My new Tomcat so far.

I have all the paperwork for the boat on board so I can't get my hands on the HIN right now. I'd go down and get it if it wasn't so damn miserable outside! Can't let those fishboxes stay empty!

I am almost positive the HIN ends with 10 though but will confirm on my next visit as well.

I agree with Gary. For the price of these boats there shouldn't be these types of problems to deal with. I buy a car for $25K and if it makes a squeak I go nuts yet for $100K we get this sort of stuff.

It's all a learning experience I guess. I really do like the boat and am sure it will be just what I want once the wrinkles get ironed out. Just doesn't seem right that to get any service you have to go ballistic. It doesn't help any Tomcat owner to have this sort of stuff going on, doesn't help the reputation of the boat at all.

I did talk to the owner of the place that sold me the boat and emailed him my list of problems and some pictures. He assured me he would deal with it but the salesman told me the same so we will see.

I'll keep things updated as I get some idea of what they are planning to do?

Fred
 
Hang in there Fred. Having a good dealer to deal with ( as I'm sure you do)is the absolute key.Carrie & Gene @ Mobile East stayed on Triton for me. I'm sure you'll love it once you're past all of this
 
Sea Sport received the C-Dory / Tomcat / Skagit Orca molds when Fluid closed it's doors (late 2009).

During the 2010 Seattle Boat Show, the Sea Sport assets used to secure credit were picked up by the lien holder- this included boats in inventory and boats under construction. This included a C-Dory 22, C-Dory 23 Venture, and a 255 Tomcat we had ordered for the Boat Show that we were told were "almost finished" but never received.

Triton Marine was formed by the Sea Sport principals, and the C-Dory, Tomcat, Skagit Orca and Osprey molds (which the lender did not hold as collateral) were put back to use to build boats. Triton made the decision to honor warranty on the few Sea Sport built boats, as they were the people who built them and they felt they could support the warranty. They were under no obligation to do so (and they didn't honor the warranty of Fluid built boats because they (Sea Sport) hadn't built them).

The Sea Sport assets were auctioned off, and Triton Marine purchased the partially completed boats at reduced pricing. They also attempted to repurchase the Sea Sport molds, but bids did not meet the bank's minimum. As far as I know, the bank still holds those molds.

So my guess is that you have the Tomcat that we ordered in late 2009 for the 2010 Seattle Boat Show. The Triton boys had never seen a Tomcat or Venture finished until they saw the 26 Venture we had on display at the 2010 show (a 2009 built by Fluid) and were building Ventures to the Classic standard. Which may not be a bad thing, but it wasn't what we wanted.

One of our biggest concerns, and the biggest reason we didn't order boats to continue as a dealer is that we had no idea what we were going to get. We went through this situation with Palmer where every body that came in was different from the last, based on whatever they had in the factory to finish the boats off with.

We had no concerns about the structure of the boats Triton has been building, but as a salesperson, it's hard to promote a boat when you don't know what will be on the boat, especially when what the factory has listed on their website as standard features isn't what they are building.

Very tough times in this industry, and the ones that build good product, with good support to dealers and boat owners will be the ones that deserve to survive.
 
Matt,

Thanks for that info, good to know the history.

The story I was told when I became interested in this boat was that it had been ordered by a dealer's son. As the boat progressed the purchaser was unable to complete the sale and the factory stopped working on it. I was under the impression that the boat had been started in 2010. I can't substantiate this, just what I remember being told.

It was quite interesting that I first contacted the factory about this boat since I had heard about it through the grapevine. The boat was sitting there and they really wanted it gone. They were quite keen to sell it to me directly until they realized I lived on Vancouver Island and insisted that I go through the local dealer. I am glad that it worked out that way because the dealer hopefully has more pull with Triton than I do.

Cheers

Fred
 
I think you will get satisfaction from Port Boat House but it may cost you your time, to get it dealt with. I had great service from them. One way or another, whether they got this boat at a discount or not, it is their job to make it right. Dave and Mike were good to deal with on my purchase and minor extra work they did. Maybe don't go ballistic, but be patient but persistent, in the long run you will maintain your dealer relationship.

I think in the end you will be happy.
 
Hi Fred, I trust it will all resolve well, my experience with Dave and Mike is all positive. I've bought 2 new c dorys from Dave. They are good guys in a good dealership. My 2011 cd22 came with things that were not on the stock boat. I ordered a really stock boat including a non presurized water system. And no hawse pipe, and no interior handrails. I was going to do a lot of that myself later. When my boat arrived it had a really nice faucet with a sensor pump on it, and interior grabrails and a hawse pipe and sealed anchor locker with proper drain and an access hatch, and really nice access hatches under the v berth and teak doors in the galley and pilot station. All no extra charge, just stock stuff. Having been full time aboard for 5 months and traveling for over 3 now I was and still am impressed with the quality build I got from Scott and team Triton and the dealership at Port Boathouse. I trust Mike and Dave will make it right for you no matter the history of that hull. George
 
Matt, Am I correct that the C Dory molds were not seized since they were owned by Fluid Marine--and Fluid Marine Principles are paid a royalty on each hull for use of the molds?

