From: BYA Service department
Sent:
Monday, December 11, 2009 4:54 PM
To:
‘Eric Smith’ President, BYA
Subject:
Why perform the major fit out of your boat in
Annapolis
rather than at the
factory—Also see note at the end
comparing pricing programs!
Where, and how, you get your boat
commissioned, sets the stage for establishing the real cost,
and for how much you're going to enjoy your boat over the
next several years. Don't take my word for it, see what our
clients say!
http://www.bayacht.com/resource/password/Insider/testimonials.pdf
After commissioning 1,000's of boats
for the last 37 years, we've figured out the best way to
offer you
the very best commissioning, at the very best price. Our
process is so good, that we guarantee it! Click on the logo
to see our "Best price, best service guarantee". This
program is why we're the number one dealer for both Jeanneau
and Fountaine Pajot in North America--we've sold more boats
(to happy owners) than anyone.
So, to answer some of your questions, I
asked our service manager to share his thoughts.
You asked me to share some thoughts
about why we have been so successful getting such great
“Satisfaction Reviews” after commissioning our clients boat.
Here they are…
When purchasing your new boat there are a
number of decisions that have to be made regarding
outfitting and commissioning. There are two primary paths to
follow; those items that are supplied and fitted by the
factory either during or following construction completion,
and those items fitted upon arrival of your boat here in
Annapolis. Many buyers equate
“accessorizing” their new boat with the equivalent of
specifying items for a new car. Some buyers may even
remember “back in the old days” when aftermarket (and even
dealer installed) air-conditioning was the way this option
found its way into the cars. Quite frankly, compared to
“factory equipped”, the aftermarket alternative was
unattractive, took up leg room under the dash and, in many
cases, didn’t work as “original equipment” factory installed
air-conditioning. Though this is just one example equipping
your new car with a radio, lights, and other accessories
were pretty much the same compromise.
The ultimate fit out of your new boat is
quite a bit different in many respects than the car analogy.
Boat builders are aware that a mix of additional electronic
and mechanical items will be added to the finished ready to
sail boat. To a great extent they design adequate space for
these items that, if not fitted, will serve as additional
storage areas.
Either during production, or after the
boat has been completed, the factory will have commissioners
fit selected items. (In order not to disrupt production,
some items that are not typically installed on the typical
boat, are fitted after the boat comes off the production
line.)
FROM ERIC: “These European builders build
a much larger volume of boats because they serve a world
wide market. Because of their volume production, there are
volume and efficiency savings which makes these boats be
more than competitive price wise. However, because of the
world wide nature of this market, there are many options
that are better fitted locally, if the local dealer has the
capability. The U.S. market
takes up approximately 20% of our manufacturers production
of larger boats.”
The French, and specifically Jeanneau for
monohulls and Fountaine-Pajot for catamarans, primarily
build and fit out boats for compatibility with the European
220 volt, 50Hz electrical standard. Items meeting our 110
volt, 60Hz requirements by and large are supplied from the United States, shipped to France, installed, then the boat is shipped back
to the
U.S.
for delivery to you. The shipping alone adds to the pricing
of these type electrical items but other factors should be
considered as well. Installation at the factory during or
immediately following production of your new boat does not
take into account personal input into either the placement,
the resulting loss of storage space, or most importantly
whether the equipment brand is well supported in either the
U.S.
or your intended cruising area. A great example of this is
reverse-cycle air conditioning; let’s explore this most
common option.
First and foremost we often find that the
factory supplied units are undersized for the cruising areas
of our clients. The comfort level expectation for France and
much of the rest of the world is somewhat different than for
American boaters. If you have traveled to
Europe
and desired a “cold” drink, you are probably lucky to get
one ice cube with it! Second the air-conditioning unit takes
a relatively large amount of storage space especially when
the ducting is considered. At the factory you have no input
into either the main unit’s placement or the ducting and
therefore how it affects storage. Third are the
air-conditioning controls themselves, the factory supplied
units have analog controls that work great but do not take
advantage of additional capabilities of these units. For
example with the digital controls we fit here in
Annapolis
the unit is capable of automatically switching between
cooling and heating by simply setting the desired
temperature. An additional feature provided by the digital
control allows a relative humidity setting to be made where
the air conditioning unit cycles on as needed rather than
running continuously effectively acting as a de-humidifier
to make mold and mildew a thing of the past. The final
reason for electing to fit the air-conditioning here is that
the brand that we select has a three year warranty as
opposed to only one year and service is well supported along
the U.S. east coast, the Bahamas, and throughout the
Caribbean.
Other electronic and mechanical items
have similar reasons for having them installed here. Rather
than going through these individually let’s consider these
generally. Most of our clients fit out their new boat for
their initial needs and continue the refinement and addition
of electronics and mechanical equipment during a period of
ownership, usually to fill specific cruising or live aboard
requirements, or as their needs and family grows. With this
in mind as a possibility from the very outset, as important
as the initial fit out, is to allow for addition or
expansion of systems. I have seen an inverter/charger
needing to be moved 6”-8” to allow for a water maker
installation that required complete rewiring of the
inverter/charger unnecessarily if accommodation for the
later water maker had been made initially.
Our canvas (biminis, dodgers and
connectors, plus protective covers) is another example.
