A question for new boat owners

[Greg Stebbins]

After reviewing Bernie LaScala's picture post, I'm concerned (appalled is a better word) at the real quality at Hunter.As an owner of a new Hunter product, does it bother you that under the "show stuff" this level of incompetent manufacturing quality might very well exist on your boat? Remember, this thing got past all the "quality” inspections at the factory, past the dealer and actually in the water where it started to immediately sink.

 

[Bruce Grant]

I remeber a Chevy......

I don't think this problem is exclusive to Hunter, I have seen some pretty ugly things get past Q.C. people in other products I have seen or purchased.Regardless, I was under the impression that all the boats were leak tested at the factory (maybe only certain boat sizes?) which should have caught thisThe interesting thing is that I went through my entire boat before it went in the water and found nothing but the highest quality work.This wasn't just a quick look, I went over each and every compartment with a fine tooth comb (ok, shop vac). About the only place that I did not check was under the rub rail.I wonder if this was just a disgruntled employee or what the real issue was with this boat.Bernie (Greg, I know you were the original poster), keep us posted as to what happens.Regards.BruceNeon Moon (still happy and afloat)

 

[Ron Johnson]

Quality Control

There is a break even point between QC and warranty work. The most expensively produced boats still require warranty work. Hunters are more at the other end of the expense scale. Conclusion, their boats will require more warranty work. My new H336 commissioned in 1997 didn't have a leak free drain in the boat (freezer, shower, wet locker, propane locker). Warranty work fixed the problems.

 

[Greg Stebbins]

Disagree. Quality is better than free.

I guess maybe I've had too much training and experience in this area. Hunter is literally pis**ng away about 20-30% of their gross income with rework, scrap and what you call warranty issues. If they invest in the proper controls the cost would be app 7% of gross. The math is easy, you now lose 20-30% of gross do to poor quality management. Fixing the problem will cost 7% of gross, giving total savings of 13-23% of gross. Right now, that's almost free money. It says a lot about Hunter leadership that they choose the loss over a commitment to quality through a straightforward change.Greg