UPDATE: I’ve spoken to Aintree and they are arranging a team to come and rectify outstanding issues. We’re just trying to coordinate dates. I will keep you updated
Random thought… Weed hatch: could a folding handle be welded to the top to give you leverage in pulling it up? Mushroom vents: can they get a can of matching paint to disguise the white sealant? Popping out toilet hatch: how about a magnet and metal plate latch ? A square of metal screwed onto the inside face of the little door and a little magnet screwed into the frame behind it? Something like that?
Well done Aintree. You've chosen a well known TH-camr and made a piss poor boat build, followed by lazy and shoddy aftercare service. This will do wonders for your future sales. Sorry for all your hassles, Lorna.
Mistakes happen, bad workmanship can also happen (tho it should have been picked up in QC both before and during pre-delivery). It's how issues are handled to remedy these things and that has been abysmal. There are no excuses for making excuses instead of remedying the problems, this is the truly bad bit.
That wasn't resealed. That was "put more sealant on top of whatever is already there". If they had pride in their workmanship, they would have pulled the vent off, removed the existing sealant from both the vent and boat, and reinstalled it with new sealant between the two.
There again if they had any pride in their product they could have sent a team over for the work to be done. The business with the engine and the possible underpropping means the boat should be pulled out and advice and remedial action sought from a "prop doc". Plus as mentioned before the contract needs to be examined by a lawyer specialising in contract law to determine what or any substitutions can be made in the equipment supplied. Unless the contract is correctly worded then it may not be valid, as in a contract must be fair to all concerned parties. In short you can't sign away your consumer rights. Definitely a case of seeking professional advice. When you win the court will decide who pays your costs.
@@t1n4444 AFAIK Aintree use the engine manufacturer's recommendation for props although people generally agree they rev high for their speed and those who change prop sizes are happier afterwards. I saw a 40ft Beetle a while ago, or rather I heard it coming a mile off. It sounded like it would come past towing a water skiier but when it eventually came past it wasn't all that fast.
Hi Lorna, I admire your patience and can fully understand you not wanting any further hassle. Even if you put the smaller issues to one side (which im not saying you should) the ballast and weed hatch issues relate to safety and propulsion along the canal and I think it is wholly unacceptable for them not to resolve this. I wouldn’t let it slide and I would pen an email to the MD of Aintree. They have a responsibility to ensure what they are selling is safe, usable and fit for purpose. Just my advice… if you don’t resolve it now, you’ll never get it fixed. And… as for that heater.. if you have the specification documented I would request them to fit it.
I agree. Especially regarding the heater. Promising one product but then switching it out for another lower quality product is incredibly dishonest to say the least.
The heater controls wouldn't have up and down buttons if there was no up and down capability. That's just nonsense made worse by the fact it's not the heater they promised.
@@SecretSquirrelFun Hmm ... unless there's a clause in the contract that allows them to substitute equipment as they wish ... on the grounds it would be necessary to ensure the build went smoothly.
I remember a time when "Made in Britain" was something to be proud of, and a guarantee of good quality and workmanship. I hope you get all the problems sorted out. If I was Aintree I would be embarrassed of this work.
Your far more forgiving than me Lorna. Having seen some of their 'repairs' and heard their 'excuses' I would be hopping mad! Aintree Boats doesn't come out of this looking good. Your boat is brand new and should not have shoddy silicone applications on it or need tools open your weed hatch and your heart should go up and down! if it were me I would be seeking a lawyer, but its not and I wish you well and many many happy times aboard. God bless.
It sounds to me like Aintree have messed you about and just took your money. The work leaving the pencil lines is not ok and they should fix the issue along with all the other issues. You should not just have to get used or live with these issues after spending you hard earned money. Shame on Aintree boats
You're absolutely right, Lorna. Your boat's definitely supposed to be a happy place. I'm saddened by your awful experience. I'd say the majority of the points you've mentioned are *not* snagging issues - they're shocking examples of a complete absence of quality control (during and after the build). Your boat should matter to them as much as their biggest and most expensive project. Sadly, it obviously doesn't. You have the patience of a saint and your dissatisfaction is wholly justified. Take care and all the best 🤗
The short answer: If you (the viewer) are having a boat built, DO NOT TAKE DELIVER UNTIL A PROFESSIONAL INSPECTOR HAS CHECKED EVERYTHING VERY CAREFULLY and the boat is exactly like you expected. Moreover, I would STRONGLY suggest you hire an inspector to inspect the boat as it is BEING BUILT. Many wires, pipes, air hoses, welds, fasteners, etc. are sealed away forever - until you have problems. I have Millie Mae Rose a ten year old 25' Beetle (2014). She is #8 (the eighth Beetle unit built by Aintree). I bought her when she was two and have enjoyed her for eight years. I do love her but the comments made by Lorna are consistent with my experience. I found many parts of the build were simply not done correctly including: wrong heater hose length (didn't bother to cut the hose, just threw the whole hose under the cabinets), wrong sized heater fittings (hose didn't even seal to the fittings), unsealed heater intake hose, large unsealed air gap from engine compartment to cabin, poorly vented heater on intake, poorly place drains on hatches (caused pooling water and rust), non-stainless steel screws on exterior vents and stern railing (rust), sealer failure on vents (wrong type of sealer), junk Chinese solar panel not fit for use (destroyed roof paint by electrolysis), entry hatch door opening problems from poor workmanship, floor vinyl not glued to sub-floor (wrinkled with use), bathroom flooring not extended behind toilet (shower water pours into cassette cabinet), no sealer around toilet, poorly finished wood railing on stern (destroyed by weather), raw wood edges on stern railing (wood swells by rain), rust stains dripping down hull from improper installation of chocks (the shiny things that hold the rope on the roof). Much of the electrical system was a joke. I have repaired most of the things myself but the boat should not have left the factory this way. Many of the "shortcuts" have caused significant and expensive damage over time as the weather hammers the exposed wood, non-stainless screws, and exposed metal. I think you could get a great unit, but you probably need a professional inspector to make sure each part of the build is correct.
