I am intent on buying a new 420 from a new remote dealer. I have read many articles in the forum regarding the problems with new boats. I'm wondering what advice can I be given regarding the importance of the dealer in this regards? Will I be at his mercy, or will Hunter Marine back him up? Is there items I should include in the offer to purchase to protect myself? I would appreciate any advice anyone can lend me. Thank you in advance, Wilf
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Buck Harrison
Wilf,
I purchased a new 420 from Deltaville Yacht Sales (Deltaville, Va) ... 2 years ago. (Wonderful boat, I'm still very pleased w/ it after 2 years, and have had relatively few of the problems that you have been reading about in this forum relating to other Hunters). As to the importance of the dealer... Yes, Hunter Marine does ultimately back up your warrentee, but, your dealer and how compatent and cooperative he is, will make all the difference in how the boat buying and commissioning experience goes. You will, to a great extent, be at the mercy of your dealer. The dealer's service manager is really the person most responsible for seeing that your boat is commissioned properly, and to later warrentee issues. Who is he, what experience does he have? What kind of feeling do you get about him? Is he cooperative, knowledgable, compatent, and friendly???? If you don't get a real good feeling about the whole dealership team, travel to another dealer. And as for which options to add to your new 420... the better you make the boat, the more you will enjoy it. So, if you're trying to decide whether to add x, y, or z... get them all... if you don't, you will wish you had.
I purchased a new 420 from Deltaville Yacht Sales (Deltaville, Va) ... 2 years ago. (Wonderful boat, I'm still very pleased w/ it after 2 years, and have had relatively few of the problems that you have been reading about in this forum relating to other Hunters). As to the importance of the dealer... Yes, Hunter Marine does ultimately back up your warrentee, but, your dealer and how compatent and cooperative he is, will make all the difference in how the boat buying and commissioning experience goes. You will, to a great extent, be at the mercy of your dealer. The dealer's service manager is really the person most responsible for seeing that your boat is commissioned properly, and to later warrentee issues. Who is he, what experience does he have? What kind of feeling do you get about him? Is he cooperative, knowledgable, compatent, and friendly???? If you don't get a real good feeling about the whole dealership team, travel to another dealer. And as for which options to add to your new 420... the better you make the boat, the more you will enjoy it. So, if you're trying to decide whether to add x, y, or z... get them all... if you don't, you will wish you had.
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Jim Rushing
Warranty
Buck is right, all warranty work has to go through the dealer. This means that you will become very familiar with their personnel. If you call Hunter about a problem or to purchase anything, they will tell you to contact the dealer. I would recommend a local dealer as it makes life easier the first year, while you work out the little problems.
Buck is right, all warranty work has to go through the dealer. This means that you will become very familiar with their personnel. If you call Hunter about a problem or to purchase anything, they will tell you to contact the dealer. I would recommend a local dealer as it makes life easier the first year, while you work out the little problems.
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Jeff D.
Big Expenditure
While some people may disagree with this, you are making a purchase in excess of $200K which is the price of the average house these days. I firmly believe that money should be held in escrow to expedite repairs. Once warranty issues are addressed, the money can be released. This only makes good business sense. Too often people are reluctant to push their dealer and let things slide. I would even consider a survey of the boat prior to signing the paperwork. It would not have to be a full blown survey since sails and engine are new but everything should be operationl. As much as I hate to say it, just like a house closing, you probably could also use legal advice. Especially since you are using a "remote dealer". Happy sailing with your new boat.
While some people may disagree with this, you are making a purchase in excess of $200K which is the price of the average house these days. I firmly believe that money should be held in escrow to expedite repairs. Once warranty issues are addressed, the money can be released. This only makes good business sense. Too often people are reluctant to push their dealer and let things slide. I would even consider a survey of the boat prior to signing the paperwork. It would not have to be a full blown survey since sails and engine are new but everything should be operationl. As much as I hate to say it, just like a house closing, you probably could also use legal advice. Especially since you are using a "remote dealer". Happy sailing with your new boat.
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Mike D.
Buying from a Canadian dealer ?
Hi Wilf, Yes your dealer is important, especially if you intend on commissioning your boat in Ontario. I've been through this process twice in the last few years. Give me an e-mail at dawsons@encode.com if you wish to discuss further.
Hi Wilf, Yes your dealer is important, especially if you intend on commissioning your boat in Ontario. I've been through this process twice in the last few years. Give me an e-mail at dawsons@encode.com if you wish to discuss further.
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Paul Bednarzyk
Sailing in Kenora?
