Finally took delivery last night of our 04 M

[dclark]

I'll repeat what I said earlier but in a different way...

I at some point you will realize that MacGregor makes a sort of "bare bones" boat. It's more of a no frills and we won't charge you for it. They basically make a hull that retails for somewhere around $18k. For the most part everything you may have paid om top of that went in someone elses pocket.

Macs seem to best suit people who are willing to take a little less then "prefect" and save the money. They seem best suited to people who would rather save a few bucks doing it themselves or accepting the Macs shortcomings.

I'm by no means saying that if there is damage to the boat or something ordered that was not delivered, etc., then they should definetly take care of that pronto.

I'm learning that the hard way. Still not the way to do business, IMO. It doesn't cost a lot more make a product correctly. They should make a point of that in the brochures to let people know to expect it will come in pre-damaged in some form (scratches, chips, etc) - make it a selling point - takes the stress off getting the first ding.

The fact that people stand for this standard of quality does blow my mind though.

I can deal with bare bones..just didn't know there would be a facture or 2 in those bones.

Paul

I think you missed my point. I never said you should expect it to come damaged. If you are talking about your gel coat damage, I doubt it left the factory that way. More likely happened in transport. On one hand you could probably argue that it's not MacGregor's fault...it could have happened to any boat. And on the other hand you could argue that they should have taken more time in preping the shipping or a safer shipping method. But that comes with an expense and that would translate into a higher price. MacGregors philosophy is to build an affordable boat and that goes against that. I think they'd rather deal with any damage when it comes up. You never said they refused to help. Actually you've said very little in regards to deal/factory responses at all. So until they don't make good on it, I don't think they have anything to be ashamed of at all.

[dclark]

BTW, I'm not trying to defend MacGregor as I have had my share of beefs. But you've shown me nothing they have done wrong or misrepresented. Damage aside, it sounds like yo got what you paid for. What you didn't get is a 50k boat for the bargain price of 18k.

[Paul S]

BTW, I'm not trying to defend MacGregor as I have had my share of beefs. But you've shown me nothing they have done wrong or misrepresented. Damage aside, it sounds like yo got what you paid for. What you didn't get is a 50k boat for the bargain price of 18k.

The problem is that the you only get one chance at a first impression. It was a pleasant experience until I got a good look at the boat. The dealer said he will fix it. The factory said to deal with the dealer and really didn't seem to care.

The dealer knew how picky I was....since he decided to give me totally new hull ..newest he had (#360) when we agreed on hull #225 last year. I saw hull #225 in PA and was even more dissatisfied...far more damage inside and out.

He promised a channel in the mast. That did not happen. I paid for accessories to be installed. Again..didn't happen. I insisted on a damage free hull..again..didn't happen. This was all agreed upon by both parties.

If there was damage or flaws, regarless who caused them, the dealer should have fixed them or mentioned it before delivery so I could have a chance to decide if I wanted that hull.

If the boat was closer and I saw the condition, I would have bitched about it before I took delivery. But since the shop is in PA (I'm in MA), kinda makes it hard. I trused him. I got let down.

I know it will be OK in the end..but I can still feel dissatisfied, can't I ? I don't care what price it is ..I would have the same feelings...it isn't the price I am having issue with. It is the condition of the boat I am not happy with. Plain and simple. Maybe it is SOP for Macgregor. It is not for me.

Paul

[Arthur Kelly]

Sorry. The last post waas mine. Forgot to log in.

[Paul S]

Sorry. The last post waas mine. Forgot to log in.

The dealer has not attempted to fix it yet, because he is not from the area. Plus the weather is lousy (snow). Said he will send someone down in April to make things right.

I posted somepics here a few message back.

I have not attempted to see if the swirl marks would come out. They may, they may not. Not going to touch it until the dealer makes an attempt. Each item is not huge, but certainly avoidable if they took their time. My expectation were high..The dealer knew it. I can see 5-10 hours of labor on the boat to get it to the way it should have been delivered. That is not going to be my labor. I have enough stuff to install to get it ready.

>> worked for a Venture/MacGregor dealer as a teenager in the early 1970's. None of what you have described is new<<

It is new to me though. May be the way it is..but I don't have to like it, or put up with it. Other people might..I won't though. Our first boat was delivered so clean and shiny - everything worked...and it was far cheaper than a Mac.

>>You simply cannot expect the same level of construction, fit and finish as a Sabre, J or even a Catalina for that matter. <<

Sure I can. No idea what a Sabre, J .. but would expect it to be clean and everything installed, no matter what brand it is. Whether it will be at that level or not is another story.

If lousy fit/finish, sloppy delivery, uninstalled parts and unprovided features were standard with Macgregor..I did not see that memo.