Holy crap! That's disgusting and indicative of corners being cut. As you say, there are a lot of things that are sealed up on a build and I'd be worried about how well they are built if they treat stuff that CAN be seen this way. At least it's a canal boat, chances are no one is going o die from bad workmanship (as long as things like heater exaughsts are sealed correctly) but that's hardly the point. Which reminds me, Lorna, do you have a CO detector installed? If not, please do so ASAP.
I find it interesting that you are not the only TH-camr who is disappointed with their build from Aintree. Not a good look for them. Glad to hear they are coming back to fix the rest of the issues.
A 100-pound diesel heater from Vevor has an effective thermostat, they are lying. Those pencil marks are unforgivable and to me, a worry. If they're willing to leave work like that, what else is wrong? Yes of course they should have gone over the engine and checked that everything was right, the same as any other component they use. I still say the prop pitch is wrong to boot. You are far nicer than I am, my next comms with Aintree would be via my lawyer. After your experience, I would not have Aintree build me a steel water trough, let alone a canal boat. So sorry you are having to deal with this crap, it's utter bullshit. BTW, I have project-managed boat builds in the past from 40 to 120 feet and NONE of this would be in the least acceptable at any yard I have ever worked with.
It may be that in the trade community this yard is one to avoid. It might that expert craftsmen have been replaced by ordinary workers who are not skilled boatbuilders. Perhaps it's a case of poor management/staff relations? There again it might be that there's something fundamentally wrong with the business? Perhaps Trading Standards or whatever they're known as these days might take an interest?
Trading standards are useless, it s not brain surgery, the boat has not been fitted out properly. Avoid them. Managenent staff relations, lol. Its not British Leyland, its looks like a guy with a shed working part time and with no good fitters available
@@ladygardener100 So if you believe that how would you suggest Lorna goes about getting redress? There again Citizen's Advice might useful. Or perhaps there's a trade organisation who could intercede? Going to law might work but getting judgement is one thing ... getting the money is quite another. Still, it does seem as if the boat builder is trying to impose conditions inimical to UK law. It's important to understand that these things are not decided by one party and a consumer has rights protected by law.
Glad we didn't choose them to build our boat 2 years ago. Didn't get much confidence from our initial visit. Mastic, heater, pencil marks, ballast all should be sorted by them. Write to them demanding resolution with timescales.
Aintree ought to realize that treating customers shoddily as they have done to you is going to impact their future business. It is shocking how much nonsense they have tried to sell to you. So sorry you have had to live with delays, excuses, and obfuscation throughout the process. I’m sure others will learn from your experience. Keep up the lovely videos! ❤
Lorna.. I cant believe what im hearing! 25 yeaars ago I purchased a water bug from springer, one of the cheapest boats on the market as you probably know..service was incredible, it arrived it was immaculate , no window leaks no snagging issues at all and it was one of the nicest boats we have owned! Shame shame on them, how appalling! Well done on dealing with the whole thing as you have.. sending you a hug xx
If I were Aintree and I read your review of their work, I would call you and arrange to show up very soon and fix everything you mentioned. I hope they lose commissions. I love your boat. It looks totally like a happy place to be, which it should be.
