What happened to Customer Service

[ken35216]

NMI Factory, contacted twice in two weeks. No response

NMI factory

I received an Email response the very next morning re: A factory walk through. Very prompt and nice. Gave me a mans name to contact etc..
Mentioned they only have 2 25' Cruisers in production right now.

And one of them is mine so leave it alone :xlol

I talked with a couple of dealers before I found one that I was comfortable with then ordered. Carrie at Mobile East Marine in NC has been nothing but knowledgeable, professional, and very very helpful. They have been selling C-Dories for a long time.

 

[ken35216]

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[ken35216]

 

[ken35216]

Opps. Posted multiple photos.

 

[Will-C]

The old saying is the customer is always right says it all. But from the business owners perspective they think the customer is always right but not always right for them. I think face time indicates real seriousness. In your case I would try to find a dealer that sells Mercury's along with C-Dory's and make an effort to establish a relationship. As for your choice of engines I would think Honda, Yamaha, Suzuki and Etec engines are the most prevalent and that would seem to indicate they are what the majority of folks are buying. That being said as a dealer only the strong survive. I think finding a pro Mercury C-Dory dealer maybe difficult in your neck of the woods. The buy USA is a great perspective. Parts and training for particular brands is a tremendous investment for a dealer. I'm not putting Mercury down but dealers like selling what sells the best and what they know best for obvious reasons. I see a lot of Yamahas these days they have to be doing something right. I don't think Wefings sells a lot of new boats with Mercury engines although I could be wrong. Good luck in your search.
D.D.

 

[Pat Anderson]

What Jim said about Jeff Messmer, the "old" C-Dory and "new" C-Dory companies and Ranger Tugs.

Other than warranty work, the factory really does not see itself as involved in customer service, and then I think they want you get it through a dealer. I disagree with the wisdom of that but it is their business and their decision. If I were buying new, I might just have to move to a Ranger tug, but I am not, so the point is moot.

I also want to give a nod to the C-Dory factory for opening it up for C-Brat tours during the Bellingham C-Brat Get Togethers the last two years. They have been very gracious hosts to us.

If you want good customer service for a C-Dory, you need to find your local resources. For us in Whatcom County, that means Pete at West Coast Marine for engine and mechanical, Jim at Sterling Kayaks and Fiberglass for fiberglass work and Jesse at Bitter End Boatworks for just about anything else. Good customer service is out there, you may have to look for it, but when we find it, we should all share it with each other.

 

[MikeR]

If I were buying new, I might just have to move to a Ranger tug, but I am not, so the point is moot.

Good point Pat! I recently pulled into a friend's slip at Cap Sante Marina and his neighbor, the owner of a Ranger 25, walked over to introduce himself. Said that he is a Ranger employee and that is job is to train new Rangers owners on how to operate their boats. My first thought was, "Wow, how do I get THAT job?" My second thought was, "Maybe I shoulda got a Ranger!".

Then I remembered why I got the C-dory - no other 22' cruising hardtop in this size and weight class is so easily trailered, fast and efficient with a only a 90 hp outboard, seaworthy, and most importantly, within my budget.

So just agreeing with all points about Ranger, but some of us still buy new a C-dory despite the lack of marketing/sales and plush accommodations that other brands may offer. And as an NMI customer I have no complaints about their customer service, they've been more responsive than any auto manufacturer I've ever owned a car from, and the dealer (Master Marine in my case) has likewise been more responsive than any car dealership in keeping me happy and easily addressing any concerns or warranty issues. (Sorry I have to compare to auto dealers/manufactures as I don't have a lot of experience buying new boats).

-Mike

 

[ken35216]

If I were buying new, I might just have to move to a Ranger tug, but I am not, so the point is moot.

Good point Pat! I recently pulled into a friend's slip at Cap Sante Marina and his neighbor, the owner of a Ranger 25, walked over to introduce himself. Said that he is a Ranger employee and that is job is to train new Rangers owners on how to operate their boats. My first thought was, "Wow, how do I get THAT job?" My second thought was, "Maybe I shoulda got a Ranger!".

Then I remembered why I got the C-dory - no other 22' cruising hardtop in this size and weight class is so easily trailered, fast and efficient with a only a 90 hp outboard, seaworthy, and most importantly, within my budget.

So just agreeing with all points about Ranger, but some of us still buy new a C-dory despite the lack of marketing/sales and plush accommodations that other brands may offer. And as an NMI customer I have no complaints about their customer service, they've been more responsive than any auto manufacturer I've ever owned a car from, and the dealer (Master Marine in my case) has likewise been more responsive than any car dealership in keeping me happy and easily addressing any concerns or warranty issues. (Sorry I have to compare to auto dealers/manufactures as I don't have a lot of experience buying new boats).

-Mike

I looked at all the Rangers. Although they are very pretty inside and are very nice boats they just don't do for me what the C-Dory does. I also could not live without an opening front windshield/window as most of my cruising is done in FL/the south.

My dealer (who is great) has been selling C-Dories for a long time and says NMI is building them as good as she's ever seen. I can't wait to see the finished product.

