No more C-Dory Factory service, Seattle area

I don't want to throw gasoline on the fire here, especially because I'm not even a C-Dory owner yet. To some extent, however, perhaps my opinion carries even more weight. I could be one of those that chooses to buy, or not to buy a C-Dory, depending on how this (and other) service/quality control issues are handled.

As with any growing small business, I imagine the honchos feel like they're riding a runaway freight train most of the time. (Own your own business! Set your own hours! Yeah, right . . . . 16 hours a day, 7 days a week . . . )

New issues arise weekly/daily/hourly on a forum such as this. Obviously the factory has a great deal to gain by monitoring this site. At the same time, no one would benefit by having them participate in the coffee shop details of every nit-picky issue, either from a time management, or a PR point of view.

I suspect they are very aware of the current debate, and in particular, the points being raised on this particular factory service thread. It sounds (to me) like this policy may need some further explanation, and some fine-tuning. But the explanations, and the fine-tuning, should be well-considered, not knee-jerk ad hoc reactions. Likewise, there should not be a deafening silence for week after week.

At the very least, a brief acknowledgement of the issue, and an offer to deal with problems on a case-by-case basis would be nice, and sooner rather than later.

When people like TyBoo and JamesTXSD raise serious questions . . .

NEVER MIND . . . !!!

Literally, while composing this, messages from JamesTXSD and FaC-Dory Guy (Jeff) posted the messages just above. (They obviously didn't need me to get the corporate policy back on track. But I'll be glad to help anytime, Jeff!)

INCREDIBLE ATTENTION TO THE C-DORY COMMUNITY!

iggy
 
Jeff,

Thanks for the review of the service situation. Another area that many of us would like to hear about is the quality control situation at he plant. Why don't you fill us in on how the factory quality control people are dealing with the with the complaints that have appeared earlier in this thread? At what intervals in the production process are the boats inspected? Does the Factory expect to rely solely on dealers to correct all factory glitches?

One of the main reasons I put in an order for my 22 a year ago was the stellar reputation of the factory for consistently producing a high quality (defect free) boat that was continually restated on this web site. Please tell us why your quality control program is strong and vibrant today.

JIm
 
OK, so there is no question - we are going to give the new arrangment the benefit of the doubt. I hope everyone else is willing to do the same. This move was inevitable, really. If Lake Union Sea Ray drops the ball, we will all be on Jeff like white on rice - but lets give it a chance to work!
 
We both have been watching this thread also as prospective new buyers in about a year or two. We have also been playing "devil's advocate" comparing "ready to go" boats and always come back to bouncing between one of the C-Dory products; be it a 25, TC or Skagit.

In none of the forums for competitors did I see any factory representation, and very little dealer representation, on serious key issues and so we tip our hat to Jeff for talking to James, and posting here regularly when there are concerns. And also to Scott. There is a level of service expectation correlated with the purchase price of something and we hope to see the past behavior and quality, which has been a major factor in our decision, continue. What we're not expecting to see is a degredation of quality along with the recent price increases which are slowly whittling away our ability to enjoy what we decide on. We are green boaters and would not easily want to repair our own gel-coat or find a leak in the v-berth considering the cost of initial ownership could yield a boat 3 times the size and every bell and whistle that would operate flawlessly for the first few years. Complete longevity, a "value" if the word even exists in today's marketplace, is why we keep coming back.

We look forward to seeing Jeff again, as well as Scott (who we talked the ears off at the Boats Afloat, at the SBS and promise to bring towels for the drool this time!
Matt and Iva
 
Well, as one who was also in the midst of the factory/retail split, I want to let you all know that noone up there has dropped the ball on my boat.

I dealt with Scott Mathews on the sale and he has forwarded his correct phone and email since he moved to the new Lake Union dealership, and invited me to call or write if any questions/problems arise in the delivery process. He and/or Jeff Messmer have been responding and handling the closing/manufacturing/ accessory installation details in a very timely manner to date.

There was a window of time during which I was sending emails to Jeff at the wrong email addy, and Scott had not yet had his new email up and going, but that was short.

A purchase the size of a new TomCat is like building a new house here in Kansas, so the emotions can run high if communications are sparse. So far, I have to give Scott, Jeff, and the new dealership very good marks.

John
 
I would like to introduce myself, my name is Rodney Shultz, I am the Sales manager at our Fife location and will be heading up the C-Dory line. This is a new line for us so it will take a little time to learn all we need to learn about it but Scott Mathews is here to help us out.

I will be happy to try and help in any way I can so if there are any issues I need to look into please feel free to contact me.
253-922-4849 or
r.shultz @ lakeunionsearay . com.

In case you don't have Scott's new email it is

s.mathews @ lakeunionsearay . com

The C-Dory line will be focused down here so we can deal with the factory due to its close proxcimity but the other locations will have some inventory also, Scott Mathews will work out of this location (Fife) but will have the freedom/flexability to meet you at the other locations if they are closer to you.

Our company has been in business for 20yrs now and know that our customers are the lifeline to good business and we will continue to strive for excellence in customer satisfaction. Lake Union Sea Ray is one of only eight dealers in the country that is a Master level dealer at all locations for the Sea Ray and Boston Whaler line and customer service is key to being a Master level dealer so we will apply the same dedication to C-Dory.
 