Matt's recollection, would certainly explain this hull, especially if it has a HIN ending in 10. It will be interesting to see the last 4 digits--actually the entire HIN will be helpful.

I agree the hulls are going to be fine--and you will have to work thru some issues as most of us have. It is not right--but it is what it is....

PM sent.
 
I have the HIN

CMC25002L910

According to the info in earlier post then the boat was started in Dec 2009 as a 2010 model. So maybe the hull was built by Fluid.

Fred
 
Here's the original thread on the sale.

http://www.c-brats.com/viewtopic.php?t= ... sc&start=0

Have not analyzed it as yet. I do know there was another one concerning the auction of molds/hulls partially built which may shed some light on the lineage of Fred's boat and how it got "born".

On edit: Here's the thread about the auction. Apparently there were some 22's and 25's, maybe only one (?) underway but no mention of TomCats.

http://www.c-brats.com/viewtopic.php?t= ... c&start=15

Also, FYI, the CMC in the HIN means it was a Triton boat (at least when the numbers were assigned) and you are correct on the model year and date of "Certification or Manufacture" according to this website:

http://boatsafe.com/nauticalknowhow/hin.htm




Charlie
 
Thanks for those links.

I found the following in a post from Jeff dated Oct 15 2010:

Folks I just wanted to chime in that the auction flyer was a little confusing, but to clarify, the Sea Sport assets are being auctioned plus, (2) C-Dory, and (2) Venture boats in various stages of production and one Tomcat deck and hull.

The 23' Venture is very close to completion and the others are still a ways away.

I appreciate all of the comments on this thread supporting Triton Marine and what we are trying to do. We want to be open and transparent with all of you about the past, but also what our plans are in the future.

So if you can believe the HIN on my boat it would appear that this Tomcat hull isn`t the one I now have. I don`t think the origin of the hull is really an issue, the dealer sold me the boat with fully factory warranty from Triton. So the only real issue is that they make good on the deficiencies.

Fred
 
I think you're spot on Fred. Since yours is "#2" in 2010, it's likely that whomever got the first one is the auctioned off one.

Please let us know how this is resolved, it will mean a lot for the credibility and reputation of Triton. I'd also like to hear from other new TC owners, both 2010 and 2011 as to what they have in their boats...

Charlie
 
There were no boats in production when Fluid transferred the use of the molds to Sea Sport.

I was told by the principle of Fluid that they maintained ownership of the molds, and that they have since sold those rights to another company. So long as Sea Sport, and now Triton, builds boats, they have use of the molds, with a royalty paid on each boat.

That situation may have changed in the last year.
 
I just caught wind of this thread and although I don't generally like to comment on specific situations. This thread seemed to call for some clarification.

The Tomcat under discussion was not a standard boat and it was acquired under unusual circumstances. It was a boat partially built by the old Fluid Marine regime. We acquired it at auction with the intent to finish it to whatever degree the dealer chose. Our dealer chose to have it finished out with some standard items not included in order to keep the price down.

Having said this, there were a couple minor items that we are working with the dealer to take care of. It is our goal to have all of our owners 100% taken care of and I know that Mike at Port Boathouse shares that goal. Our reputation is important to us and we take what we do seriously.

Triton Marine is never in a mode of taking a step backward when it comes to quality boat building. We will always be working to produce the finest boats at the most affordable price possible. I hope this clarifies things a bit and puts those concerned at ease about our commitment.
 
Hi Jeff,

Thanks for taking the time to respond to this thread.

I would like to respond to your comments.

I purchased a standard 2010 Tomcat, nowhere on my sales agreement does it say that any standard equipment would be deleted or not included. I was looking at a used Tomcat at Port Boathouse and when that deal didn't work out this boat was offered to me. At no time was I told that this was a non standard boat.

The story was that it was a partially finished boat that Triton was eager to sell. Nothing less, nothing more. There was certainly nothing indicating that this was a Fluid Marine boat, while not specifically mentioned the impression I had was that this boat was a Triton boat. Not really an issue since you are backing up the warranty.