Note to self avoid Aintree boats, From this and your previous videos it sounds like a giant botch fest from the get go and just an utter pain for you 😩😩
Lorna, make sure your around next time they visit to correct mistakes. And to think i was considering having an aintree boat built. I will now look at other boat builders. 💚
Hi Lorna To sum it up the problem appears to be "CUSTOMER SERVICE". Interesting to hear about the issues at hand. It does take the excitement out of the project. Hope it brings you closer to Fox Glove as she is a beautiful little boat. Mark Alberta, Canada
The short answer: If you are having a boat built, DO NOT TAKE DELIVER UNTIL A PROFESSIONAL INSPECTOR HAS CHECKED EVERYTHING VERY CAREFULLY and the boat is exactly like you expected. Moreover, I would STRONGLY suggest you hire an inspector to inspect the boat as it is BEING BUILT. Many wires, pipes, air hoses, welds, fasteners, etc. are sealed away forever - until you have problems. I have Millie Mae Rose a ten year old 25' Beetle (2014). She is #8 (the eighth Beetle unit built by Aintree). I bought her when she was two and have enjoyed her for eight years. I do love her but the comments made by Lorna are consistent with my experience. I found many parts of the build were simply not done correctly including: wrong heater hose length (didn't bother to cut the hose, just threw the whole hose under the cabinets), wrong sized heater fittings (hose didn't even seal to the fittings), unsealed heater intake hose, large unsealed air gap from engine compartment to cabin, poorly vented heater on intake, poorly place drains on hatches (caused pooling water and rust), non-stainless steel screws on exterior vents and stern railing (rust), sealer failure on vents (wrong type of sealer), junk Chinese solar panel not fit for use (destroyed roof paint by electrolysis), entry hatch door opening problems from poor workmanship, floor vinyl not glued to sub-floor (wrinkled with use), bathroom flooring not extended behind toilet (shower water pours into cassette cabinet), no sealer around toilet, poorly finished wood railing on stern (destroyed by weather), raw wood edges on stern railing (wood swells by rain), rust stains dripping down hull from improper installation of chocks (the shiny things that hold the rope on the roof). Much of the electrical system was a joke. I repaired most of the things myself but the boat should not have left the factory this way. Many of the "shortcuts" are not visible in the short-term but have caused significant and expensive damage over time as the weather hammers the exposed wood, non-stainless screws, and exposed metal. I think you could get a great unit, but you probably need a professional inspector to make sure each part of the build is correct.
Aintree arnt really covering themselves in glory here - cowboys to be honest - the ballast situation is not acceptable at a base level - and the other things really show that a lack of diligence is embedded in company culture.
Just a piece of advice. If you have a friend, ideally a male friend who can send in a few emails on your behalf and maybe even a phone call and have them kind of put a little bit of effort into rectifying the situation then ask them to do that because you know you’re obviously burnt out from their maltreatment. Outsource some of your unpleasant law type stuff I would consider paying a lawyer just to send an email so retain a lawyer to communicate for you because the couple hundred pounds that that would cost coming from a lawyer and the law firm. Maybe with the letter, referencing this video and all the comments in the community and what they’re doing to their reputation. This boat is also iconic, right, I mean it’s extremely unique, unique color and a well-known person in the community is on it and you’re rolling around the cut with the boat literally not sitting in the water level and safe. I mean it’s a literal walking advertisement for that company to implode their business. Obviously whoever runs that business is extremely shortsighted/incompetent because all it takes is a little bit of sanding or even just a little bit of rubber 10 minutes to get rid of those pencil marks before lacquerIng I mean it’s literally 10 minutes of work 5 to 10 minutes and it should be on there Procedure list right so that makes me think they don’t have a procedure list. Fixing those ballast is extremely easy to do and they should’ve done it right away. If I would send you your situation, I would honestly be suing them because you are in the right and also you will get paid back all your lawyer fees. The sad thing about reality in today’s world, and I guess throughout history is that we have to be disagreeable in order to force move things in our favor. That is why generally women don’t get a raise at work or you know get problems like this fixed. I guarantee you if this was my boat I would be screaming on the phone with them. I would be hiring a lawyer. I would be putting up signs outside their business And I would fight until everything is perfectly how I paid for it. And also so that the boat is safe. Unfortunately, it’s either the not very pleasant being disagreeable or being kind of like a victim and sort of I think it’s better to be disagreeable and go for the win.
Once the money has been paid, thats pretty much it, having to keep attempting to sort things is painfull. Removing portholes and vents to seal them properly risks paintwork damage. The jobs need to be done properly during the build.
@@ladygardener100 The various sale of goods acts would say otherwise - from what Lorna says there is at least one breach of contract (the cheap heater instead of the agreed and specified one).
If they fitted a little brass vent on the cassette door, then when you closed the door, air pressure would escape and the door wouldn’t pop open. Maybe one in chrome or stainless to match your portholes would look better
Wonderful to watch an honest vlogger . So many tell their subscribers how wonderful their new boat is, with good after sales service. Yes thry possibly do when they have 1,000 of subscribers, but people like me get crap service from my boat builder and itnis due to being mislead by certaim vloggers, i purchased a new boat....big mistake...shoddy work, well you can see from your experience. Vloggers should be open and honest, not keep quiet in liu of discounts and freebies.
