[C320-list] What comes with a 'base' price boat?

[John Frost]

I think a lot has to do with managing your expectations. The first thing my
dealer told me is that the boat wouldn't be perfect when it arrived and it
would take a few months to sort out the bugs. This put me off at first, but
made me appreciate the boat more when delivery actually came. I'm actually
having some fun being Catalina's "final finisher".

On the other hand, when we were building our "dream house" a few years ago
and a perspective dealer told me to be happy if I got 80% of what I wanted,
I walked. Managing expectations is one key to life. 

John Frost
2007 C320 MKII, Hull # 1118
Lake Guntesville, AL
-----Original Message-----
From: c320-list-bounces at lists.catalina320.com
[mailto:c320-list-bounces at lists.catalina320.com] On Behalf Of MARSHALL M
LUCAS
Sent: Friday, March 07, 2008 1:14 PM
To: C320-List at Catalina320.com
Subject: Re: [C320-list] What comes with a 'base' price boat?

My worst experience was with the purchase of the used boat 
that had multiple issues despite a glowing survey from a 
reputable surveyor.  This was boat number 2 following 7 
good years with a new first boat.

I am fully aware that all dealers are not the same and 
that people have all sorts of issues with boat purchases. 
 However, there are many good dealers out there that do 
everything possible to make the purchase a pleasant 
experience and resolve any warranty issues ASAP.  I think 
we, as sailors, need to speak out about good and bad 
experiences with dealers and just not generally bash 
dealers.  Perhaps a forum that gives kudos or raspberries 
to dealers listed by name?  Hmmmm.  Could open a can of 
worms if dealers start reading and complaining they are 
being unfairly targeted.

Diane


On Fri, 07 Mar 2008 17:39:58 +0000
  allan.field at comcast.net wrote:
> Diane - And if the dealer deserves bashing all the time, 
>you'd still be tired of seeing it?  I am glad you have 
>had 5 good experiences but that in no way balances out my 
>experiences.  Like I said, no more new-boat purchases for 
>me.
> 
> Allan S. Field
> Sea Shadow - #808
> Columbia, MD
> 
> -------------- Original message -------------- 
>From: "MARSHALL M LUCAS" <mtpoodles at atlanticbb.net> 
> 
>> I don't know what Catalina dealer you purchased from but 
>> I've purchased two from Sail Annapolis and they are 
>>GREAT 
>> at commissioning and answering all questions. Frankly, 
>> I'm tired of seeing boat dealers bashed all the time. 
>> I've purchased 6 boats since 1978; 5 have been new and 1 
>> used. I've never had any problems with the dealers. 
>> 
>> Diane 
>> 
>>