Is a C-Dory warranty any good

J

Jeanie P

New member
Aside from the 5 yr warranty on the hull,(is the hull only that which comes out of the mold ?), does C-Dory's warranty cover anything else:?: Apparently nothing as they have not returned phone calls or e-mails so I have no clue.. :amgry I've tried contacting Frank Walters.

I have a small leak in the Baystar hydraulic steering pump. Teleflex warrants the pump but not the labor. Teleflex has shipped a replacement pump but it is not exactly like the original part so new stud holes need to be drilled. I need to disconnect and move around some of the electrical wires behind the helm to get access to the back of the pump.

I have some physical limitations, so doing this myself may be out of the question. I figure 2 hrs labor with another hour for a second person to help bleed the system.

My question is who should be liable for the labor charges? It's a 2006 CD 22 bought in late Jan 2007 - less than two yrs. old. The selling dealer no longer represents C-Dory.

I've purchased a seal kit to see if it will work. The leak is only a few drops and the Teleflex tech recommended it. When I mentioned warranty, I was transfered to that dept and they said I needed a new pump or no warranty /liability coverage. They only warrant the whole pump, not one that's been worked on. Its a $9 part vs $312 for new pump ( which I will be charged with if I don't send it or the old pump back)

So my question is, should the labor costs for the repair be covered by C-Dory? The hydraulic steering was installed at the factory I'm told.

Allan
 
Are you the first owner? If no, I am not sure if the warranty will cover you. If you are, you should have full coverage.

Frank Walters is the person to contact.

Sorry to hear about your experience, keep trying to reach Frank.
 
I too have been frustrated in trying to contact the factory about warranty work. My new (2007) 25 Cruiser had a couple of shore power problems when it was delivered. The dealer, Cutter, fixed them but charged me because they have not been able to get paid for warranty work since they lost their dealership.

Tried to call Walters for resolution, but can't get my calls returned.

Sail Annapolis, the new dealer in MD, told me that they have had trouble getting paid, too.

So sad to see the new owners of the C-Dory brand letting it deteriorate.[/quote]
 
I would go directly to the new president CEO of C-dory or to the investor group--and their CEO.

In the past, C Dory has stood behind the product. A pump failure is not a C Dory problem per say. However when mine failed, then the labor (which included sending a tech about 200 miles each way) to install and bleed the system, with the electric bleeding set, was paid--and I assume by C Dory.

I would also contact the administration of Sea Star/Teleflex and try and clarify the issue--certainly a 2 year old pump should not be leaking, and would think that under the circumstance they should cover the labor. Go high and go fast up the corporate ladder of both companies.
 
I too had difficulty getting a call back or email repsonse from the factory. Not until I sent them a polite email telling them about my dissatisfaction with their service and that I could no longer recommend their boats to others. Then I got a response from Casey. She seemed responsive and finally Frank called me. Not sure why noone from their parts email address ever responded or from the phone call. Casey's email is domesticsales@c-dory.com so you might try sending her a message. I guess it's her job to distribute the mail around???
 
Hi Guys,

Sorry to hear about your frustration; I was there in January and a few C-Brats with similar experiences shared their remedy and it worked for them and me, too.

Here goes, starting with contact info:

Phones:

Factory: 253-839-0222
Frank Walters: extension 232
Rich Reynolds (cell): 253-205-9925
Bret Reynolds (cell) 253-720-7546

Emails:

frankwalters@c-dory.com
richreynolds@c-dory.com
scottreynolds@c-dory.com
bretreynolds@c-dory.com

Recommended procedure:

Send initial emails and copy EVERYBODY! Do it again the next day and if that doesn't get a response, call the cell numbers of the big boys listed above. I caught one of them at a photo shoot and told him politely and succinctly about my problems and frustrations and had a call from Frank within an hour.

If they promise something, be sure to get a date and if they don't follow through, start the entire process over again.

If they promise payment, get a date and follow through again with emails and cell phone calls.

This worked for me and they covered a warranty claim pretty much on time, once I used the above process.

They honored my warranty and followed through, albeit slowly. I believe that they are good people and will do the right thing, but their communication procedures could use some major overhauling. I'm sure that in this economy they have their minds elsewhere, but we're the ones who put them in a good niche and they should take care of us.

Hope that this helps,

Nick
"Valkyrie"
 
Aren't the Reynolds out of the picture now? I did correspond with Casey and she was most pleasant. She wanted specific photos of the Tom Cat and photos from the Helm position for a potential Customer.
 