Lorna - there is Trades Description Act. You will only have a certain amount of time to raise all these snags so dont delay and take no b.llocks from them. They are treating you badly because you are a woman. I would not normally say that but in this case I do believe it. I hope the Managing Director can sleep at night knowing what is going on. Isnt there a programme on the BBC headed by three women that deal with matters such as this. I think you deserve a new boat quite frankly.
It's a bit annoying on the beetles where the whole point of them is that they're not bespoke so that they're easier and cheaper to build. Given that, snagging should be minimal since they should have got the hang of it by now.
@@davidquinn5906 Never mind the snagging, the build-quality beggars belief. I was going to say to Lorna that, after they came back, at least they know how to do nice things with paint but thinking about it.....who the hell clear-coats over pencil marks on a new boat!!!!?? I mean, I haven't really got a dog in this fight but it makes me want to ring Aintree Boats & give them a mouthful!! Car dealers do this sort of crap too, especially to females, & its very sad that accountability & consumer rights aren't more on-the-surface & available to us in the UK...
@@TomTremayne There's another guy who has vlogged about his boat (Gladys the Narrowboat) being built at Aintree. He was getting the same runaround as Lorna and it looks like as of August 31st he still didn't have the boat. They seem to treat everyone equally with their poor service. It's really sad to have a wonderful exciting thing turned into a pile of poo.
If that was my boat I would take it out of the water and have a full inspection done mechanically and structurally. Where else have they cut corners? Get a lawyer and have them send a letter of all the issues.
Structurally it should be OK. Aintree supply shells to other boat builders. It's at the fit-out stage where they've been struggling for quite a while now.
@@davidquinn5906 Perhaps some jobbing boat builders were employed to fit out the boat? If so who is responsible for the subbies? Not a difficult question.
You have a lot of patience with Aintree, you got a lot of narrow boat subscribers who wont be saying good things about Aintree, terrible after sales service, they aren't doing them selfs any favours, good luck with everything and looking forward to your next vlog 😊
Sorry to hear that you were having all those problems Lorna. Totally agree with the Weed Hatch. If that was me, I would rather be shown than just being explained about it and some of the sarcasm in the video was spot on!
We were going to have a boat built by Aintree, so glad we didn't go down that route! It's so disappointing for you that it's tainted the experience of having a new boat, not sure you should budge on that heating system if it's not what you were supposed to get, demand you get what the spec said. I saw your boat when we had a meeting at Aintree it was inside being worked on. I hate people over promising and under delivering. I hope your experience gets better with your boat, we brought second hand in the end and did work to it, feels like it was the right decision.😊
Oh dear Aintree! Picked on the wrong person here, fair points well put. I am waiting for a well known online boat broker to start a video with “lovely boat this…beautifully made by the craftsmen at Aintree boats “ … and suggest we comment accordingly :)
Bless u. That is awful. There’s another vlogger also experiencing said delays. Think the mushroom vents look a bit bodged. Feel so sad for you. All that money too. They’re not doing themselves any favours. Let’s hope from now it’s plain sailing g for u. Every best wish. 🎉
The heater sounds like bait and switch, also they are responsible for engine just like every boat builder in the planet. The quality control of that company is not good. If they do that in USA, they be out of business in a year.
Another great presentation video, Flamingo Girl. Wisely chosen words as always.. Aintree just don't come across as a caring, professional company, with their use of excuses, smoke and mirrors and downright bullcrap. They seem to be playing on your sweet nature and understanding. Many would have resorted to lawyers, but that's not FG's way is it? Enjoy your boat, make it your own in your own way and get things sorted as and when you seem fit. Customer service is now a thing of the past in what seems every to be every customer facing business these days. You're not alone and your restraint and forward looking is to be admired. Happy trails FG.x
I'm sorry to hear you've had problems. It's terrible when suppliers don't take their own service seriously. Id speak with consumer direct, they are helpful and will suggest some options. You shouldn't accept poor service , it's every consumers right to get what they paid for and not back down when suppliers short change them. Pm me if you need help or want to off load. Good luck.
Bunch of cowboys but that started to show with the build, you should not see the wires above the heating control, take the to court, they have fitted inferior components just to fill their own pockets, total criminals.
Lorna, it sounds to me like the heater or the controls that they've fitted isn't fit for purpose, I would insist that they change it. If you used any form of credit card to pay for the boat, I would consider applying to them for a recharge until they fix this. I worked for a boat builder a few years ago as an electrician and one of the things they did before declaring a boat finished was to put the boat in their on site pond without a propeller fitted, test it for leaks and fire up and test the engine. Yes, I agree that things go wrong and there are definitely more often than not snagging issues. I'm guessing, from what I've heard and read, that Aintree are NOT a professional and caring company. In any business that makes and supplies their own products, customer after care is of prime importance because happy customers mean they will likely get more business through recommendation.
