Helia 44: Helia Warranty Issues

[CatBrazil]

That's why ships and boats are called SHE...

[cwjohm]

The $15K car is built in 1 million per year by robots. The boat is built in 100 per year by people.

If the car is a lemon they replace it. No such option for a boat.

I do not think in buying a boat your are screwed. It is just that unless you are very lucky you have to work a great deal harder to get your purchase to an acceptable standard.

[captainjay]

Originally Posted by SailMonAmi

Jay,

Where are you? I hope in the Annapolis area, as I'm growing very impatient with my dealer. I've been at them for over six months to address my door problem (hull 13), but have gotten nowhere (or so it seems to me). I believe they some approval from FP to do the door work, but can seem to get a qualified rep to do the work. Are you in the area?

Thanks!

I live full time in St Thomas. I am the maintenance manager for CYOA Yacht Charters. We have a fleet of FP Cats.

Jay

[CatBrazil]

Cap. Jay, you must have a huge experience with those Helias. Would you mind to share with us, future and recent owners, your impressions? What would you change if you were to buy one of those (not with the charter business in mind)? Which options do you think are mandatory and which are just plain waste of money? What are the strengths and weaknesess? What would we like to know before receiving our boats?


Enviado do meu iPad usando o Cruisers Sailing Forum

[Rubikoop]

Pass the popcorn. I'm looking forward to how CaptJay will answer this one!!!


Sent from my iPhone using Cruisers Sailing Forum

[cwjohm]

FWIW

My Helia was

Grand Large Pack
Extra Holding Tanks
Drop down diner table in salon
55HP Volvo upgrade
Folding Props
2KW Inverter/Charger
Auto First Reef
Triple Clutch on Reef
Bowsprit
Slatted beds
Transom Protection
Extra Battery
Genaker upgrade (not the Screecher)
Garmin Pack 1


I did myself

Solar Panels
Watermaker
TV Install
Wifi
Bimini and clears
Cockpit clears
Fresh water toilets
Freezer
Cockpit fridge
Microwave
Washer/Dryer
Fans
Generator
Air Con
Screecher
Battery Monitor
Upgrades to Garmin (Plotter at helm, wifi)
Radar
Hypalon Dingy and engine
Safety Equipment
New Anchor (Rocna 33Kg)
Extra Powerpoints and lights
Inner Spring Mattress
Decent antifoul and prop speed

Saved $45K on the French prices for my upgrades including GST and taxes. All done by contractors but required a significant amount of supervision. I am not sure I would want to go through that again.

[CatBrazil]

Thanks, John! I have seen some bad comments about the auto first reef. What do you think?

[chbent]

Mon Amie, your boat was sold new and imported by Aeroyacht in New York. You bought it as a used boat through Atlantic Cruising Yachts in Annapolis. Despite the fact that this boat was not sold new by Atlantic, we have continually supported you and we have paid for warranty work on your boat. We are continuing to help you resolve the other warranty issues you inherited from the original owner, including the door. The good news is that Fountaine Pajot has approved the warranty repair we submitted for the door, and the parts have arrived in Annapolis. The local contractor has quoted the work and is ready to begin shortly, so this should be resolved before you leave.

[cwjohm]

First reef - just add slip ring and no problem.