Europeans just don’t ask for the level of sun protection and
spray protection that Americans desire. Our fabricators
actually measure you in the cockpit to get a custom fit!
(Don’t laugh, the lower the bimini, the better the
protection at low sun angles, but, too low, and you’re
uncomfortable—the solution is a custom fit!) As a result,
our SS frames are more robust and the coverage area larger.
We offer many more features to enhance your enjoyment—hand
rails, a California style dodger, and more. We use
genuine Sunbrella canvas. All of these upgrades extend your
enjoyment and extend the life of the equipment.
Our evolved and refined process for
complete commissioning in
Annapolis is impossible to beat.
(We’re not called the Nations "boating capital" for nothing!)
Our commissioning
people and electronics people have been working with us for
28 years and both meet on a continuing basis with new
clients discussing all of the possibilities for fitting out
your boat. They will consider electrical loads, weight
placement and all of the factors that go into successful
commissioning. When your boat arrives in Annapolis they again meet with the owner to
review choices, discuss additional options, and placement of
items down to the individual 110 volt electrical outlets and
cabin fans. All the time keeping in mind and allowing for
system expansion and fitting additional options down the
road.
Finally, keep in mind that the
manufacturers are building production boats on the line, and
equipment not common to all models (again like A/C,
generators, upgraded electrical systems, and the like) are
often simply installed after production is complete, by
French subcontractors! Doesn't it make more sense to do that
here where we have total control? We have successfully
commissioned 100's of these boats. In fact, more than any
other dealer in North America. We have a team in place that
does an outstanding job of customizing your investment so
that it works perfectly--for your individual cruising
lifestyle. Come talk to us... (Side benefit--if there ever
is a problem, you don't have to deal with a bunch of finger
pointing, sub-contractors--you simply talk to our service
manager and he handles the details on your behalf.
| What this customer said, about sums up how
commissioning can be done right...
We are now halfway into
our first week aboard Coexist and couldn't be
happier. Our experience with Bay Yacht from
pre-sale thru commissioning and after sale support
has been seamless, thanks to you and everyone we
have dealt with from Bay Yacht from start to finish.
You made our puchase of the Jeanneau 44i one of the
best purchasing experiences we have known. We
only hope that you will be around for our next
purchase ... 20 years from now!
We would especially like
to give a big hand to Mark Sims for his project
management of the commissioning process. From the
first time we met him, we felt a real comfort level
in our decision to purchase our boat from Bay Yacht.
Mark and his group worked tirelessly to get
our boat fully commissioned in as timely a manner as
possible, considering the rainy season we have
experienced and his other commissioning obligations.
Mark has been totally upfront with us from Day 1 and
has been a pleasure to work with. His knowledge and
experience really helped us make informed decisions
about equipment and add-ons that we were
considering. I have worked with many
project managers in varied industries throughout my
career and can honestly say that Mark is one of, if
not the best, I have worked with. At our
turnover/walk-thru, Mark explained every piece of
equipment and system and patiently answered all of
our questions (and there were many). We have been
relying on the file box Mark put together with all
of our systems instructions and warranty information
as our "cheat sheet". As we find punch list
items and relay them to Mark, he or one of his crew
are here before we can blink.
Hats off to all of you. We are truly impressed with
our overall experience with Bay Yacht. Thank you so
much for everything. You're welcome to sail
with us anytime.
Steve & Michele W. MD
|
A note about “Purchase Price”…
I recently wrote an article comparing
some Caribbean Charter companies claims of offering
extremely low prices. While this was written concerning
catamarans, much of the information applies to monohulls
(power and sail) as well.
-
If you wish to put a catamaran in charter or set it up
as a business, the maximum tax advantages only apply if
you set it up in U.S. waters (Including U.S.V.I.—we have
bases on the E. Coast, the Bahamas and in St. Thomas).
If you don’t get the tax advantages—you’re losing at
least half of the return that could cover the costs of
your boat. Looking at it another way, you need to
charter at least twice as much (with twice the wear and
tear) to get to the same place as you can with our
Boat-As-A-Business Program. For details call 410-263-2311
or go to:
http://www.bayacht.com/invest.htm
-
Are the prices really as low as they (Charter Companies)
say? What they don’t tell you is that their prices do
not include everything that you will want if you want to
use the boat yourself. They typically do not include:
Duty (If you want to stay, or return to U.S. waters you will need to
pay this), 110V. electrical system done properly,
advanced electronics, A/C and generator, electric, fresh
water heads, Upgraded 12 and 110 V. System, Engine fire
extinguishing systems, helm Bimini, RIB dinghy, advanced
anchoring and mooring system and much more. At the end
of the day, to update their boats, to our standards will
likely cost you more—and may not even be possible. Find
out more about how your boat should be
set up:
http://www.bayacht.com/custom.htm
Great commissioning, deserves to be
followed up with a great commissioning party!
So, if you want great commissioning, hook up with the
company that guarantees the best service and pricing and
also gives great commissioning parties!
See one example of a unique commissioning party here!
If you want the straight facts and a
straight quote—call us: 410-263-2311. We offer an
unprecedented satisfaction and
best price guarantee.
http://www.bayacht.com/service.htm
For more information, questions or to
order a boat—please call us. 410-263-2311