I agree with Dave,
I agree with you. Lets cool it and do whatever it takes, to help the factory make this work for everyone.
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Let's give them a chance before passing judgement. We've already heard from Jeff, Scott and Rodney, obviously they are sensitive to this issue and to our concerns.

I say we all just "Cool It" for the time being. That's the stance I'm taking and we're one of the owners who is directly affected, we bought our boat through the factory and have always had a great relationship with Jeff and Scott Matthews. I would expect nothing less from Scott and Rodney at the Fife Lake Union SeaRay should a need arise in the future. And if I need further assistance, I will feel comfortable contacting Jeff as well. Time will tell.

Peter
 
Peter, I beleive it was your email that was forewarded to me today that brought the concern to me.
Thank you for taking the time to email your thoughts.

I spoke with our Service director today also and the factory will still be involved through the transistion, they will be working with motors until we get up to speed with non mercury motors for warranty concerns.

There is a benefit to having a local dealer, we will be stocking inventory so you can view many differant models and colors.
Rodney
 
Rodney - those of us who bought our boats from the factory have enjoyed taking our boats there for Honda outboard service every 100 hours. This is not warranty work, just routine maintenance. Will you be doing the routine outboard maintenance on Honda equipped C-Dorys? How about non-warranty glass repair for chips and scratches? Will you be offering that service for C-Dory owners as well?


LUSR - FIFE":31g8fvpe said:
I spoke with our Service director today also and the factory will still be involved through the transistion, they will be working with motors until we get up to speed with non mercury motors for warranty concerns.

Rodney
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Rodney - welcome to the site and thank you for the post. This is a great site to be involved in. It is fun, informative and you can learn so much about the type of people that buy a C-Dory.
 
We do glass repair and would be happy to do all you need, we have two service personnel that do glass repair. Our service dept is open Mon - Fri 9:00 to 6:00 and Sat 9:00 to 3:00.

We will be able to do basic maintainance and our service director Joe Beaty (he is the Jeff Mesmer of our service dept.) is working to get our tech's certified for the Honda and Suzuki brands for more in depth repairs.

We are in this for the long haul and we will find a way to handle all the needs of the current and future owners.

I appreciate the chance to answer these questions and to keep an open dialogue with all of you, we all know if we don't get these concerns out and addressed they will just build until they explode.

Thanks
Rodney
 
Since this section seems to have a lot of people that prefer to use the factory I thought this might be a good place to post this question.
Does anyone have a factory option bimini top on a CD25? I have been told it is made by King Canvas. If so, could you post a picture please? We seem to be having some problems and I would like to know if you are satisfied and how it looks.
Thank you,
JB
 
We met Rodney yesterday when we went to the Sea Ray in Fife to ask about some parts. Very nice guy!! It was funny seeing C-Dory's with Verado engines on them but they sure looked good!!

J and J
 
I think I am hearing that Lake Union Sea Ray wants to get their service dept. certified to work on Suzuki and Honda engines. This means that they will only be servicing them. If you buy a C-Dory from them the only engine option available will be a Merc?
I wonder if this is going to have an adverse impact on sales? Will folks in the Seattle area travel farther to purchase their boats from dealers who do sell Suzuki or Hondas?
Don't get me wrong I am not bashing Mercurey but I don't think anyone is knocking down any doors to have them on the back of their boats, I am just curious about the effect of the factorys change on sales in the Seattle area.
 
Fred,

According to Jeff Mesmer, Lake Union SeaRay has commited to selling and servicing Honda motors as well. Here's the link addressing that issue:

Honda Service

It would be nice if they also serviced Suzuki's if we ever started keeping our boat at home instead of up north.

Peter
 
Hi Peter, have you guys been getting out much?
If I read the post correctly it sounds like the only way you get a Honda on a boat from Lake Union is if it comes from the factory with a Honda already on it. This raises the question on how long the factory will package boats with Hondas on them.
 
I have had good experience with King Salmon Marine's Tacoma service on my Hondas.They had quick turnaround and know Honda engines. They are an Arima and Raider dealer and ship alot of boats up north for charter industry.I actually consulted with them before deciding on my Hondas and they confirmed what we all know.They have a location in Kent also but I believe service is all done in Tacoma.They are out on the tide flats on the Fife side of the river.Tyler Anderson was in charge of service and also the co owner when I last utilized their service.One of the mechanics was rigging with Rick at the factory when I purchased my boat in 2005.Their number is 253-573-1212 or 253-852-5513.Good luck.
Paul
 
Well in case anyone is interested I know that Pat& Patty are probably curious but I have left C-dory as one of there builders. I am now currently building the Cape Cruiser with a couple of old time friends and builders. We are very very experianced with C-dorys. All of us at Cape Cruiser have built almost every boat C-dory has come out with. If there is anything we can help you with on your boat we would be more than happy to assist you. I am going to miss the great customers that would come in to C-dory for service work or what not and the gatherings I was able to be a part of. For any reason you need to contact me my phone number is available to all. If your not comfortable with Sea Ray and need something done local please let us know. I hope that everyone will take this opportunity and let me know what I can do to help! Thanks alot!
 
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