 

[ken35216]

I also sometimes forget what brought me to C-Dory in the first place. It's the simplicity of their boats. So important!

 

[Pat Anderson]

Mike, yes, you bought new, and so I imagine you spent a bit of time in Fairhaven watching your boat get built? Or did you get it off the lot at Master Marine? Either way, glad it worked so well for you!

On another note, and maybe I should start another thread, but I was wondering whether you might take over hosting the Bellingham CBGT in 2017? We are going to be on the Great Loop in August (actually April through November or so), and it would be shame for the Bellingham CBGT to go dark again! If so, PM us and we will walk you through what is involved (and it really is not very much).

 

[BillE]

==="One at Sportcraft in Portland for a great price of $64,950. The other much higher at Master Marine."

I saw their listing and I'm pretty sure that Sportcraft is pricing theirs without an outboard, which would explain the low price on a new unit.

 

[MikeR]

Mike, yes, you bought new, and so I imagine you spent a bit of time in Fairhaven watching your boat get built? Or did you get it off the lot at Master Marine? Either way, glad it worked so well for you!

On another note, and maybe I should start another thread, but I was wondering whether you might take over hosting the Bellingham CBGT in 2017? We are going to be on the Great Loop in August (actually April through November or so), and it would be shame for the Bellingham CBGT to go dark again! If so, PM us and we will walk you through what is involved (and it really is not very much).

Hi Pat, yes I ordered mine so got to visit the factory during construction (and then again at the B'ham event that your coordinated!) I agree it would be a shame for that event to go dark again, but I can't get enthusiastic enough about Bellingham to actually host the event myself, having been born and raised there it's actually one of my least favorite marinas to visit, LOL! :lol: I have thought about looking into hosting an event in the future, maybe at Anacortes or Poulsbo or possibly Oak Harbor....

==="One at Sportcraft in Portland for a great price of $64,950. The other much higher at Master Marine."

I saw their listing and I'm pretty sure that Sportcraft is pricing theirs without an outboard, which would explain the low price on a new unit.

The OP of this thread, backlash, is looking at 19s. :wink But re: the 23's, quoting from the Craigslist ad for Sportcraft:
"New 2015 Must go. $64,950 With a Honda 90hp." Which is an outstanding deal, comparable in price to a new 22 with same power!
-Mike

 

[hardee]

Caution: Thread hyjack coming up:

Is that Honda 90 enough engine for the V-23.. It's a bigger, heavier boat.... Just saying.

NOW BACK to the previous content.

Harvey
SleepyC :moon

 

[South of Heaven]

Caution: Thread hyjack coming up:

Is that Honda 90 enough engine for the V-23.. It's a bigger, heavier boat.... Just saying.

NOW BACK to the previous content.

Harvey
SleepyC :moon

Sure, I'll hijack it Harvey! Since the Venture 23 is rated for up to a 150 then why not throw one on there?! I love my 200!

 

[ken35216]

Caution: Thread hyjack coming up:

Is that Honda 90 enough engine for the V-23.. It's a bigger, heavier boat.... Just saying.

NOW BACK to the previous content.

Harvey
SleepyC :moon

Sure, I'll hijack it Harvey! Since the Venture 23 is rated for up to a 150 then why not throw one on there?! I love my 200!

I'm putting a 200 Yamaha on my new one. I hope I love it too!

 

[hardee]

The post/boat was advertised as a V-23 with a Honda 90. That is the equivalent of a CD 22 with twin 45's and the boat weighs more, and is longer. I would consider it right at the boarder on minimum or actually being under powered. I would sa the equivalent of a CD-22 with a 70.

And back to the original thread.

I had forgotten about SportCraft in Portland. I have never heard a negative comment about them. I dealt with them many years ago, and have been there several times since. Always a good experience.

Harvey
SleepyC

 

[Wefings]

Wish we were closer . Thanks for the compliments ,those of you who complimented! I know folks want to be responded to in a timely and respectful fashion both before and after the sale .
You all may or may not have any idea how difficult it is to sell a new C Dory , but if you dont respond ,you will never know if you have a serious buyer .
For us lately its a rarity to find someone looking at C Dory new . So more reason to be on the ball .
Marc

 

[backlash]

UPDATE
Pacific Trailer did get back to me yesterday, apologized for the delay and we have exchanged multiple emails back in forth in 24hrs. I will likely be sourcing my trailer from them.

Stevens Marine in PDX responded to my email request in less than 4hrs restoring my faith that some businesses do understand there are legitimate customers requesting information through email.

Thanks all for the input and advice!

 

[hardee]

Backlash, you wont be sorry with a Pacific trailer. I have had two and appreciate the well built, well designed and solid trailer.

I use my wheel fenders as a step for climbing on and off the boat every time I get up on the boat from the ground, and I don't have to worry that it might give up or break through.

Enjoy your Pacific.

Harvey
SleepyC :moon

 

[Rosemary Easley]

Master Marine is your best choice. Marty is knowlegeable and thorough, and has years in NWM system. Completed C-25 purchase there in March last year, had great production tour. NWM prefers customers to work with dealers. Master is 30 minutes from plant.