I have emails from Port Boat House regarding any other options that I might want, here is an excerpt from one of those emails:

Thanks for the reply and sounds good, the factory just called and was wondering if you wanted any of the other options that are not standard as they are plugging away I told them I would let them know asap here is a option sheet, Thanks Dave
Aerated bait well $663
Diesel Wallas stove $3100
Interior carpet $413
Interior Grab rails$323
Macerator Discharge$621
Outside steering Station$2350
Radar Arch$2100
Refrigerator$1277
Wash down pump $599


There was no mention that some standard equipment was to be deleted. That was simply not discussed with me, maybe Port Boat House and you guys discussed that but it wasn't part of my deal.

I don't want to get into a public dung toss over this, I simply would like the issues corrected. I talked to Mike at Port Boat House last week and emailed him the items that need attention. He is apparently in touch with you so I will just wait until I hear from Mike regarding a resolution.

The following issues are outstanding:

-No drains in anchor locker
-No bow cleat
-Port side interior grab rail missing (interior grab rails were on my sales agreement)
-Missing stern navigation light
-No windows in V berth. I was told they were no longer being installed, seems that isn't true from what I can tell.

I have purchased the parts to repair the kinked hose at the macerator and will fix that myself. The shore power connection is less than ideal but I can probably live with it.

I appreciate your attention to this matter and hope we can get things resolved and get on to enjoying our new boat.

Thanks

Fred
 
Fred,

Thanks for your comments. I have been in contact with Mike at Port Porthouse and we are on it, but I think at this juncture it is probably appropriate to continue our discussions off the C-Brat site. I always try to be respectful of the site and its purpose. We will get you out enjoying your new boat ASAP.
 
Hi all,

I will not be posting any further on this thread until the issues are resolved as Jeff requested in the previous post.I think it's only fair to have our discussions offline at this stage.

I will report back when we have a resolution , until then I will let Jeff and Mike do their thing. I appreciate all the input and will be back soon I hope with good news.

Fred
 
Just thought I'd do an update on the status of my dealings with Triton trying to get the issues sorted out on my TomCat

After much discussion and emailing there was general agreement on how things would be dealt with:

I agreed to live with the poor location of the shore power, cutting another hole to relocate the connector didn't seem logical.

Triton (Scott)agreed to supply the missing grab rail and port lights, Port Boat House would supply the stern nav light and bow cleat for the anchor rode. This was agreed to last December. Triton dragged their heels on the port lights but agreed to supply them when I said I would install them.

So after several emails asking where the stuff was for the last few months I finally received the port lights and the missing grab rail. The port lights were not the stainless steel ones that every other TomCat is equipped with and the grab rail was for the port side, not the starboard one that is missing. The portlights are cheaper Lewmar aluminum ones that while they are perfectly good lights aren't the ones that I expected to receive. The grab rail was made incorrectly even though it was noted in several emails that the missing one was the shorter starboard one.

Still no nav light or bow cleat. They said they would provide my instructions on how to install drains in the chain locker.

I basically just give up on these guys. I don't know who I should be more irritated with, them or myself for believing that I was dealing with a competent and honourable boat builder. While they all say the right things when you talk, for whatever the reason the only time you get action is when you get your back up. Then when they do finally make a move they send the wrong stuff. I took delivery of the boat last June, I don't think it's reasonable to wait nearly a year to get the wrong parts. It's inexcusable.

It's a real shame that while this is a great boat and I really like it, I feel like Triton really couldn't care much once that boat rolls down I5 from the factory. A good reputation takes a long time to earn but is lost much quicker when customers are alienated.

I would recommend anyone buy a used C-Dory but I sure wouldn't be telling anyone to buy a new one from Triton. I don't understand why they would sell a boat for the amount of money they charge and then screw up their reputation for a few hundred dollars.

I will make things right myself and move on, these guys aren't worth my time and effort. I was asked by Jeff to take this off line back in Nov 2011 and I did so and have kept my mouth shut but after 6 months I think I've given them more than enough time to make things right.

All that said, it's a great boat despite Triton!
 
Island, Sorry to hear about your ordeal. Your request for service and parts did not seem out of line or over the top in any way I can see. but 9Plus months and still wrong parts?? This does not speak well of the factory. My dealing with the factory have been positive but very limited and I have never bought anything from them. You spent north of 100k with them. They should have been kissing your back side.
 
This reminds me of my purchase experience with a bad dealer. The factory at the time of sale did a good job. The following year the assets were sold again and my 10 warranty became worthless.

Thankfully I ended up with a boat that I believe was well built. I sure hope the same applies to your vessel once you get done finishing their job. The fact that your parts were not sent overnight as a simple and cheap way to earn your loyalty and respect is penny smart and pound foolish as they say. Truly unreal based on what you described in your posts.

I hope your finish work can be completed quickly and you can begin enjoying the boat.
 
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