Contender Hull Warranty?

[Cardinal Joe]

Originally Posted by John F.

"Most dealers will not service boats that they did not sell, a good portion of boat lines/dealers are like that."

Didn't know that. I always thought that a factory authorized dealer was essentially required to honor warranties and do service on any boat of that manufacturer. Now, I recognize that if you have a relationship with the dealer through a purchase you may go to the front of the line for service. I'm really thinking of buying a new Contender 21 or 23, but I guess this means I better buy it locally (plan to) and not move during the warranty period (don't know)--something else to raise with the Contender rep, and something else to think about.

Joe Cannavo - Sales
Cardinal Yacht Sales

Join Date: Nov 2007
Posts: 1,175

Arrow CUSTOMER SERVICE
Quoted above :New boats, from the dealer i personally want (1) experience with that particular boat (and its power packages); (2) honesty, (3) clout with the boat, engine and component mfgrs and (4) a bent toward customer service. itself, i want the same honesty from the dealer and i do have a problem, then i want a dealer who will fight for me with the factory and will have credibility to get what is right for me.

I want most of all CUSTOMER SERVICE. i have already made the choice of price, whether to me i am buying a (fill in the blank here) which no one expects to pay a lot for, or i am buying a Viking or HATT and i paid top dollar. i want customer service! "So you lose no down [b]time for your "Precious Boating Season"[/u]B]. a buyer deserves nothing less from them on a new boat purchase at top dollar. if i paid the price the Dealer should make it right, if i did not pay the price then i will find my own guys as others have said here and get it done with the $$ i saved buying cheaper.

IMHO the mfgr and dealer relationships are, as someone here said - HUGE![/quote]
Story Time –
Well, just like when you look at opening a Place of Business, the mantra is “Location, Location, Location”! The same concept is true when you purchase a boat from a Local Dealer you look for “Service, Service, Service”!

A Boat Dealer friend of mine in NJ, recently had a client visit his showroom on 4 different occasions to look at one particular boat. He finally sat down with the dealer and agreed on a price for this boat “Pending a Sea Trial “. The boat was immediately scheduled for the sea trail – it was blocked so it had to be splashed. Well, as luck would have it, the sea didn’t cooperate - the inlet/ocean was flat clam. They still went out for 1 hour, hit a wake or two coming back into the inlet, picking up a little salt spray. The customer was unhappy with the sea trial and said that it didn’t count as a “real” sea trial and wanted to go out again on a crappy day. The customer is always right.

The customer left a small deposit on the boat. Meantime, the boat had to be detailed and re-blocked on land. Two weeks go by until the second sea trial – this time there are 3 to 5 footers in-shore – the boat was out for and hour and a half – there was salt EVERYWHERE. Again the boat needed a full detail and was re-blocked on land. The client was very happy with the sea trial and the boat but had run out of time and had to go. He told my buddy that he would call later. Well, 2 weeks later & a number of phone calls picked up by the client’s answering machine, the customers comes driving his ¾ ton pick up truck into my buddy’s marina. Attached to the back of the truck is a trailer with the very same boat on it. The client said that he found a better deal on the internet from a dealer in FL – the “better deal” was $3000.00 less for the same boat.

Let’s do the math. The customer has a friend, who is a professional boat transporter, pick up the boat in FL. The cost of the trip was about $2000.00 (fuel, tolls, motel, permits, labor, etc.) This leg of the purchase the customer saved a whopping $1,000 on the boat. Moving along, this now ex-customer is an attorney. Now we find out why the boat is attached to the back of his pick up. It seems that his new boat (bought in FL) has some warranty issues AND a factory recall on the motors (updates maybe) and you guessed it, he wants my buddy’s Dealership to honor his dealer agreement Warranty policy for this boat line.

Well my friend, very calmly walks back into his office and calls the boat line factory. He explains the situation and how he sea trialed the boat twice and lost the sale to FL. He even had a deposit on the $%(&* boat. The boat line factory, although mildly sympathetic, stated that they could indeed pull this dealership if he didn’t honor the warranties on the FL boat. The boat factory also said that he was a good dealer and they would hate to loose him.

So my buddy told the Ex-Customer / Attorney “NO PROBLEM “- he’d be glad to honor the warranty issues! Well, 3 GOLDEN SUMMER WEEKS of boating and fishing later - after servicing every priority customer in his marina and possibly the entire town, guess who got his boat serviced? AND HE SAVED $1000 SURFING THE WEB ON A GREAT BOAT – WHAT A DEAL! Must be one of those penny wise guys… ?????????????????????????????????? joec@cardinalyachts.com

[Nauti Natured]

Thats business, Joe..... It sucks, but it aint going nowhere. Happens in every field.

