Crownline

[burp]

Re: Crownline

track 75, I'll have to say Orion Marine responded to both emails and returned phone calls in a very reasonable timeframe even over the x-mas holidays. Price was reasonable. I bought the boat from 700 miles away without ever meeting the dealer or salesman and I'd do it again. They seemed up front, honest and willing to work with me. <br /><br />I do know a guy that deals with Orion Marine quite frequently and has nothing bad to say about them. I'll ask him to chime in with his comments/experience with Orion Marine.

 

[kraemerf]

Re: Crownline

I have been a customer of Orion Marine for the past 5 years and have been VERY happy with their support/customer service. I live about an hour from them, with many other dealships/service shops in between, but they are the only dealship that has serviced my boat. I have also been impressed with CL's customer service, and would not hesitate to buy another boat from Orion or CL. Runrob is the only person that I have heard from that is not happy with them. We all know that there are 3 sides to every story: one side, the other side, and the truth. Unfortunately, the truth may never come about in this case. Good luck.

 

[speed29668]

Re: Crownline

In a way I can understand why more companies are prone to behaving this way. This post does not apply to runrrob. The idea of getting something for nothing and "it's the other guy's fault" is becoming more and more prevalent in this society. Companies deal with so many more people trying to get something for nothing it becomes difficult to differentiate those who have valid claims to those who just want the other guy to take the bill. I have read posts about people knocking companies for not repairing things that were out of warranty, as if they had a right to free service. If something breaks out of warranty and the company won't repair it then they don't have to. To some people companies are viewed as having never-ending pockets of money. I do understand in respectfully asking a company to help with repair costs after the warranty period is over. As I said this does not apply to Runrrob nor is it an excuse for Crownline's behavior. Crownline was lousy in not respectfully replying to him. I can see why companies are acting the way they do sometimes. Just had to get this out of my system.

 

[MrBill]

Re: Crownline

Timing is everything.......I'm heading to the boat show here in Boston this week-end and intend to look at Crownline and a few others. My neighbor bought a Crownline (model 2002?) in August and I thought it was just awesome. He did have some issues, but the difference with his situation was the dealer. Two times they drove 75 miles to repair his boat in the water, each time showing up at 7:00AM the day following report of a problem. <br /><br />So, although I would not be happy with problems in a new boat, the point of contact, such as the dealer, can make a world of difference. If I buy, I'm going though his dealer. Hope things work out. Maybe you should let us know who the dealer in your area is so he can be avoided.........

 

[CCRman]

Re: Crownline

Well its been some time since this thread and it is sad if you read the press and rumour mill that Crownline might be preparing to of business.

I dont know how customer service has picked up in the US but here in the UK it sucks.

The main dealer, Frank Stevens who runs a fiasco called Blue Water Horizons, is full of false promises whilst taking every opportunity to rip off his staff, custoemrs and business partners.

Here are some examples:

A customer wanted to upgrade their boat. They really enjoyed their small cuddy but were persuaded to go for a larger cruiser. They could not afford it and could not procve their income to get a loan. Frank Stevens made up the wage slips and sent them to the bank to get the loan!

Another customer bought their boat and six months later their windlass was still not working. Why? Becuase the guys in the workshop put metric uncalibrated chain on the boat!!!!

Countless customers have not had proper documentation or VAT receipts. One boat recently sold in Weymouth. The custoemr waited for 8 months to get the VAT receipt.

There are numerous instances of FRank Stevens using customers property without permission. E.g. he uses trailers which are stored in his yard. One custoemr came to collect his trailer to find that it was at the boat show! Another found that he had used half a tank of fuel (becuase it had been used as a demo)!

Frank will not honour warranty or other problems. One small cuddy bought new just over a year ago has 28 faults. Not major faults but ones that should have been fixed within a month or two of the boat being delivered. He still has not fixed these faults.

And, if you are unfortunate enough to use Frank Stevens or Blue Water Horizons to fix or service your boat then this might be even more problematic for you. One boat came out of their workshop after 6 weeks to fit some lights, service and antifoul!!! The boat had screws through the hull!! The panels were not putr back. the headlining was ripped. The jobs were not completed. That owner has spent a fortune putting the probnlem right.

And try and complain. Frank Stevens and Blue Water Horizons use bully boy tactics to get their way. The impound your boat unless you pay. Even if they have not completed the work!

It is not just the customers. Frank Stevens and Blue Water Horizons have gone through a huge number of employees. Most of them leave dismayed that they have been party to the deceptions of FRank Stevens and Blue Water Horizons.

Over the last 12 months they have had more than 5 people walk out on them! And guess what? Frank Stevens didnt pay them what was owed. In one case their most successful sales person ever is still owed for several months of commissions.

Crownline boats are great. They are well specd. They are generally well built. i hope they come back from the near dead as they have some advantages over the competition.

BUT.......

A boat is only as good as the support it gets from the dealer/retailer. Frank Stevens and Blue Water Horizons are simply incapable of providing that support.

I will carry on enjoying my crownline but using third party support!