for in a Chandlers .... she paid £1.
These are just small samples of what I have witnessed in my first year being exposed to the industry.
I have wasted money, I have been frequently given wrong expensive advice by paid experts within the industry ... now I tend to be very wary.
Its does seem that the industry has a very easy ride in the UK, but times change.....I hope.
Paul
On the other hand, I suppose, given the bad state of the industry and the problems with new boats, you are really being charged for the embarrassement they suffer as the boat fails on it very first run!
I was to buy a car for that money, would they add to the list of options the fact that I might like to check it with them out after purchase by taking it for a spin? No.
Having recently witnessed a brand new 300k boat on its maiden voyage spill a huge quantity of diesel into the marine (all because they had plumbed all the return diesel to one tank, that could not take it and so just pumped it out), I would now ensure that any boat is really checked and that includes a sea trial before purchase, let alone afterwards for an additional cost.
Then I order an item mail order that never arrives. I give in, only for it to arrive almost 8 months later!
Then the other half arrives with some cleaning stuff, same brand, same size, same stuff as I paid £7 for in a Chandlers .... she paid £1.
These are just small samples of what I have witnessed in my first year being exposed to the industry.
I have wasted money, I have been frequently given wrong expensive advice by paid experts within the industry ... now I tend to be very wary.
Its does seem that the industry has a very easy ride in the UK, but times change.....I hope.
Paul
EME
Active member
I'm sorry Simon but it is exactly that attitude that totally perplexes and annoys people.. ' So I'll complain about you then'.
Believe it or not there are many members of this Forum who have built/worked for High prestige companies. Actually listening to their views , needs, concerns might actually help.
I rank the Marine business' professionalism/ service ethics/ lower than Estate Agents. You can read into that what you will.
I think that thesooner the'Boating Industry' learns from other business segments the better.
A boat, a boat, my kingdom for a boat..
Believe it or not there are many members of this Forum who have built/worked for High prestige companies. Actually listening to their views , needs, concerns might actually help.
I rank the Marine business' professionalism/ service ethics/ lower than Estate Agents. You can read into that what you will.
I think that thesooner the'Boating Industry' learns from other business segments the better.
A boat, a boat, my kingdom for a boat..
Gludy
Active member
Mustard - you have not understood, its all your fault ... those selling you a boat are doing YOU the favour. In order to qualify to be worthy of having a boat sold to you, you have to pass the initiative test ..... it involves persistent phone calls ... not getting angry when promised calls are not returned ..... When you actually see a boat you really fancy, then never being able to even get in contact by phone, email, fax, In such cases you are expected to drive to and camp outside their office for a day or two, they may then deem to see you for two minutes.
Someone else made the mistake of comparing them with estate agents ... how unfair. Charging about 4 times what estate agents charge and offering the class of service they offer, puts them in a league of their own.
So search the deepest depths of your soul and ask yourself .... are you really worthy of of purchasing a boat?
Paul
Someone else made the mistake of comparing them with estate agents ... how unfair. Charging about 4 times what estate agents charge and offering the class of service they offer, puts them in a league of their own.
So search the deepest depths of your soul and ask yourself .... are you really worthy of of purchasing a boat?
Paul
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