Rapport is an important thing to build in sales. If the lines of communication were established between said potential client and said salesman the buyer potentially would have communicated what was going on and the dealer could have saved the sale. For example ... I am a savy shopper but I ALWAYS prefer to do business locally. If my salesman gained my respect and was easy to talk to, I would go to him and say . "look ... I found this boat from this place for this much but I would prefer to buy from you ..." You get the point. If I had some pompous ****head that was mad that he had to clean the boat after our seatrial ... I wouldnt even bother. Something to consider. Just playing devil's advocate here from the perspective of a salesman who has been on the raw side of that deal many times. Its a two way street and its a ruthless game.

Regardless of all that .... a dealer agrees to certain responsibilities when they become a dealer or a brand. If I am not mistaken, the dealer still gets paid for warranty issues even if the boat was not bought there. Even if they didnt .... ITS WHAT YOU AGREED TO!!!

I am tired of hearing whiney dealers piss and moan about the same story over and over again. It is so incredibly short sited and immature.

Regarding Contender or any other manufacturer for that matter.... they should make for damn sure that the dealers are upholding the warranty of their product regardless of who bought what, when, where, from who, and for how much. If they are going to warranty a product .... warranty the product. If the dealer wants to get pissy because they didnt have the skills to close the sale, so they are going to retaliate by providing poor service, the manufacturer should rip away their dealer status as fast as possible. Its immature and unprofessional.

Thats hardly an opinion about Contender because, as I mentioned, I have not even tried with them yet .... that is simply my opinion on the comments. I know the frustration ... I have been there ... but I am surprised to hear it from such a seasoned salesman as yourself. I thought you would be past that at this stage in your game.

cheers

[capemaychef]

Originally Posted by Cardinal Joe

Joe Cannavo - Sales
Cardinal Yacht Sales

Join Date: Nov 2007
Posts: 1,175

Arrow CUSTOMER SERVICE
The customer is always right.

Hmmmm how many times can I count that I send out a PERFECTLY cooked Medium Rare Steak to a table...and I get the "I ordered medium rare...there shouldn't be any red in this steak...I want medium rare"....


Well you f-ing idiot...you actually recieved what you ordered....but I will make the magic temprature of "medium rare" which is honestly a true medium well now because you "don't want to see any red just pink"....

[flatbottom]

Originally Posted by capemaychef

Hmmmm how many times can I count that I send out a PERFECTLY cooked Medium Rare Steak to a table...and I get the "I ordered medium rare...there shouldn't be any red in this steak...I want medium rare"....


Well you f-ing idiot...you actually received what you ordered....but I will make the magic temperature of "medium rare" which is honestly a true medium well now because you "don't want to see any red just pink"....

I thought that is why the beef broth was on low boil to magically change the bloody pink to a cool pink it only trake seconds

to the other members who responded. Buying from a dealer is so important. The issues of warranty, if needed, really come to play. That is business !!!! Buying from a dealer 1300 miles away is , well, a long trip for an oil change(s). That is business also. It does make sense at the time to save a buck or two. Then one day........reality sinks in. I think Jimmy held on to the boat to long So now instead of a factory authorized repair.....we have an unauthorized factory repair on a contender. Wow !!!!! I wonder how many were preformed before the sale to the recent buyer. This in a nut shell is what boat manufactures deal with. I guess the pictures and authorization are a must. How minor or major the repair. Authorization and satisfaction are important. In the mean time the local dealer sounds like a hell of a deal to me I look for this topic next year when the 33T, or any boat for that matter, is sold to the next buyer

[Cardinal Joe]

Originally Posted by Nauti Natured

Thats business, Joe..... It sucks, but it aint going nowhere. Happens in every field.
I know the frustration ... I have been there ... but I am surprised to hear it from such a seasoned salesman as yourself. I thought you would be past that at this stage in your game.

cheers

Remember there is always TWO sides to every story , and " YES " the Customer is always Right ! , but to a point ! Most Warranty Claims I Loose Money , Boat Companies play less than Half the standard hourly Labor rate and aloud less time than is nornally needed to fix a warranty claim , so when a dealer sell a boat , we should " calculate " for some warranty claims in his Selling Price !!!!!!!!!! etc. etc . you get the point ! There is NO such thing as a Perfect New Boat !!!!!!! Cardinal Joe

[Fissues]

Originally Posted by Nauti Natured

Does anybody know what the hull warranty is on a Contender?

