Is a Searider 5.4 really not a 5.4?

CornishAvon · 15 June 2012, 17:08

Probably a "discussed" topic before so sorry for asking again but I am perplexed somewhat?

Ive just put my 5.4M Avon Searider into a storage yard in south Devon. They charge by the mm by the sounds of it and have just invoiced me for a 5.6M length boat? I am confused because I would have thought calling it a 5.4 meant exactly that - 5.4 meters in length. I tried explaining this but it only fell on deaf ears! The boat even has a manufacturers plate on detailing the length!

I know the extra length is not going to break the bank but if the yard in question does this to every boat that is brought in then they make a lot of "additional" money!

Is this common in boat yards or are the boats no where near the manufacturers specifications?

Thanks

ribraff · 15 June 2012, 17:10

Welcome to Blackness!!

ncp · 15 June 2012, 17:16

In the US, they'll measure the trailer, tongue and all (if it's on one), and any part of the engine hanging off the back.

CornishAvon · 15 June 2012, 17:26

Quote:

Originally Posted by ribraff

Welcome to Blackness!!

Umm I am getting worried now Ed! Is this a slippery slope?

CornishAvon · 15 June 2012, 17:27

Quote:

Originally Posted by ncp

In the US, they'll measure the trailer, tongue and all (if it's on one), and any part of the engine hanging off the back.

Well I am glad I don't live in the US!

whisper · 15 June 2012, 17:41

I spoke to Avon about this some time ago and they said that every batch of hypalon is different and can stretch to different sizes when the tubes are inflated. I did question this but he said that sometimes tubes can be 20cm bigger in length

I don't know if this is true but it was what I was told

CornishAvon · 15 June 2012, 18:07

Quote:

Originally Posted by whisper

I spoke to Avon about this some time ago and they said that every batch of hypalon is different and can stretch to different sizes when the tubes are inflated. I did question this but he said that sometimes tubes can be 20cm bigger in length

I don't know if this is true but it was what I was told

Right then I'd better hold off any further discussions on the topic with them until I measure it myself. Cool

Cheers

Pikey Dave · 15 June 2012, 18:28

Quote:

Originally Posted by CornishAvon

Right then I'd better hold off any further discussions on the topic with them until I measure it myself. Cool

Cheers

Let the tubes down & ask for a discount

Rogue Wave · 15 June 2012, 18:53

bow thats a solution worthy of an engineer

Markyboyo · 15 June 2012, 18:59

Possible the engine is sticking out 20cm past the tubes at the back? Still a bit sharp in my opinion but maybe they measured to the back of the engine?

Mollers · 15 June 2012, 19:20

Elastic tape measure. My 7m Vipermax shrinks to 5.8m when overnighting in certain marinas around the Port.

CornishAvon · 15 June 2012, 19:24

Quote:

Originally Posted by Pikey Dave

Let the tubes down & ask for a discount

Ha the thought crossed my mind also ;-)

Pikey Dave · 15 June 2012, 20:15

Quote:

Originally Posted by Mollers

Elastic tape measure. My 7m Vipermax shrinks to 5.8m when overnighting in certain marinas around the Port.

same applies to ferries

Dry Run · 16 June 2012, 07:58

As a boat yard owner (who charges by the metre), we tend to use a bit of common sense when applying "the rules" (pardon the punn).

If your 5.4 Avon was here, we would be charging you for 5.4m. However, if a boat or Rib has things added that significantly increases the length then we would charge for that extra length. Examples would be swim platforms, some jet drives, metal frames behind the engines, etc.

Also, as with most things in life, we tend to be a little more lenient with "nice" people and a little less with pompous areses! Not that we have any clients like that here!

CornishAvon · 16 June 2012, 08:03

Quote:

Originally Posted by Dry Run

As a boat yard owner (who charges by the metre), we tend to use a bit of common sense when applying "the rules" (pardon the punn).

If your 5.4 Avon was here, we would be charging you for 5.4m. However, if a boat or Rib has things added that significantly increases the length then we would charge for that extra length. Examples would be swim platforms, some jet drives, metal frames behind the engines, etc.

Also, as with most things in life, we tend to be a little more lenient with "nice" people and a little less with pompous areses! Not that we have any clients like that here!

So whats your advice for me with regards to discussing this issue with the staff as I dont want to appear a "pompous arse" by any means. The boat is bog standard. No add ons what so ever.

Pikey Dave · 16 June 2012, 08:38

Quote:

Originally Posted by Rogue Wave

bow thats a solution worthy of an engineer

Simple ones are the best

Poly · 16 June 2012, 09:48

Quote:

Originally Posted by CornishAvon

Ive just put my 5.4M Avon Searider into a storage yard in south Devon. They charge by the mm by the sounds of it and have just invoiced me for a 5.6M length boat? I am confused because I would have thought calling it a 5.4 meant exactly that - 5.4 meters in length. I tried explaining this but it only fell on deaf ears! The boat even has a manufacturers plate on detailing the length!

What is the true length overall though? IIRC many ribs are measured from the tip of the tubes to the transom. That means you have about 20cm hanging over the back for the cone ends...

Quote:

Is this common in boat yards

Every boat yard I have ever read the T&Cs for stated explicitly that they charge on actual length not your claims. In reality mine has never been measured to my knowledge.

Is it better to pay 5.6m at £10 per month or 5.4m at £12 per month.

Quote:

Originally Posted by Mollers

Elastic tape measure. My 7m Vipermax shrinks to 5.8m when overnighting in certain marinas around the Port.

In terms of the total cost of ownership, or even the cost of a given trip is that really worth worrying about? If everyone underestimates the length does it just push up the price per m for everyone else?

Mollers · 16 June 2012, 09:54

Quote:

Originally Posted by Polwart

If everyone underestimates the length does it just push up the price per m for everyone else?

Really?

Dry Run · 16 June 2012, 09:54

Quote:

Originally Posted by CornishAvon

So whats your advice for me with regards to discussing this issue with the staff as I dont want to appear a "pompous arse" by any means. The boat is bog standard. No add ons what so ever.

My best advice is bring it here!!!! (well you knew I'd say that).

Seriously though, it is difficult to advise as (if they are staff and not owners) I guess they are only doing what they're told. Also, I cant think the extra 20cm is a lot of money (for you or for them) so might not be worth the aggro!

If you can get to speak to the owners you might get some joy - I always tell people that I never mind them asking as long as they don't get upset if I have to say no.

Good luck anyway

L'escargot · 16 June 2012, 10:36

Why not just measure it with a tape measure and see how long it actually is?