It would be nice to see other companies building smaller narrow boats. We don't all want 55,60,65. Foot long boats. Not sure I would have been so calm with the aftersale
Sorry that you had to experience this. Being in the US, I understand that the narrowboaters are a strong community. Hopefully, they will make things right. You will get through this and look back to see your strength in all of this.
A poor show from them and I totally get what you are saying about the lies, which are the most disappointing aspect. A heater that you can’t change the temperature on and a weed hatch you have use tools to open? Neither of those can be right yet they say that’s how they are meant to be. I know you just want to get on with it now, but the ballast, weed hatch and heater should be fixed for you. What a sloppy approach from them!
I contacted aintree n their website and said i wanted a boat EXACTLY like yours with pencil marks, missing porthole bungs, sticky doors and all the other faults you mentioned. I never got a reply!!!
Ah Aintree Boats. We had our boat built by them 6 years ago so many issues on delivery it went back to the boat yard for 3 months for them to rectify. So many bullshit answers as to why things were failing, window sealant was the wrong one used, incomplete paint on the roof, solar panels weren’t stuck down correctly or the size we were told they were. Blacking not done correctly internal measurements were well out from plans etc etc. Up shot was we had it all rectified by Stoke Boats total repaint and quite a few other unresolved issues sorted. We got a boat we wanted after 5 years thanks to Russ at Stoke Boats.
This is so sad that you had to go through all of this. Not that you or he should have to, but I bet David could redo the seal on the mushroom cap on the roof and make it look much better.
Agree with most of the comments you are 2 nice, they should fit the heater stated Trade Description Act, don’t be so nice give then some shit & Threaten Legal proceedings but basically they are shit boat builders & employ people who must be blind when sealing mushroom vents hope you get things sorted.
They need putting in court ! I know you won't because it's just to much hassle and cost.They talk a good job, but they are just messer's and with you putting this out on you tube you maybe saving other people All the heartache you have had to suffer!Its time to move on and enjoy your boat! Happy boating!
A poor experience overall. After watching David struggling with the weed hatch, you have got to be kidding that that's just the way they are made. Safety of the vessel without the engine being checked after installation is a serious issue. Get an expert survey done and send to Aintree for immediate resolution.
Honestly if this is the shoddy workmanship and attitude that they give to someone with a YT channel (who could have been a great advert for them) then how bad is the work they do for other people with no platforms?
You would think they would put more effort into your boat since your basically showing off there progress to all your followers who may be potential customers….
Why should some z list celebrity be entitled to 'more effort'? Aintree dealt with me in a professional manner & from what I saw when visiting their factory I was treated no differently than any other customer. Why should someone with a video camera expect superior treatment?
As an attorney and while there are recommendations below to get one, I have found you can get issues resolved very quickly by simply retaining one to write a letter. That may well move things along very quickly! As for Aintree, they appear to be ripoff artists building shoddy boats and have little interest in doing the right thing for there customers! Good luck.
I have met a similar problem, although not for a boat. I was looking at buying a new car, and found one I liked the looks of, booked a test drive, and liked the way it drove - then - - the stumbling block - NOBODY amongst all the insurance companies has ever heard of it, so cannot even give me a quote. This is not some back-street fly-by-night garage, but a proper big wel-known showroom! Even their own company doesn't have it listed! So I contacted Customer Services, to chase up a solution. I'm still waiting a week later. Do they really want to sell cars?
Well, now, it would seem that the boat builder is oblivious to the notion of customer satisfaction. Or customer communications. One thing I am intrigued about is the notion of getting the weed hatch clear of the well so you can reach right down to the prop and propshaft. As for the pencil marks under the varnish then that seems to be an apprentice's mistake when not working under supervision. I am slightly disappointed that the snagging was not done before the boat was released to the customer. As for attempting to mansplain the lack of bungs seems ridiculous. Ditto why the stern sits deeper in the water. Anyway it remains to be seen whether your exposé ref the quality of de-snagging and overall attention to detail has an effect on their business. Shame really because all it required was a little more attention to detail during the stages of the build.
It seems its a general thing nowadays if you buy new it takes ages and still there be lots of dissapointing things . Not just boats same with campervans etc etc .what shoold feel as a party now becomes a disapointment.
The boat looks nice in the pictures but I agree with the other comments that the builder should have been much more helpful after the sale. The thermostat for the heater should be fixed, a boat that size doesn't normally have an "on/off" heater. And certainly there should be no need for tools to get the weed hatch off -- you might need it in a hurry while the boat is drifting somewhere bad.
We’ve been cc’ing for a few years now, and thought of ordering/buying a new boat. Having heard lots of boaters dissatisfied with there build by so called reputable builders we’re giving it a miss. Another couple on TH-cam are by the sound of it very disappointed. So better the devil you know.