I have a 2002 31 open with some fairly significant gel coat issues which very obviously come form a flaw in application. I havent called Contender directly yet but I thought I would ask to see if any of you know.

Thanks in advance!

p.s. - Where is the Contender factory?

Chris you can use my boat anytime, now
get yer butt up here!

[Nauti Natured]

Originally Posted by Fissues

Chris you can use my boat anytime, now
get yer butt up here!

Definitely coming up soon. Mike was telling me how sick your boat is. I cant wait to check 'er out. Lets try and set a date soon before they all run south.

I heard it was awesome yesterday. Whales and 'poons! Crazy stuff.

[lowtide]

Originally Posted by JUST RELEASED 34

LED strips lights are about $60 a piece for 24" I need 8 to replace my lights ...that equals $480 plus tax and another $300 to install them......wow how about that $480 + $300= $780 ...

guess it would be cheaper if I only had a 25' boat

and gel coat is not something you should learn when you pay $200 K +++ FOR A CC.......maybe if you want to restore something but thats not for me, rather buy a new one every couple years....

I think I am ready for a 08'....

CVS is having an early xmas light sale, buy a few strands of tree lights [ 2 bucks a pack ]..........

[LuckyLady]

Originally Posted by JUST RELEASED 34

Mary did bring me some gel coat ( thanks )which I paid for, and I talked to the warrenty manager at the factory, he told me that the factory does not cover gel coat issues, now maybe a dealer would help but since mine was used ( 30 hrs and 4 months old when i got it ) and why a local dealer will not service and doesnt have to service used boats is beyond me!!

Now on to my under gunnell lights, I was told by Mr. Chuck Aronald himself @ my slip that the light straps are a problem and if I figured something out better to let him know WTF!!! so thats why I put LED's in.......

now remember I love the 33T, she is awesome but I dont like the fact that if you didnt get it here we cant help.....I think thats crap....dont see that is the car world.....

all boat have there problems, and mine has some minor one but they are boats and they will break....

I think the factory should force all dealers to service all sold products no matter where you bought it!!!

I don't know how Chuck can say that, you are the only one that I have had a problem with. Sooo Chuck Speaking!!

But I will say this, YOU KNOW if you call me and ask me to help that I WILL do anything and EVERYTHING in my power to help you and that is a fact!!!

Also I do know that you have a slip at the White Marlin Open this year that was paid for by Contender Boats and Chuck Arnold. I know that we had 3 slips last year there and it cost Contender Boats 7600.00 plus Ice daily for the boats. So on and so forth. We expressed you should of called us last year and offered it to you for this year, even tho you bought a pre-owned Contender outside of both Chuck and I. Chuck's territory is VA up and across so the WMO is his decision.


So what does that say? We don't care where you bought the boat.


Please Jimmy talk to me before you type this crap its in your best interest. I am not threatening you by any means, I just want to be able to help you if you need it and give when I can. All I can do is hope that no one at the factory read this little poem and doesn't revoke your slip there and please do not take it the wrong way, but I can't blame them if they do. How many other people have you said this little speech to? I will do my best, just do not do it again, please!

I know its not a lot of money but its a tank or so of fuel that you didn't lay out in expenses



What did I tell you last year when you told me you bought that boat. I don't care where you bought it, at least you are in a Contender, if you need anything just call!

I even remember at the Miami Boat show with Neber said word for word that you Jimmy Mac were on the A list of people and there are boats around the world all you need to do is just call.

What other boat manufacturer would give you that??? NO ONE!

This goes for anyone and everyone reading this thread.

Now for the warranty all I can do is offer to help, the rest is on you! If you do not do what I ask of you and get pictures or what ever else is needed you are on your own. I have no authority to say something will be covered. I can give you my opinion on my past dealings. Its better to have a dealer on your side in the process, your odds are better!

Some of you guys know my position and why I do what I do with Contender Boats. I do not work for Contender, I do not work for any of thier dealers at all.

