You're Gonna Buy A New Boat by Carol Donovan, new owner of the 1999 H410, Twilight You've been thinking about it for a long, long time. You've been reading all the "For Sale" ads and keep on getting drawn back to the new boat advertisements. You keep dreaming about seeing yourself at the helm of a gleaming new boat. After weighing all the pros and cons of new versus used (rest assured, there is no correct answer), after sorting through all the friendly advice (solicited and otherwise), after reviewing the finances (what were you saving that money for anyway), you've decided to buy a brand new boat. Great! It's not a decision a lot of people are able to make so consider yourself lucky. You are about to embark on a journey that will no doubt leave an indelible impression with you for the rest of your life. Buying a new boat is a little like buying a car, it's a little like buying a home, but mostly it's like buying a boat. The industry has it's own game plan and rules, which might be considered by some to have been stalled somewhere back in the 1800s. But with some up front planning, lots of written communications, and a good deal of patience, you will get through the commissioning and delivery processes and begin enjoying your dream of a lifetime. As with any major acquisition, anything you say or do prior to signing the official contract may not be taken too seriously. Even if you have an oral agreement to purchase a boat and make a sizeable deposit, there is no valid contract in place until your signature is on a piece of paper. But before you make the commitment, it's a good idea to have a clear understanding of what the manufacturer supplies and is responsible for, and what the dealer is responsible for. Lack of knowledge on your part does not constitute an actionable response from either the manufacturer or dealer after you take possession of your vessel - ask your questions and get your answers in writing before you apply your 'John Hancock'. Most boat manufacturers are building production class boats today. Since it is a production boat, the manufacturer has a standard configuration and feature set for any given model of boat they produce. In standardizing the configuration they are able to offer the boat at a more competitive price. Some 'customization' is possible, but a custom-built boat would typically cost two to three times what a production boat costs to produce. The manufacturer only offers warranty on those parts of the boat they manufacture and deliver to the dealer such as the hull and interior, and they will assist you in getting warranty service on those components that they include in the base production boat such as the engine and sails. Stock production boats offer little more than base functionality (ahhh, the good old days of a hull, sails and compass). Today, boaters tend to appreciate all the current electronic technology, creature comforts and systems so dealers determine what are the most commonly requested options and usually offer a well-rounded boat package. You are not restricted to purchasing a package, but they tend to be value priced and are viable in the resale market. In addition to their own service organization, dealers have established business relationships with numerous product and service suppliers in their locale that enables them to provide any other options you wish to add to your boat. These suppliers include riggers, electronics, sail makers, graphic artists, electricians, canvas makers, chandlery, plumbing, you name it. If you can, obtain your options through your dealer. Their pricing will generally be the lowest overall, and the dealer will have influence if service is required from the supplier. Again, the dealer only offers warranty on those services they provide with their own service organization, but will assist you in obtaining timely service for the additional options you have installed on your boat. The dealer is also your first line of support for manufacturer warranty service - some will have the facilities in their yard to effect repairs for factory issues. Now it's time to decide how you want your boat to be configured. While it sounds easy, it is probably a good idea to procure the following information from your dealer, in writing, to assist you in developing your configuration: - A complete description of the production boat delivered by the manufacturer including base options installed in the factory - A complete description of all dealer options provided for that model as part of their boat package - A complete list, including pricing, of all known options available for that model of boat Make sure that the manufacturer, supplier and warranty responsibility are defined for every option in addition to the make and model of the option. Go through the lists carefully - check off each option not included in the base or packaged boat that you would like to have delivered on your new boat and separate them into at least two categories, those you must have and those that would be nice to have. If there are any items not included on the dealer provided lists, write them down and have them categorized as well. Be sure to include every option you think you might possibly ever want even if you may not use it immediately. We will add a water maker in a year or so to our H410, and opted to delay the addition of the actual reverse osmosis unit but did have Hunter put in the thru hulls to accommodate the system so we won't have to haul the boat solely for that purpose. Be prepared to spend a good deal of time going over the options lists. If you are ordering a boat from the factory and request work to be done by the factory (e.g., adding an additional fuel or water tank, using your own fabric for the interior, putting in additional thru hulls), have your dealer contact the factory prior to signing the order and confirm that the work can be done at the factory and get the cost of the work if there is any additional charge. If your boat is already in dealer inventory and you are requesting work that is normally done in the factory, your dealer may or may not be able to accommodate you. In this case, it is advisable to check with your own yard before ordering the work from the dealer - you may be able to get it done a lot less expensively and a lot more quickly in your yard. Have the dealer write up the order including all the factory supplied options, dealer supplied options, and buyer requested options with option pricing, as well as the taxes, registration fees, discounts, and any other charges that may not be included in the package price such as custom work fees, delivery and commissioning charges. Make sure you are sitting down when you go to review the list - you are most likely in for a healthy dose of sticker shock. Don't worry - it passes quickly. After you have gotten up off the floor and regained your composure, carefully review the order and ensure that every option you have to have when your boat is delivered is listed - if it's not on the order, it won't make it with the boat and that will cause delays in delivery. Next week's installment: haggling over the price