So sorry you seem to have had a bad experience with Aintree. I really wish they'd been honest with you. They've not done themselves any favours by putting you off and basically offering such poor service and after sales care. I hope this hasn't put you off your lovely little boat and wish you years of happy cruising. We won't be going to Aintree to have a boat built!
All of this is so unacceptable. They took your hard earned money for a new properly built boat. I know you are tired of dealing with it but none of it should be allowed to slide. Of course, that's easy for me to say since it's not my problem. I'd be on a rampage. It IS a lovely boat over all. Best of luck.
Hi Lorna thank you for the update I agree with some of the comments you are too nice since making the video have aintree got back to you . Kindest regards Paul in Kent - please enjoy your hobby you really deserve it
I think you are being a good sport bout all that stuff. I think it is a littany of shoddy workmanship and lack of attention to detail. A good testament of why one should not buy a new Narrowboat. At least not from that maker. I sure wouldn't.
Even at the beginning of 'Your Dream' coming to fruition and your video's of the meetings - They Looked like a dodgy operation 🤠 .... I did comment at the time ... But you were MORE than happy with them 'stroking' your Ego .... It's such a SHAME that there are Folks out there who ONLY see £££££ Signs in the Eyes - And Dreams are just an obstacle to 'get over' .... Hope things get better on the 'Little Pink Plodder' 😀
What a lousy service 😞 My respect for you saying not to dwell on that but get on with your life and your boat that you - in spite of all - are generally satisfied with! Love from Denmark
Nah, she suffered for months and has to live looking at crappy work she paid hard money for. Better to fight for your right and get revenge/fairness and be proud of yourself when you look at your properly built boat with all issues fixed.
sorry to hear about all the snags but I am sure you will be ok somtimes when you see liitle marks you cant unsee them but i dont think anyone else will notice all the best to you
Nice one Lorna This is bad form that sealant on the mushroom vent looks a right mess .they have cut to many corners and what kind of heater is that if you can’t adjust the temp and I have never seen anyone need tools to take a weedhatch off apart from when it might av not been moved for yrs it’s a totall shitshow anyway have a Top week lass 🙂⚓️🦆✌️
Ah the ole Jova N-40 diesel cabin heater, maybe reach out to them directly if Aintree is clueless, personally I’d tell them it better get fixed otherwise sue them…
So Braidbar don't need to worry then? Honestly, that's the quality of workmanship I would expect from my neighbour Alan, and he's never picked up a tool in his life. At least Alan would have the decency to be embarrassed about his mistakes. Whatever they sell must comply with safety regulations and be "fit for purpose" a cheap heater with a thermostat that doesn't work is not only false advertising, but it clearly doesn't satisfy the "fit for purpose" requirement either. If they don't rectify their mistakes, I would consider taking them to the small claims court (covers claims for up to £10,000) They probably won't even show up to defend, or they'll elect to go to mediation. I can't imagine them winning and that should cover the cost of replacing the heater for the one they claimed they were selling you.
UPDATE: I’ve spoken to Aintree and they are arranging a team to come and rectify outstanding issues. We’re just trying to coordinate dates. I will keep you updated
I bet they are 😂
Excellent! I'm really glad they're coming to fix things! X
Good news Lorna. Don't be concerned about asking them to put right the smaller items too while they are there. i.e. pencil marks :)
Random thought…
Weed hatch: could a folding handle be welded to the top to give you leverage in pulling it up?
Mushroom vents: can they get a can of matching paint to disguise the white sealant?
Popping out toilet hatch: how about a magnet and metal plate latch ? A square of metal screwed onto the inside face of the little door and a little magnet screwed into the frame behind it? Something like that?
Thank goodness for that. I should think they ought to bring you a bottle of champers as an apology.
So we all know now.
Don't buy from Aintree.
Well done Aintree. You've chosen a well known TH-camr and made a piss poor boat build, followed by lazy and shoddy aftercare service. This will do wonders for your future sales. Sorry for all your hassles, Lorna.
Mistakes happen, bad workmanship can also happen (tho it should have been picked up in QC both before and during pre-delivery). It's how issues are handled to remedy these things and that has been abysmal. There are no excuses for making excuses instead of remedying the problems, this is the truly bad bit.
Sounds like sloppy workmanship and poor customer service on Aintree's part. You're much too nice.
I live just a few minutes drive from Aintree Boats. If you ever want me to attach a mildly insulting note to their railings, you just let me know. 🙂
That sealant on the mushroom vent looks like I did it. In the dark.
That wasn't resealed. That was "put more sealant on top of whatever is already there". If they had pride in their workmanship, they would have pulled the vent off, removed the existing sealant from both the vent and boat, and reinstalled it with new sealant between the two.
There again if they had any pride in their product they could have sent a team over for the work to be done.
The business with the engine and the possible underpropping means the boat should be pulled out and advice and remedial action sought from a "prop doc".