A hunter will be more than $20K since my truck won't be able to pull a boat like that..add another $35K+ for a truck. Not worth it. It is why we got the Mac in the first place.

I know it will be OK in the end though.

Paul

[dclark]

Looks like it's been about a month or more since you took delivery. I'd think you'd have whatever answer you are going to by now.

What is the dealer and/or MacGregor doing/done about it?

[Paul S]

Looks like it's been about a month or more since you took delivery. I'd think you'd have whatever answer you are going to by now.

What is the dealer and/or MacGregor doing/done about it?

Nope. Still waiting.

Dealer said he will be sending one of his guys over to finish installing the stuff (roller fairleads/cleats,etc) and run a channel down the mast etc sometime in April. Have to see what actually happens

Paul

[Frank C]

... May be the way it is..but I don't have to like it, or put up with it. Other people might..I won't though. Our first boat was delivered so clean and shiny - everything worked...and it was far cheaper than a Mac.

Paul,
I can repeat my earlier comment (several pages back), but now using your own words above ... your description is exactly how my new Macgregor was delivered, and my guess is that 90+ percent of Macgregor owners could affirm similarly. As is the case for auto dealers, the Mac dealer is responsible for correcting shipping damage, installing all options, and fully detailing the new boat.

Your earlier boat dealer did his job, my Mac dealer did his job, but your Mac dealer is missing in action. Too bad you didn't drive the five hours to pick up the boat from the dealer. Seeing the boat you've pictured, I'd have kept my pen in my pocket, my check in the checkbook, left him my phone number, and driven back home. Ten hours of driving, but way less stress. It's clear that you'll probably succeed in getting what you bought, but it's too bad you have to fight for it.

[Paul S]

... May be the way it is..but I don't have to like it, or put up with it. Other people might..I won't though. Our first boat was delivered so clean and shiny - everything worked...and it was far cheaper than a Mac.

Paul,
I can repeat my earlier comment (several pages back), but now using your own words above ... your description is exactly how my new Macgregor was delivered, and my guess is that 90+ percent of Macgregor owners could affirm similarly. As is the case for auto dealers, the Mac dealer is responsible for correcting shipping damage, installing all options, and fully detailing the new boat.

Your earlier boat dealer did his job, my Mac dealer did his job, but your Mac dealer is missing in action. Too bad you didn't drive the five hours to pick up the boat from the dealer. Seeing the boat you've pictured, I'd have kept my pen in my pocket, my check in the checkbook, left him my phone number, and driven back home. Ten hours of driving, but way less stress. It's clear that you'll probably succeed in getting what you bought, but it's too bad you have to fight for it.

From what I read here...I don't think any Mac would be at my standard of quality. I am used to Sunbird quality (the Kia of boats), so I would expect it to be at least that. Guess my standards are still too high from the comments I hear here over and over -

"you simply cannot expect the same level of construction, fit and finish as a Sabre, J or even a Catalina for that matter. These boats are built for the mass market with a specific price point. .......I think you have a right to be disappointed and angry. On the same token, I think your expectations were set a little too high. " - Arthur - earlier on this page

I accept it's flaws, just don't like them. The delivery experience has a lot to be desired. I still think if I did it differently, I would still have similar issues. I don't know the issue is me being so picky, or the rest of the country having lower standards than I do. I admit to having impossible standards. But they are met daily by other services in my life. My honda dealer, for example, treats me with more respect and higher level of customer service when my 92 Accord 210,000 miles is in for service than my Audi dealer does with our fairly new (01 TT roadster). Service and customer service is not price point specific. Because you pay more for a product does not guarantee a higher level of service. Unfortunatly Macgregor, in my short experience, has lived up to it's reputation. Just hope it doesn't continue.

Since it will be a while still til the boat is launched, it is not a show stopper, but it is too late to make a good first impression.

Paul

[dclark]

I totally agree with Frank. When I picked my boat up from Mike (the Marina Del Rey dealer), I'd say he spent 4-5 hours. We (mostly him)rigged the mast raising kit and raised a lowered it a couple times. We (entirely him) installed the roller furler (the cleats and that were already done). He then went over everything with me, made sure everything worked. It took him about two weeks from the time I ordered it until the time it was ready for pick up. He had everything installed (I bought a lot of options) except what I mentioned. That is a dealer that did his job.

[Paul S]

I guess that is what we get when you buy a mac mail order (long distance). Miss not having a local dealer or one within a reasonable driving distance.

We will see how it works out after they make another attempt.

Paul

[TonyHouk]

Paul,
I can feel for you. I guess I got off very well. I bought my X from Blue Water Yachts in Seattle. I was living in Charleston, Sc. at the tiime. They had the boat waiting for me when I came all the way accross the countrry to pick it up. I had a last minute change they had not expected and they took great care of me. I hope all goes well for you and your boat. Happy sails, Tony