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Buying a used 250wk is better than buying new?

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Sailor Vic
1st Mate

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56 Posts

Initially Posted - 04/07/2003 : 16:33:14

Just to report back on my progress with warranty work (or lack thereof) on my 8 month old 2002 "new" 250wk.

I've had leak problems with my new 250.

I am being asked by the factory to drag my 250wk out of the water. Rent a vehicle (at my expense) to tow my 250wk over 4 hours each way (having to drive a total of over 16 hours, since I would have to leave my boat or spend nights in motels) or fix the problems myself.

They won't come out to my boat (in Northern California) to fix my leaks.

Frank Butler's latest letter to me states:

"Enclosed are some instructions explaining how to repair this. I would try this and then let me know."

And, true to his word, there is a sheet of paper with a copy of where to add the resin and catalyst mixture.

If I wanted to repair my boat I think I would have bought a used one in the first place!

I haven't even received a "thanks" or anything for what I have fixed already (leak in the bow hatch area caused by no caulking at all under any of the screws).

Catalina does not appear to want to fix this coaming leak (which has produced mildew already) either unless I tow it to the dealer.

I am sadden to report that I WON'T be buying another NEW Catalina anytime soon (I am about to get an additional slip in the San Francisco Bay and will be purchasing an additional sailboat) as I would rather have the first owner fix all of the leaks and other problems.

Just wanted to share with all of you as we have had a few discussions lately whether to buy new or used.

I vote for buying used, unless you live right by the dealer and have a towing vehicle and trailer.

Without buying a trailer I suppose your warranty is basically worthless???.

Vic

former Catalina lover and now promotor of buying "used" versus "new"

Edited by - on

Rick Evans
1st Mate

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USA
38 Posts

Response Posted - 04/07/2003 : 22:25:43

To borrow from Bill Clinton, "I feel your pain." I also bought a brand new 250 WK and it had some problems. Still does for that matter the most bothersome of which is some splotchy yellow discoloration on the topsides. I never could get Catalina out to fix it. I've heard rumors they have a wandering warranty crew living out of a van as they traverse the country tending to warranty issues but I've never seen them. I went out to see Frank Butler personally and can appreciate his situation. There are tons of people like us with these little problems. I think his approach is to keep it simple and see if the owner can fix it with a little guidance and elbow grease. If its really major, I'm confident you will get their personal attention. As a lawyer, I can assure you that your warranty does have clout. You could offer Catalina the opportunity to correct the defect and, should they fail, have it professionally fixed yourself and then bring a small claims action to recover your expense. There most definitely is an advantage to a new boat warranty. However, having met Frank Butler and his staff, I feel pretty sure it would never need to come to that. If you truly find the do it yourself job beyond your patience, skill or whatever, I bet that they would respond if you made it clear that you'd resort to legal action if necessary. Butler didn't strike me as the type of guy who would need that. In fact, I've seen situations where Catalina did things to satisfy owners they didn't need to do. Before you curse them, I don't know that you'd find much better service from any dealer. If you make boats in one state and sell them nationwide, its pretty hard to handle small warranty repairs from a distance. With my yellow discoloration spots, I can't say I'm too happy but I can also see it from their side too.

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Bryan Beamer
Master Marine Consultant

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USA
1038 Posts

Response Posted - 04/07/2003 : 22:46:31

<BLOCKQUOTE id=quote><font size=1 face="Verdana, Arial, Helvetica" id=quote>quote:<hr height=1 noshade id=quote>They won't come out to my boat <hr height=1 noshade id=quote></BLOCKQUOTE id=quote></font id=quote><font face="Verdana, Arial, Helvetica" size=2 id=quote>

That must be a dealer decision. The dealer here in Colorado is 3.5 hours from the lake were the boat is and 2.5 hours from my house. I see them doing warranty work at both marinas at our lake. I bet your dealer would come to your boat if you were adding something and you were paying their service call rate.

Bryan Beamer
<img src="http://im1.shutterfly.com/procserv/47b3dc23b3127cce9462f2858f2b0000001010" border=0>
Daylight Again
C250wk #495

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dannyhain
Deckhand

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USA
24 Posts

Response Posted - 04/08/2003 : 01:03:21

Vic,
Sorry to hear about your problems with Catalina. I've owned both new and used (although my new boat was a Sea Ray)and have had minor problems with both. As an outsider looking in my suggestion would be to get an outside estimate then negotiate.It has to be cheaper than hauling out and transporting.

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The Officers, Staff and members of this site only provide information based upon the concept that anyone utilizing this information does so at their own risk and holds harmless all contributors to this site.