Plus as mentioned before the contract needs to be examined by a lawyer specialising in contract law to determine what or any substitutions can be made in the equipment supplied.
Unless the contract is correctly worded then it may not be valid, as in a contract must be fair to all concerned parties.
In short you can't sign away your consumer rights.
Definitely a case of seeking professional advice. When you win the court will decide who pays your costs.
@@t1n4444 AFAIK Aintree use the engine manufacturer's recommendation for props although people generally agree they rev high for their speed and those who change prop sizes are happier afterwards. I saw a 40ft Beetle a while ago, or rather I heard it coming a mile off. It sounded like it would come past towing a water skiier but when it eventually came past it wasn't all that fast.
Hi Lorna, I admire your patience and can fully understand you not wanting any further hassle. Even if you put the smaller issues to one side (which im not saying you should) the ballast and weed hatch issues relate to safety and propulsion along the canal and I think it is wholly unacceptable for them not to resolve this. I wouldn’t let it slide and I would pen an email to the MD of Aintree. They have a responsibility to ensure what they are selling is safe, usable and fit for purpose. Just my advice… if you don’t resolve it now, you’ll never get it fixed. And… as for that heater.. if you have the specification documented I would request them to fit it.
I agree. Especially regarding the heater.
Promising one product but then switching it out for another lower quality product is incredibly dishonest to say the least.
The heater controls wouldn't have up and down buttons if there was no up and down capability. That's just nonsense made worse by the fact it's not the heater they promised.
@@SecretSquirrelFun
Hmm ... unless there's a clause in the contract that allows them to substitute equipment as they wish ... on the grounds it would be necessary to ensure the build went smoothly.
I remember a time when "Made in Britain" was something to be proud of, and a guarantee of good quality and workmanship. I hope you get all the problems sorted out. If I was Aintree I would be embarrassed of this work.
Your far more forgiving than me Lorna. Having seen some of their 'repairs' and heard their 'excuses' I would be hopping mad! Aintree Boats doesn't come out of this looking good. Your boat is brand new and should not have shoddy silicone applications on it or need tools open your weed hatch and your heart should go up and down! if it were me I would be seeking a lawyer, but its not and I wish you well and many many happy times aboard. God bless.
It sounds to me like Aintree have messed you about and just took your money. The work leaving the pencil lines is not ok and they should fix the issue along with all the other issues. You should not just have to get used or live with these issues after spending you hard earned money. Shame on Aintree boats
You're absolutely right, Lorna. Your boat's definitely supposed to be a happy place. I'm saddened by your awful experience. I'd say the majority of the points you've mentioned are *not* snagging issues - they're shocking examples of a complete absence of quality control (during and after the build). Your boat should matter to them as much as their biggest and most expensive project. Sadly, it obviously doesn't. You have the patience of a saint and your dissatisfaction is wholly justified. Take care and all the best 🤗
This video is a good way of convincing me not to use Aintree Boats if I want a boat built in the future.
The short answer: If you (the viewer) are having a boat built, DO NOT TAKE DELIVER UNTIL A PROFESSIONAL INSPECTOR HAS CHECKED EVERYTHING VERY CAREFULLY and the boat is exactly like you expected. Moreover, I would STRONGLY suggest you hire an inspector to inspect the boat as it is BEING BUILT. Many wires, pipes, air hoses, welds, fasteners, etc. are sealed away forever - until you have problems.
I have Millie Mae Rose a ten year old 25' Beetle (2014). She is #8 (the eighth Beetle unit built by Aintree). I bought her when she was two and have enjoyed her for eight years. I do love her but the comments made by Lorna are consistent with my experience. I found many parts of the build were simply not done correctly including: wrong heater hose length (didn't bother to cut the hose, just threw the whole hose under the cabinets), wrong sized heater fittings (hose didn't even seal to the fittings), unsealed heater intake hose, large unsealed air gap from engine compartment to cabin, poorly vented heater on intake, poorly place drains on hatches (caused pooling water and rust), non-stainless steel screws on exterior vents and stern railing (rust), sealer failure on vents (wrong type of sealer), junk Chinese solar panel not fit for use (destroyed roof paint by electrolysis), entry hatch door opening problems from poor workmanship, floor vinyl not glued to sub-floor (wrinkled with use), bathroom flooring not extended behind toilet (shower water pours into cassette cabinet), no sealer around toilet, poorly finished wood railing on stern (destroyed by weather), raw wood edges on stern railing (wood swells by rain), rust stains dripping down hull from improper installation of chocks (the shiny things that hold the rope on the roof). Much of the electrical system was a joke. I have repaired most of the things myself but the boat should not have left the factory this way. Many of the "shortcuts" have caused significant and expensive damage over time as the weather hammers the exposed wood, non-stainless screws, and exposed metal. I think you could get a great unit, but you probably need a professional inspector to make sure each part of the build is correct.
