Thread subject: Whaler Central - Boston Whaler Boat Information and Photos :: A1/Blackbird Outboards...
Posted by Jeff on 07/19/10 - 4:57 PM
#2
Have you yourself had direct dealings with this company, bought any of their products or services?
Posted by FNG on 07/19/10 - 5:18 PM
#3
Jeff,
Are you trying to say that I am slamming a company simply because of what others have experienced? Do a BBB search on them. Do a thread search on THT. They just need to be exposed, and I'm doing my best. Unless you're sticking up for them...
Posted by ioptfm on 07/19/10 - 6:45 PM
#4
I have personally dealt with them and I can tell you without a shadow of doubt STAY AS FAR AWAY FROM THEM AS POSSIBLE! YOU WILL GET SCREWED! DON'T WALK, RUN! I can give details privately.
Posted by Jeff on 07/19/10 - 6:46 PM
#5
What I am saying is personal experiences speak much louder than links pointing to another website's dock talk. If you want to have a discussion on a business' ethics, products or services do the site you are posting on a favor and create real and thoughtful content for them. This also helps to form a better overall discussion and not a single statement/opinion which helps to keep the hosting site from seeming slanderous.
A posting looking for people's personal experiences with said company along with your perceived perception would keep things moving on the right path.
Honestly, Yes, I know like all businesses they have both happy and unhappy customers. I have read many postings on many sites over the years about them. Yes, it seems they have a greater number of unhappy customers posting threads than happy ones by what I have read. That said, if every one of their customers had been unhappy with them, they certainly would have gone out of business a long time ago. Who knows.
So, I would use them after all I have read? Likely not because I would never buy a motor from anyone but, a trusted local sales and service dealer. Why? Because when things go wrong you want to be standing face to face with the person who sold you that motor. They are much more likely to provide, if not exceed the level of service required to make things right and keep you as a happy and returning customer.
Edited by Jeff on 07/19/10 - 6:49 PM
Posted by FNG on 07/20/10 - 8:55 AM
#6
Jeff,
I completely agree with you in regards to having ANY motor done having it done locally. Often, when the motor is being torn into, other issues may arise that were totally unforeseen by both the owner and rebuilder.
Here in the Tampa Bay area, there are literally hundreds of qualified, certified shops that will provide an excellent product at a comparable price to what you can find online, regardless of the vendor.
My, and others issue with A1, is their seeming lack of interest in keeping their reputation from being dragged through the mud. I do a lot of sidework (mostly electrical), and my reputation depends on my customers being satisfied with their boats when they get them back. I'm also very good at what I do, and I make sure EVERYTHING is ship shape before I deliver the boat. I don't want any surprises...or any negative publicity on a public forum...
Posted by John Fyke on 07/20/10 - 9:12 AM
#7
Consumers need to do some homework before they let anyone touch their boats or anything for that matter.
Posted by ioptfm on 07/20/10 - 1:47 PM
#8
There is a major difference in finding additional problems when repairing a motor and deliberate faulty workmanship, shortcuts, bad and missing parts, makeshift patch jobs, bailing wire to hold parts in place, and just flat our scamming. All of this on a motor that was purchased, not on a repair.
Posted by WhalerDan on 07/20/10 - 7:52 PM
#9
I wouldn't go near A1!