When we recieved our 2006 CD-25 last fall the stern bilge pump was melted, I promise that I didn't do it. I called Frank who answered right away, sent me a replacement bilge pump pronto, along with a return shipping label for the old one. True I had to put it in but we are 300 miles from the closest dealer.
We got great service from C-Dory
Eric
 
Jeanie P":2bt822vt said:
Aside from the 5 yr warranty on the hull,(is the hull only that which comes out of the mold ?), does C-Dory's warranty cover anything else:?: Apparently nothing as they have not returned phone calls or e-mails so I have no clue.. :amgry I've tried contacting Frank Walters.

I have a small leak in the Baystar hydraulic steering pump. Teleflex warrants the pump but not the labor. Teleflex has shipped a replacement pump but it is not exactly like the original part so new stud holes need to be drilled. I need to disconnect and move around some of the electrical wires behind the helm to get access to the back of the pump.

I have some physical limitations, so doing this myself may be out of the question. I figure 2 hrs labor with another hour for a second person to help bleed the system.

My question is who should be liable for the labor charges? It's a 2006 CD 22 bought in late Jan 2007 - less than two yrs. old. The selling dealer no longer represents C-Dory.

I've purchased a seal kit to see if it will work. The leak is only a few drops and the Teleflex tech recommended it. When I mentioned warranty, I was transfered to that dept and they said I needed a new pump or no warranty /liability coverage. They only warrant the whole pump, not one that's been worked on. Its a $9 part vs $312 for new pump ( which I will be charged with if I don't send it or the old pump back)

So my question is, should the labor costs for the repair be covered by C-Dory? The hydraulic steering was installed at the factory I'm told.

Allan
Click to expand...

I wouldn't think C-Dory is responsible, but you should have gotten a package of papers on purchase of all the subassemblies and their warrantees, of which the Teleflex info/warrantee should be found and the labor question is probably covered in the verbiage.
 
I recently contacted Frank regarding a warranty question. He solved the issue which was with a minor fiber glass problem located in 2 places inside the cabin of our 2004- 25' Cruiser. Frank authorized the work via the phone, I had the work done and in less than a week I had check covering the repair cost, which was done here in Bend, Oregon. C Dory should not be responsible for anything other than what they build. You should contact the manufacturer of the product in question. Ken aka: wood duck
 
I'm having leakage problems with my steering pump also. The boat is an 06 bought new last July. It has 152hrs on it now. I haven't got in touch with C-Dory yet. I 've contacted Teleflex and it looks like they will warranty the pump. I don't know about the labour costs and my dealer is no more. There wasn't any info or paper work on the steering or the trim tabs in my owner's package.

Glen
 
Wow...well I guess the problems with the Teleflex steering systems is quite widespread. As some of you know from another thread I too have been chasing down fluid on my 07 Tomcat.

Frank has been very good to me. I'm supposed to receive my new pump today and previous invoices for service work have been paid. I know Frank also spends time on the shop floor, I'm guessing to help address the issues that are keeping him busy in his office.

Good luck with the resolution. Teleflex has been utterly reliable in every commercial boat I run but perhaps there is something going on with their recent products (last two years or so from this thread).
 
Geebee2- Teleflex has their warranty info on their web site- 2yrs parts, no labor.

I do not have any written info on C-Dory's warranty. I've checked every scrap of paper I have on the boat - two hanging files of contracts, warranties and service orders plus two file drawers of info copied from this web site. Only the brochure mentions the 5 yr hull guarantee.

Some of you seem to think that its not covered by C-Dory, even though they installed it. My way of thinking, if they only cover the hull, that's like Ford only covering the frame and body of it's vehicles.

If you have written info on the C-Dory warranty, please post it here. I'm not getting any response from C-Dory and I'd like to know if I'm barking up the wrong tree. :embarrased
Thank you

Allan.
 
Help,
Being a lurker I have trouble understanding the argument that C-Dory should not be held responsible for the problems related to hydraulic steering systems manufactured by who ever. C-Dory makes a decision on what standard equipment to supply with the boat as they sell it. I've read about a number of good people having serious issues related to their hydraulic steering. I for one think that C-Dory is aware of the problems and should offer contact info for Telflex or whoever immediately and work to address the solutions quickly and also work to address the labor issues or discontinue using a troublesome unresponsive vendor if that is in fact this case. People pay good money for a new C-Dory and there is no excuse for not answering phone calls and getting people back on the water quickly with piece of mind. Good service sells. If this is the way it usually works; you might as well buy used and handle it yourself.
D.D.
 
I'd consider the warranty more in line with RVs than cars (since auto manufactuers build motors, transmissions, etc)... with an RV, there is a different manufacturer for the frame, the engine, all the appliances, and the "house." Those manufacturers warrantee their "house" part, but you have to go to the specific manufacturer on the other items.