Wilf, where will you be berthing and sailing your 420? Although there are many fine lakes in the area, none are big enough for a 420 except for Lake Superior. By the way I will be in your neck of the woods in May for a fishing excursion on Eagle lake and surrounding waters. Paul Bednarzyk S/V Knot Again
Wilf, where will you be berthing and sailing your 420? Although there are many fine lakes in the area, none are big enough for a 420 except for Lake Superior. By the way I will be in your neck of the woods in May for a fishing excursion on Eagle lake and surrounding waters. Paul Bednarzyk S/V Knot Again
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Wilf Pinsonneault
Lake of the Woods
Paul, There is a beautiful lake on the Man/Ont/Minn borders called Lake of the Woods. It is quite large - probably 70 miles by 50 miles and is spectacular to sail on. Enjoy your fishing trip!! Wilf
Paul, There is a beautiful lake on the Man/Ont/Minn borders called Lake of the Woods. It is quite large - probably 70 miles by 50 miles and is spectacular to sail on. Enjoy your fishing trip!! Wilf
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Patrick Magers
Commissioning
It is extremely important to get the right dealer. The dealer is responsible for commissioning the boat. I have purchased three new boats from Hunter and have gone thru the process three times with the same dealer.The end product is only as good as the guys who commission your boat. The commissioning process puts together approximately the last 20 percent of your boat.
It is extremely important to get the right dealer. The dealer is responsible for commissioning the boat. I have purchased three new boats from Hunter and have gone thru the process three times with the same dealer.The end product is only as good as the guys who commission your boat. The commissioning process puts together approximately the last 20 percent of your boat.
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Darcy Peck
My Ontario Experience
Wilf From my experience ensure the dealer will attend the boat to handle warranty issues. E-mail me at darbee@netrover.com for particulars of my experience when purchasing our 1999 Hunter 340 in Ontario.
Wilf From my experience ensure the dealer will attend the boat to handle warranty issues. E-mail me at darbee@netrover.com for particulars of my experience when purchasing our 1999 Hunter 340 in Ontario.
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Captn' Dare
dealers
Wilf, The dealer is probably the most important part of a smooth delivery. If they do their job well, most issues can be found and fixed during the commissioning process, however you also play an important role. There are problems that can only be found by using the boat. For obvious reasons the dealer will not be spending the night sleeping on your boat, cooking meals, showering, using the head ect. They may test the systems out but that's not quite the same thing as actual use. Therefore, expect to put some heavy use on the boat and keep it at the dealership for a few weeks after delivery. This way any additional punch list items you find can be corrected in a timely manner.(The dealer should be willing to provide free dockage during this period, this also provides an incentive to get the work done quickly) There also needs to be good communication with the dealer's service department in regards to optional equipment that may be installed at the dealership. Not all dealers have the skills to do complex installs properly.
Wilf, The dealer is probably the most important part of a smooth delivery. If they do their job well, most issues can be found and fixed during the commissioning process, however you also play an important role. There are problems that can only be found by using the boat. For obvious reasons the dealer will not be spending the night sleeping on your boat, cooking meals, showering, using the head ect. They may test the systems out but that's not quite the same thing as actual use. Therefore, expect to put some heavy use on the boat and keep it at the dealership for a few weeks after delivery. This way any additional punch list items you find can be corrected in a timely manner.(The dealer should be willing to provide free dockage during this period, this also provides an incentive to get the work done quickly) There also needs to be good communication with the dealer's service department in regards to optional equipment that may be installed at the dealership. Not all dealers have the skills to do complex installs properly.
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Bob Idler
Dealer support?
My new 420 was delivered in April 2001. Since the day before my boat went into the water, my dealer has not been aboard. All warranty issues (and there have been a few)have been taken care of by me. If not for Eddie Breeden, I don't think Hunter would know I exist. Check your dealer out before you buy! My dealer gets a 0 and Hunter gets a 1 on a scale of 1 - 10 for customer support. Having said all that, believe it or not, we still love our boat. If you're handy and/or have a good dealer, by all means look at the 420.
My new 420 was delivered in April 2001. Since the day before my boat went into the water, my dealer has not been aboard. All warranty issues (and there have been a few)have been taken care of by me. If not for Eddie Breeden, I don't think Hunter would know I exist. Check your dealer out before you buy! My dealer gets a 0 and Hunter gets a 1 on a scale of 1 - 10 for customer support. Having said all that, believe it or not, we still love our boat. If you're handy and/or have a good dealer, by all means look at the 420.
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