Warning to all catalina owners; Catalina Direct Is Not A trustworthy supplier ! Mistakes on orders, long shipping delays( always wait/send after the weekend), neglecting to send installation instructions, delays on getting "in-stock", and a serious disregard for customer appreciation; THEY are always right, and offer little to nothing for return customers.
- Status
on the other hand
On the other hand- i've used them for years with cat25 and cat30- on the phone they have been great- helpful, knowledgeable and service has been fast and dependable, with never a problem.
On the other hand- i've used them for years with cat25 and cat30- on the phone they have been great- helpful, knowledgeable and service has been fast and dependable, with never a problem.
Catalina Direct
I've been using Catalina Direct for 4-5 years and have found them to be a very responsive, reliable supplier. They either stock or have a source for many parts for older Catalina's. This is the only site/source I have found for those obscure parts. If there are others, please advise. I however do agree that some of their products lack instructions. This is not uncommon for many products I have purchased from multiple suppliers. I think this is part of the 'fun' and 'adventure' of boat ownership and maintenance. In the instances where I could not determine the installation of a particular item the Catalina Direct '800' customer service number worked with me to figure it out. Sometimes even going to the warehouse, pulling the part I had in hand off the shelf, and reviewing it step by step until it was clear how it should be installed. Anything I've ordered that had a lead time they have always told me upfront, before I placed the order, only charged my cc when the item shipped and usually beat their estimated delivery date. If you've had a bad experience with them I suggest you contact management and make your issues known. I'm sure they'd be grateful for the feeback.
I've been using Catalina Direct for 4-5 years and have found them to be a very responsive, reliable supplier. They either stock or have a source for many parts for older Catalina's. This is the only site/source I have found for those obscure parts. If there are others, please advise. I however do agree that some of their products lack instructions. This is not uncommon for many products I have purchased from multiple suppliers. I think this is part of the 'fun' and 'adventure' of boat ownership and maintenance. In the instances where I could not determine the installation of a particular item the Catalina Direct '800' customer service number worked with me to figure it out. Sometimes even going to the warehouse, pulling the part I had in hand off the shelf, and reviewing it step by step until it was clear how it should be installed. Anything I've ordered that had a lead time they have always told me upfront, before I placed the order, only charged my cc when the item shipped and usually beat their estimated delivery date. If you've had a bad experience with them I suggest you contact management and make your issues known. I'm sure they'd be grateful for the feeback.
Catalina Direct
I've been using Catalina Direct for 4-5 years and have found them to be a very responsive, reliable supplier. They either stock or have a source for many parts for older Catalina's. This is the only site/source I have found for those obscure parts. If there are others, please advise. I however do agree that some of their products lack instructions. This is not uncommon for many products I have purchased from multiple suppliers. I think this is part of the 'fun' and 'adventure' of boat ownership and maintenance. In the instances where I could not determine the installation of a particular item the Catalina Direct '800' customer service number worked with me to figure it out. Sometimes even going to the warehouse, pulling the part I had in hand off the shelf, and reviewing it step by step until it was clear how it should be installed. Anything I've ordered that had a lead time they have always told me upfront, before I placed the order, only charged my cc when the item shipped and usually beat their estimated delivery date. If you've had a bad experience with them I suggest you contact management and make your issues known. I'm sure they'd be grateful for the feeback.
I've been using Catalina Direct for 4-5 years and have found them to be a very responsive, reliable supplier. They either stock or have a source for many parts for older Catalina's. This is the only site/source I have found for those obscure parts. If there are others, please advise. I however do agree that some of their products lack instructions. This is not uncommon for many products I have purchased from multiple suppliers. I think this is part of the 'fun' and 'adventure' of boat ownership and maintenance. In the instances where I could not determine the installation of a particular item the Catalina Direct '800' customer service number worked with me to figure it out. Sometimes even going to the warehouse, pulling the part I had in hand off the shelf, and reviewing it step by step until it was clear how it should be installed. Anything I've ordered that had a lead time they have always told me upfront, before I placed the order, only charged my cc when the item shipped and usually beat their estimated delivery date. If you've had a bad experience with them I suggest you contact management and make your issues known. I'm sure they'd be grateful for the feeback.
Service
You'll find the service at sailboatowners.com hard to beat and they sell the same stuff as Catalina Direct. Next time your buying marine products give these guys your first try if for no other reason than to show your appreciation for them providing this great site. I don't see CD providing this forum service.
You'll find the service at sailboatowners.com hard to beat and they sell the same stuff as Catalina Direct. Next time your buying marine products give these guys your first try if for no other reason than to show your appreciation for them providing this great site. I don't see CD providing this forum service.
Good point
But there is only so much overlap in the offerings of this chandlery and CD. CD is a specialist in Catalina parts and has a wealth of knowledge about our boats. They also do have forums but not nearly as good as these. I buy from both places and get service from both. Thanks, Don, for reminding us that this forum isn't free and we should patronize the good folks at sailboatowners.com!
But there is only so much overlap in the offerings of this chandlery and CD. CD is a specialist in Catalina parts and has a wealth of knowledge about our boats. They also do have forums but not nearly as good as these. I buy from both places and get service from both. Thanks, Don, for reminding us that this forum isn't free and we should patronize the good folks at sailboatowners.com!
- Status