I have worked with the Contender Boats and the fish teams for years, many of the guys, dealers, and reps have become some of my closest friends that would do anything in the world for me, and I respect them for that. I also very much respect them for the fact of selling a good product and standing behind it when the time comes! They do all of that 110%. At the end of the day I have faith and peace of mind that I am selling a great product, with virtually zero problems! I sleep sound at night not worry who I just took for a ride, I can't sell shit or ice to an Eskimo by any means I am not a salesman. I have a heart and I do care and that is my reason for doing the things that I do today. I haven't received a dime for anything to do with Contender Boats since leaving Coty Marine in April.

My guys my customers have an insurance policy with me. I will always stand behind them 150% no matter where they are at in the world. I sold you the boat and I am yours for the life of that boat no matter who the owner is. You burn me or kick me in the shins in some shape or fashion there will be a problem and you will be black listed. I put 3 boats on there this year and I can't wait to see them face to face and that day will come. These are the only 3 boats in my entire 10 years in the industry.

This is all I have to say and all I am going to say on this topic. I am not saying any of this as a threat or anything like. I just want everyone to have a better understanding

[JUST RELEASED 34]

Originally Posted by LuckyLady

I don't know how Chuck can say that, you are the only one that I have had a problem with. Sooo Chuck Speaking!!

But I will say this, YOU KNOW if you call me and ask me to help that I WILL do anything and EVERYTHING in my power to help you and that is a fact!!!

Also I do know that you have a slip at the White Marlin Open this year that was paid for by Contender Boats and Chuck Arnold. I know that we had 3 slips last year there and it cost Contender Boats 7600.00 plus Ice daily for the boats. So on and so forth. We expressed you should of called us last year and offered it to you for this year, even tho you bought a pre-owned Contender outside of both Chuck and I. Chuck's territory is VA up and across so the WMO is his decision.


So what does that say? We don't care where you bought the boat.


Please Jimmy talk to me before you type this crap its in your best interest. I am not threatening you by any means, I just want to be able to help you if you need it and give when I can. All I can do is hope that no one at the factory read this little poem and doesn't revoke your slip there and please do not take it the wrong way, but I can't blame them if they do. How many other people have you said this little speech to? I will do my best, just do not do it again, please!

I know its not a lot of money but its a tank or so of fuel that you didn't lay out in expenses



What did I tell you last year when you told me you bought that boat. I don't care where you bought it, at least you are in a Contender, if you need anything just call!

I even remember at the Miami Boat show with Neber said word for word that you Jimmy Mac were on the A list of people and there are boats around the world all you need to do is just call.

What other boat manufacturer would give you that??? NO ONE!

This goes for anyone and everyone reading this thread.

Now for the warranty all I can do is offer to help, the rest is on you! If you do not do what I ask of you and get pictures or what ever else is needed you are on your own. I have no authority to say something will be covered. I can give you my opinion on my past dealings. Its better to have a dealer on your side in the process, your odds are better!

Some of you guys know my position and why I do what I do with Contender Boats. I do not work for Contender, I do not work for any of thier dealers at all.

I have worked with the Contender Boats and the fish teams for years, many of the guys, dealers, and reps have become some of my closest friends that would do anything in the world for me, and I respect them for that. I also very much respect them for the fact of selling a good product and standing behind it when the time comes! They do all of that 110%. At the end of the day I have faith and peace of mind that I am selling a great product, with virtually zero problems! I sleep sound at night not worry who I just took for a ride, I can't sell shit or ice to an Eskimo by any means I am not a salesman. I have a heart and I do care and that is my reason for doing the things that I do today. I haven't received a dime for anything to do with Contender Boats since leaving Coty Marine in April.

My guys my customers have an insurance policy with me. I will always stand behind them 150% no matter where they are at in the world. I sold you the boat and I am yours for the life of that boat no matter who the owner is. You burn me or kick me in the shins in some shape or fashion there will be a problem and you will be black listed. I put 3 boats on there this year and I can't wait to see them face to face and that day will come. These are the only 3 boats in my entire 10 years in the industry.

This is all I have to say and all I am going to say on this topic. I am not saying any of this as a threat or anything like. I just want everyone to have a better understanding

wow.....like I said I LOVE MY BOAT.....all companys have quirks including mine. If I am not welcome with a SLIP @ the WMO just say so and I will gladly pay for it, the money doesnt matter to me ( I spent 200K for a CC ), if what I said was incorrect then I have a bad memory. Also for the record, I would buy another 33T tomorrow and just might be doing that or maybe the new 39...... time will tell....

PLEASE let me know if I need to call Harbor Island for a slip...sorry if I offended anyone, it wasnt my intention