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Michael,
Don't get me wrong. I am on Sea Mist IV. I have owned 6 boats altogether, with only one being used. I BUY NEW TOO!!
I am not beating up the warranty. Better to have it then not... but I doubt I would pay any extra for it if you are going to go cruising. That also brings up the concern that since almost everything on the boat ius 12 months, with some items being 24 month warranties, Hunter is carrying the note and eating the rest of those costs. Since they have to make money, they are simply passing that cost to you in one way or another.
When my chartplotter failed, I replaced it the second time. The first time, Catalina ended up sending out a Raytheon (I believe it was Raytheon nd not Raymarine at that time) certified tech. Didn't do me a crappin' bit of good offshore though. You are going to go without until you get to port. Luckily we were coming into Ft. Myers Beach at the time. The alternator went out at sea. My starter hung open and smoked itself on my 400 WELL away from the marina and I ended up pushing myself back in.
My point in all of this is that the warranty sounds good, but the reality is that if you are cruising, it doesn't add up to much. Especially when you are dealing with island time. And since you have to buy a spare for EVERYTHING anyways, there is NO WAY I would pay extra for it.
The exception is major system failures - like the hull and engine. Those are very expensive and you flat WILL have to find a major port for reparis. However, the hull is 5 years on every major mfg that I know of and the engine is 24 months IIRC. On another note, I have found the diesels on boats pretty bullet proof. It is the peripherals (starter, alternator, etc) that are the issues.
I know you have truck loads of offshore experience Michael. I am not doubting you. I am simply asking how much weight you REALLY put into that warranty as a cruiser?? I simply don't put much into it. I certainly am not going to sit around for Catalina to fix my tub when I have things to do and places to go.
Thoughts?
Brian
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Catalina 400, HN#289
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