Beneteau Attitude - Does it Suck for You?

[Harry18591]

I can relate!

We were looking for quality when we bought the boat. We always expected new boat problems, however new boat problems have been exceeded by a lack of quality and sloppy workmanship. This follow list dose not cover the multitude of issues that we have all been dealing with, as a result of work performed after the boat was delivered to San Diego. This list only summarizes the majority of the larger issues resulting from sloppy factory work. With that said, here we go.. Inappropriate application of fasteners:• Self tapping screws used where through bolting should have been used. • No backup used for through bolting (Hex Head Nut directy on Fiberglass), (No Washers).Access Panels:• Miss-located access panel in aft head.Death Trap, Sliding Swim Deck Cover:• Bracket Screws stripped out, and dropped down, not allowing hatch to close. There was evidence of a half assed repair using a fiber material to fill holes. • No positive lock down allowing hatch to come open.Loss of steering:• Pin which connects the Hydraulic Ram to the Quadrant was not completely attached. There is evidence of to pin being screwed in only for about four threads. The detachment occurred while maneuvering in a marina (ALMOST A MAJOR LIABILITY ISSUE).Electrical Issues:• Numerous. The biggest issue was the third house battery being wired to the wrong side of the natural switch. Skylight:Does anyone know about the leaking skylight? Let’s hope that it does not rain before the new one gets here. We don’t get much sleep have to stand watch on the rain water collection buckets.And that's just the begining....

 

[Beneteau_Fan]

Dealer Shopping

I am somewhat surprised. I imagine you still payed more than you should have.Did you end up buying outside you area?

 

[catwithhat]

Information Marketplace/Tone/Ben. Reps.

Hi,Very interesting thread. I agree with the statements that we can walk with our feet and take the money elsewhere. But this is only one part of the free market. An important element of the free market is information. Reading bulletin boards, such as this one, are helpful for potential buyers and may influence decision making. Here the internet provides a powerful tool to consumers. I do think that stating problems and concerns with a particular brand, model is clearly a proper subject for this discussion forum, just as as practical exchanges of tips, solutions and things more directly related to sailing.Clearly, this is the internet, and an unedited forum may not be totally balanced, but as this thread shows, there are varying experiences that may help future buyers of Beneteau boats. The boat-review section of this site also presents and opportunity for consumers to provide reviews of dealers and manufactures (see link).On the tone: I have no idea if GTUSA is a 1%er, needs medication, or has his shorts to tight, but I assume neither one of those suggesting this does. He is clearly incensed but presents his case without resorting to insults. It is easy to chuck off a clever sounding late night response, what does it achieve though? [Well maybe the title does invite the tone of some of the replies]Beneteau Reps/Dealers: This bulletin board is not only a powerful instrument for buyers, it could and should also be a useful instrument for dealers and manufacturers. I don't know if dealers or Beneteau representatives read/post this bulletin board. If not, I think it would be a good idea for them to do so -properly identified as such. Many other bulletin boards (mainly software industry) have manufacturer representatives who answer questions. Great way to learn what's going on, put out fires early, and build community between buyers and manufactures.For example, I recently posted a question on another BB about a Raymarine instrument and was propmptly contacted by a Raymarine rep. This customer is a notch happier.I found it interesting that no dealer or Beneteau Rep. has responded - at least not identified as such- to GTUSA's claims. Maybe that's a matter of policy? Nough said, going sailing...Cat

 

[Chris]

You have way too much time on your hands

You have way too much time on your hands. If you don't like Beneteau, go buy a rowboat. We love our Beneteau and would buy another if we ever were to trade it in. The dealer was helpful during the buying process and for years afterwards.Go have a martini and enjoy the holidays, scrooge ...