Quote:
Originally Posted by WHOOSH
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Teak decks...you know, I just didn''t find H-R able to ''understand'' that issue. They well know how to ADD more teak topside but just aren''t able to comprehend in my experience why buyers would want them to reduce it. ...Jack
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Quote:
Originally Posted by Jeff_H
.. Teak decks are one of those hot button issues for me. Based on my experience with boats that had teak decks, there is no way that I personally would buy a boat with teak decks. Obviously there is a group out there who would only buy a boat if it had teak decks.
From my perspective in sellecting boats, I want a boat that is comparatively low maintenance and which will not develop major repair or replacement requirements on a regular cycle. Teak decks are one of those items that no matter what you do, will need to be replaced. There is no way around that. In old fashioned laid decks this occurred after 25/35 years depending on climate and maintenance proceedures but on modern glued down decks over a watertight substrate, the lifespan is typically half of that …..
Jeff
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As Jeff says, let me “put some more fuel on this fire”
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Why HR does not “understand” that (teak) issue?
It seems simple to me. Halberg Rassy sells new boats, boats with a teak deck that probably will not need maintenance in 15 or 20 years. Teak decks are nice and comfortable and their clients want them.
Why?
Because their clients are wealthy men that normally change their boats for a newer model every five years or so. The teak deck will be in perfect conditions and the boat will have a bigger value (in Europe) with a teak deck.
The second owner will probably sell the boat again in some 7 years or so and the teak deck will still be in perfect conditions and again, the boat will have a bigger resale value. The problems will only start with an aging boat, a boat that is not bought anymore by a wealthy guy…and that guy is never going to be a client for them
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So why should HR care about that? They care about what their clients want and about the resale value of their boats while their boat retains a substantial value (compared to new) and in these circumstances, a teak deck adds value to a boat. They care about what their clients care.
And this is not only valid to HR. In Europe, even in what regards big production boats, if you plan to buy a new boat and you know that you are going to sell it in less than 10 years (and that’s what most of the buyers do), it will be good business to have a teak deck. It is nicer, it will improve the insulation, gives a good grip to wet feet, it is comfortable, it will not need maintenance and the extra cost will be recovered in the added value when you sell the boat. In Europe, even with a 10 year old boat, most buyers will pay more for a boat with an impeccable and nice teak deck.
For my personal tastes, the problem with the HR is that they are too slow….but not all of them. They are improving and it seems that the new 372 is a very good sailing boat…I mean they are all very good sailing boats, but this one sails well
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Regards
Paulo