Looks like Prout Catamarans went bankrupt back in September 2001. It didn''t make the papers here, nor did I expect it to, since the manufacturer''s market share has shriveled for years in the States.
Prout is still owned by Quest Marine and was re-invented as Prout something or other from the ashes. Naturally, the debtors are not very amused, since they were left holding the bag. Rob Underwood used to be the managing director before Quest Marine bought the company about 1.5 years ago. Mr. Underwood then got demoted to sales director and decided to leave the company in October 2001.
All this according to Yachting Monthly and online news sources. Pretty funny to think that Prout was still winning prizes for best company just a few years ago...
Anyway, I guess if I was in the market for a Prout I would be very careful about sending them any kind of money (i.e. also become a debtor) without being sure that the money I sent is actually used to build my boat.
In other words, use an agent and make it the agents responsibility to furnish the boat at the stated price. Furthermore, I would insist on the agent posting a bond to cover the purchase of the boat and make the purchase acceptance conditional on a acceptable survey result.
If the boat does not meet minimum specs, let it be the agents problem to deal with. Our Escale has been nothing but a headache 90% of the time due to manufacturing defects.
Constantin
www.vonwentzel.net
Prout is still owned by Quest Marine and was re-invented as Prout something or other from the ashes. Naturally, the debtors are not very amused, since they were left holding the bag. Rob Underwood used to be the managing director before Quest Marine bought the company about 1.5 years ago. Mr. Underwood then got demoted to sales director and decided to leave the company in October 2001.
All this according to Yachting Monthly and online news sources. Pretty funny to think that Prout was still winning prizes for best company just a few years ago...
Anyway, I guess if I was in the market for a Prout I would be very careful about sending them any kind of money (i.e. also become a debtor) without being sure that the money I sent is actually used to build my boat.
In other words, use an agent and make it the agents responsibility to furnish the boat at the stated price. Furthermore, I would insist on the agent posting a bond to cover the purchase of the boat and make the purchase acceptance conditional on a acceptable survey result.
If the boat does not meet minimum specs, let it be the agents problem to deal with. Our Escale has been nothing but a headache 90% of the time due to manufacturing defects.
Constantin
www.vonwentzel.net