If the problem with the Teleflex was an installation problem, then I would think C-Dory should stand behind their work. If the problem is the pump itself, then that's a Teleflex situation.

It would be nice if C-Dory offered a "bumper to bumper" warranty for everything on the boat for a fixed time... but, that's not the way my warranty reads. During the first year with our boat, we had several warranty issues that some might consider a vendor problem: our fresh water pump failed (mounted in the bilge where salt water immersion is a guarantee). I felt that was an installation problem, the factory replaced the pump, I installed it. The starboard wiper motor was noisy and slow from day one. It failed. The factory replaced the motor, I installed it. An old battery was installed in the boat, it failed after a few months. I replaced it, complained to the factory about getting a battery that was out of warranty after only 4 months; they reimbursed me. We did have a hull-issue (leak from improperly installed rub rail); the factory did offer to pay for the repair, but I did it myself because it would have been a bigger pain in the butt to haul the boat 50 miles to a non-dealer repair facility. Our factory installed Guest battery charger gave out... I didn't even bother talking to C-Dory about this; called Guest and they replaced it (again, I installed it).

Some of these issues could have been prevented had there been adequate QC checks. That would have saved the factory money and me frustration. Still, I feel C-Dory treated me OK with the warranty issues, but they are SLOW in follow-up and reimbursement. I saved them money by doing much of the work myself. Cost me more in bandages. I made 5-10 phone calls to them for each one received from them... not a good proportion. Probably not much different from most boat manufacturers. A good dealer would have been able to go to bat for us... but the factory was our dealer.

We bought a small RV a couple months ago. That manufacturer closed their doors this month. The warranty doesn't mean squat at that point. Fortunately, we haven't had any issues that we couldn't fix. Let's hope it doesn't come to that point with C-Dory. Every dollar a manufacturer spends on warranty issues comes out of the profit. Yes, they should plan for that. However, spend a bit on QC and it actually SAVES money long-term vs warranty claims paid out. Seems like a pretty simple principle.

Sorry if any of the above sounded like a rant; certainly not my intent. The best warranty is like insurance: really good if you never have to use it. It shouldn't take a bunch of phone calls to the factory to see what will be covered - they could certainly improve in that area. I had to do much more follow-up than should have been necessary to get replacements and reimbursements, but they did take care of me eventually.

If the factory doesn't cover the labor on the pump, it doesn't mean their warranty is no good. I really feel they are using decent industry vendors for their equipment. Good luck with getting it resolved so you can get back to enjoying the boat.

Best wishes,
Jim B.
 
We used to kid that the reason it took so long to get furniture ordered from a retailer was because all the furniture in the world was made by one guy in a barn in North Carolina. Sometimes, reading about the recurring problems communicating with the factory, I wonder if the guy also builds boats. Yet, it does seem that after all the repeated calls and sturm und strang, the factory actually does come through. It's a shame that there is such poor communication at the factory end. :sad
 
Only time will tell how the new owners of C-Dory respond on warranty issues. They are not off to a good start it appears - this matches our experience as well. Patty sent an email to the factory with a simple question, no response, another email that even if they couldn't help, they could at least respond - no response. Expect nothing and you won't be disappointed. We still have two years left on our hull warranty, oh well...we bought two new C-Dorys direct from the factory in the "good old days," had a great relationship with the people at the factory, which after all was maily what set C-Dory apart. It will be real interesting to see how this thread develops.
 
I want to side with Dave Deem but Jim B. has some compelling arguments. Maybe the RV vs auto comparison is valid. Jim has also saved C-Dory? a lot of money by doing the labor himself.
I would love to do it but I have some physical limitations. One day I can feel like I can tackle any job and another day, if I drop my spoon, I would have trouble picking it up.

I may have been nieve (sic) when I bought the Jeanie P new and thought the hull warranty covered ALL the basics involved with building a boat sans motor.

My experience with Teleflex has been good. Excellent response and overall good customer service.
I just wish I had the same service from the company that I spent a lot of money buying their boat.

When I buy a large ticket item, I rate service right up there with product.
I continue to go back to my dealer because of good service but they do not represent C-Dory anymore nor will they wait to get reimbursed by C-Dory.

I'm resigned to the fact that I may have to pay to have the pump installed, but the question still remains: Is the C-Dory warranty any good?

I thank all those who have taken the time to contribute to this thread.
I learn a lot here hence the file cabinet full of C-Brat ideas I can dream about doing on my GOOD days.

Allan
 
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