- Status
Pure "HELL"!!!!!!!! it was
As some of you know, My wife and I took delivery of our 1999 H310 not to long ago. The hole ordeal was just plan Hell!!! Promises made and broke by the dealer. Delays and set backs, Failure to forefil a contract, a boat not commisshioned properly and most of the commissioning issues not even addressed! The dealer, "Fox River Marina" of Oshkosh,WI. lost their dealership licence and $1,300.00 of my commissioning cost in unaccountable. The boat is unfinished and I am out $1,300.00 All in all, my new H310 is awsome in just about everyway!!! The point of my reply post is that, before you even get as far as shopping for that new boat, take the time and shop around for the best dealer, They don't have to be in your area and whom ever you dicide to by from, they will be more than happy to bring the boat to where ever you want it and set it up for you. There are alot of crooks out their so be careful!!! Good luck... Steve s/v Obsession 1999 H310 P.S. Thanks Jim Borhart, Eddie Breeden and Greg Emerson for all your help... BUY HUNTER!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
As some of you know, My wife and I took delivery of our 1999 H310 not to long ago. The hole ordeal was just plan Hell!!! Promises made and broke by the dealer. Delays and set backs, Failure to forefil a contract, a boat not commisshioned properly and most of the commissioning issues not even addressed! The dealer, "Fox River Marina" of Oshkosh,WI. lost their dealership licence and $1,300.00 of my commissioning cost in unaccountable. The boat is unfinished and I am out $1,300.00 All in all, my new H310 is awsome in just about everyway!!! The point of my reply post is that, before you even get as far as shopping for that new boat, take the time and shop around for the best dealer, They don't have to be in your area and whom ever you dicide to by from, they will be more than happy to bring the boat to where ever you want it and set it up for you. There are alot of crooks out their so be careful!!! Good luck... Steve s/v Obsession 1999 H310 P.S. Thanks Jim Borhart, Eddie Breeden and Greg Emerson for all your help... BUY HUNTER!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Opposite (good) experience
In contract to Steve Cook's unhappy experience, I can only say good things about my purchase of my h340 through Sandy Hook Yacht Sales in NJ. The boat was expertly commissioned and was available for my use several weeks sooner than promised. They have provided fast and effective response to all warranty issues. It's been a pleasure working with them. Larry Jackel S/V North C
In contract to Steve Cook's unhappy experience, I can only say good things about my purchase of my h340 through Sandy Hook Yacht Sales in NJ. The boat was expertly commissioned and was available for my use several weeks sooner than promised. They have provided fast and effective response to all warranty issues. It's been a pleasure working with them. Larry Jackel S/V North C
Agree with Steve Cook
I couldn't agree more with Steve Cook's observations of buying a new Hunter. Mine too was a 1999 H310 and from what I have seen since, quality control is completely non-existant as it comes from the factory. This is where a top notch dealer is mandatory ............ if not, you'll go ballistic. Mine wasn't so great. I find Carol Donovan's knowledge of sailboats to be somewhat superficial which will prove to be quite costly once the warranties are up or, worse still, peripheral damage reslts from the many and sundry defects which are often hidden under the surface. HOWEVER, at the end of the day and a lot of work, I still maintain it is the most enjoyable of the many boats I have sailed over the years. Regards, s/v island hunter
I couldn't agree more with Steve Cook's observations of buying a new Hunter. Mine too was a 1999 H310 and from what I have seen since, quality control is completely non-existant as it comes from the factory. This is where a top notch dealer is mandatory ............ if not, you'll go ballistic. Mine wasn't so great. I find Carol Donovan's knowledge of sailboats to be somewhat superficial which will prove to be quite costly once the warranties are up or, worse still, peripheral damage reslts from the many and sundry defects which are often hidden under the surface. HOWEVER, at the end of the day and a lot of work, I still maintain it is the most enjoyable of the many boats I have sailed over the years. Regards, s/v island hunter
Ralph doesn't know Carol
I disagree with Ralph's statement: "I find Carol Donovan's knowledge of sailboats to be somewhat superficial." The Carol Donovan I know can sail rings around most sailors on HOW. Just ask her about all the work she did on her Hunter 33 before upgrading to the 410. If I ever need to have good advise about sailing or repairs, I wouldn't think twice about asking Carol. Ken Palmer, S/V Liberty
I disagree with Ralph's statement: "I find Carol Donovan's knowledge of sailboats to be somewhat superficial." The Carol Donovan I know can sail rings around most sailors on HOW. Just ask her about all the work she did on her Hunter 33 before upgrading to the 410. If I ever need to have good advise about sailing or repairs, I wouldn't think twice about asking Carol. Ken Palmer, S/V Liberty
Taking issue II
I believe that everything Carol said in her article is true. I do NOT believe this article is meant to display everything Carol knows about boats and sailing. If the article you want to read is more in-depth than the one she wrote, then ask her to write another. Or write it yourself. Frankly, Ralph, I find your assessment of Carol to be completely out of line. And while I'm going off, I might as well take issue with your statement about Hunter's QC, too. I have owned four sailboats, three of them Hunters, and two of them purchased new. I have found them no more troublesome than any other boat I'm aware of.
I believe that everything Carol said in her article is true. I do NOT believe this article is meant to display everything Carol knows about boats and sailing. If the article you want to read is more in-depth than the one she wrote, then ask her to write another. Or write it yourself. Frankly, Ralph, I find your assessment of Carol to be completely out of line. And while I'm going off, I might as well take issue with your statement about Hunter's QC, too. I have owned four sailboats, three of them Hunters, and two of them purchased new. I have found them no more troublesome than any other boat I'm aware of.
- Status