How is peoples experience with Hunter Dealers. I bought a 306 from Seacoast Marine in Newburyport MA in 2004. Boat was delivered to me 3 months late, plus not all parts on it. Main issue was ordered furling mast. Dealer put mast from hunter 29 one and said would have in a couple of weeks. A year later still waiting. Have started legal actions. Hunter tells me it is a problem between me and dealer. Any other bad (or good) experiences out there
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My Experience...
...was good, all in all. Bought a 240 in Spring '04. Boat was late, of course, by several weeks, but that's not the dealer's fault. They were and remain princes when I need help or advice. I can't believe they burned you on a 306 - that 's pretty significant dough for 'em. It may be water under the bridge, but I would have withheld payment in lieu of the mast and anything else that didn't show. I would right a polite, firm letter to the president of Hunter Marine before I went to the lawyers though...
...was good, all in all. Bought a 240 in Spring '04. Boat was late, of course, by several weeks, but that's not the dealer's fault. They were and remain princes when I need help or advice. I can't believe they burned you on a 306 - that 's pretty significant dough for 'em. It may be water under the bridge, but I would have withheld payment in lieu of the mast and anything else that didn't show. I would right a polite, firm letter to the president of Hunter Marine before I went to the lawyers though...
dealer problems
a lot of people have had major problems with Seacoast-and since Hunter's position is that their dealers are independent agents, the legal route is probably your only recourse. writing letters to Hunter won't help, it's been tried.
a lot of people have had major problems with Seacoast-and since Hunter's position is that their dealers are independent agents, the legal route is probably your only recourse. writing letters to Hunter won't help, it's been tried.
Good and bad
We bought our boat in RI; had the best dealer experience we could have hoped for. We still talk to the brokers/dealer. Sailing Specialties in Bristol - in case you are curious. We ended up buying 2 boats from him. Moved to SD this spring and have not had a good experience despite repeated attempts. Unsatisfactory service (no-shows, no returns on calls, and when showed was not prepared and resked work), and dealer here was pushy on sales acting like everything was a game. Could have been us, they sell lots of boats so someone likes them. Just our opinion.
We bought our boat in RI; had the best dealer experience we could have hoped for. We still talk to the brokers/dealer. Sailing Specialties in Bristol - in case you are curious. We ended up buying 2 boats from him. Moved to SD this spring and have not had a good experience despite repeated attempts. Unsatisfactory service (no-shows, no returns on calls, and when showed was not prepared and resked work), and dealer here was pushy on sales acting like everything was a game. Could have been us, they sell lots of boats so someone likes them. Just our opinion.
Good
I too bought my boat from Seacoast. They have been very responsive to me and my needs. I am not a 100% sure but once the order is placed it is not under the dealers control as to when the boat gets delivered but the responsibility of Hunter. I had a problem getting my boat delivered (2004 H33) as well. The boat sat in FL while Hunter waited for a backhaul order for the delivery truck to come in. Pissed me off no end as Hunter refused to deal with it while they tried to save a buck or two. That coupled with an unresponsive customer service dept in FL has me going exclusively to Seacoast for *all* of my questions (well, here too...). They have always answered the phone and dealt directly with my questions and concerns including warranty issues. Everybody has their own experiences and views. I just wanted to point out that my dealings with Seacoast have been all positive. Andy
I too bought my boat from Seacoast. They have been very responsive to me and my needs. I am not a 100% sure but once the order is placed it is not under the dealers control as to when the boat gets delivered but the responsibility of Hunter. I had a problem getting my boat delivered (2004 H33) as well. The boat sat in FL while Hunter waited for a backhaul order for the delivery truck to come in. Pissed me off no end as Hunter refused to deal with it while they tried to save a buck or two. That coupled with an unresponsive customer service dept in FL has me going exclusively to Seacoast for *all* of my questions (well, here too...). They have always answered the phone and dealt directly with my questions and concerns including warranty issues. Everybody has their own experiences and views. I just wanted to point out that my dealings with Seacoast have been all positive. Andy
Seacoast Marine /Good Service
In regards to Seacoast Marine. I have been dealing with them for 3 years. I bought a 36 from them 2 seasons ago and have had a very positive experience. They have been quick to respond to my issues and have treated me fairly in all our dealings. I'm sure you have a legitimate gripe but in general I think they are fair and honest, and easy to deal with. Paul
In regards to Seacoast Marine. I have been dealing with them for 3 years. I bought a 36 from them 2 seasons ago and have had a very positive experience. They have been quick to respond to my issues and have treated me fairly in all our dealings. I'm sure you have a legitimate gripe but in general I think they are fair and honest, and easy to deal with. Paul
here we go again.....
It's really is a shame that everyone I have spoken to, with a few of present compnay on this thread, shakes their head at this dealer. I too had significant issues in reponse from seacoast. The sadder point is Hunter doesn't get it, and allows their reputation to be hindered in this way. I no longer deal with this dealer, and have had positive results at Hunter, although it is true you have to know who to talk to and about which subjects. I wish I had had someone to work out a few details that would have been covered under warrantee, like a fridge that drips onto the sole, and has discolored the teak. Such is life. It's clear the only dealer to work with in the Northeast is Sailing Specialties, although like any dealer, they also have their critics.
It's really is a shame that everyone I have spoken to, with a few of present compnay on this thread, shakes their head at this dealer. I too had significant issues in reponse from seacoast. The sadder point is Hunter doesn't get it, and allows their reputation to be hindered in this way. I no longer deal with this dealer, and have had positive results at Hunter, although it is true you have to know who to talk to and about which subjects. I wish I had had someone to work out a few details that would have been covered under warrantee, like a fridge that drips onto the sole, and has discolored the teak. Such is life. It's clear the only dealer to work with in the Northeast is Sailing Specialties, although like any dealer, they also have their critics.
Not down under
I have dealt with one (sorry to have to say ex) Hunter dealer in Western Australia, and their service was second to none. The appointed Hunter Australia (again sorry to have learn ex)dealer in Victoria assisted the guys in Western Australia and again their service was fantastic. In our down under words "bloody brilliant" however as mentioned I am very disapointed that these hard working guys aren't with Hunter anymore. However on top of this and I am sure it still remains the service from "Hunter" in the states has been wonderfull. They do not miss a beat, follow up queries and provide good sound advice and guidance when I needed it. Unfortunately Hunter have now concentrated there dealership in Sydney which to me means another Hunter would mean a 3.5 thousand kilometre trip to inspect and test sail!! It is just so important to make sure that we all have a very good understanding of what is and isn't expected from those with whom we de al.There has to be two to tango. Black and white print always rules!
I have dealt with one (sorry to have to say ex) Hunter dealer in Western Australia, and their service was second to none. The appointed Hunter Australia (again sorry to have learn ex)dealer in Victoria assisted the guys in Western Australia and again their service was fantastic. In our down under words "bloody brilliant" however as mentioned I am very disapointed that these hard working guys aren't with Hunter anymore. However on top of this and I am sure it still remains the service from "Hunter" in the states has been wonderfull. They do not miss a beat, follow up queries and provide good sound advice and guidance when I needed it. Unfortunately Hunter have now concentrated there dealership in Sydney which to me means another Hunter would mean a 3.5 thousand kilometre trip to inspect and test sail!! It is just so important to make sure that we all have a very good understanding of what is and isn't expected from those with whom we de al.There has to be two to tango. Black and white print always rules!
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