Holy crap! That's disgusting and indicative of corners being cut. As you say, there are a lot of things that are sealed up on a build and I'd be worried about how well they are built if they treat stuff that CAN be seen this way.
At least it's a canal boat, chances are no one is going o die from bad workmanship (as long as things like heater exaughsts are sealed correctly) but that's hardly the point.
Which reminds me, Lorna, do you have a CO detector installed? If not, please do so ASAP.
OMG
I find it interesting that you are not the only TH-camr who is disappointed with their build from Aintree. Not a good look for them. Glad to hear they are coming back to fix the rest of the issues.
A 100-pound diesel heater from Vevor has an effective thermostat, they are lying. Those pencil marks are unforgivable and to me, a worry. If they're willing to leave work like that, what else is wrong? Yes of course they should have gone over the engine and checked that everything was right, the same as any other component they use. I still say the prop pitch is wrong to boot. You are far nicer than I am, my next comms with Aintree would be via my lawyer.
After your experience, I would not have Aintree build me a steel water trough, let alone a canal boat. So sorry you are having to deal with this crap, it's utter bullshit. BTW, I have project-managed boat builds in the past from 40 to 120 feet and NONE of this would be in the least acceptable at any yard I have ever worked with.
It may be that in the trade community this yard is one to avoid.
It might that expert craftsmen have been replaced by ordinary workers who are not skilled boatbuilders.
Perhaps it's a case of poor management/staff relations?
There again it might be that there's something fundamentally wrong with the business?
Perhaps Trading Standards or whatever they're known as these days might take an interest?
Trading standards are useless, it s not brain surgery, the boat has not been fitted out properly. Avoid them. Managenent staff relations, lol. Its not British Leyland, its looks like a guy with a shed working part time and with no good fitters available
@@ladygardener100
So if you believe that how would you suggest Lorna goes about getting redress?
There again Citizen's Advice might useful.
Or perhaps there's a trade organisation who could intercede?
Going to law might work but getting judgement is one thing ... getting the money is quite another.
Still, it does seem as if the boat builder is trying to impose conditions inimical to UK law.
It's important to understand that these things are not decided by one party and a consumer has rights protected by law.
Glad we didn't choose them to build our boat 2 years ago. Didn't get much confidence from our initial visit. Mastic, heater, pencil marks, ballast all should be sorted by them. Write to them demanding resolution with timescales.
Aintree ought to realize that treating customers shoddily as they have done to you is going to impact their future business. It is shocking how much nonsense they have tried to sell to you. So sorry you have had to live with delays, excuses, and obfuscation throughout the process. I’m sure others will learn from your experience. Keep up the lovely videos! ❤
I know. Do they even realize she is a TH-cam creator?
Do they know much about boat fitting, seems that it was not inspected on handover. How disapointing for any new owner.
Is the paperwork correct?
I cant imagine where one can buy a heater controller that does not function correctly
@@ladygardener100 the up and down controls are just for decoration. 😂😂😂😂
Lorna.. I cant believe what im hearing! 25 yeaars ago I purchased a water bug from springer, one of the cheapest boats on the market as you probably know..service was incredible, it arrived it was immaculate , no window leaks no snagging issues at all and it was one of the nicest boats we have owned! Shame shame on them, how appalling! Well done on dealing with the whole thing as you have.. sending you a hug xx
I think your snagging issues are very reasonably presented. What's more, "Cover my portholes"....is a phrase i shall be using a lot going forward.
Sound like a complete bunch of crooks
Wow, great timing on stumbling on this video, we were looking into a boat with them.
Loving your sarcasm. It's well deserved. Poor customer service.
I admire your positive outlook on what has not been the journey you expected, or paid for. A great advert for you, Aintree Boats not so much...
If I were Aintree and I read your review of their work, I would call you and arrange to show up very soon and fix everything you mentioned. I hope they lose commissions.
I love your boat. It looks totally like a happy place to be, which it should be.
Note to self avoid Aintree boats, From this and your previous videos it sounds like a giant botch fest from the get go and just an utter pain for you 😩😩
How shoddy they sound. Sorry to hear it's been a less than stellar experience. Here's to future happiness in all things boat!
Lorna, make sure your around next time they visit to correct mistakes.
And to think i was considering having an aintree boat built. I will now look at other boat builders. 💚
Hi Lorna
To sum it up the problem appears to be "CUSTOMER SERVICE". Interesting to hear about the issues at hand. It does take the excitement out of the project. Hope it brings you closer to Fox Glove as she is a beautiful little boat.
Mark
Alberta, Canada
The short answer: If you are having a boat built, DO NOT TAKE DELIVER UNTIL A PROFESSIONAL INSPECTOR HAS CHECKED EVERYTHING VERY CAREFULLY and the boat is exactly like you expected. Moreover, I would STRONGLY suggest you hire an inspector to inspect the boat as it is BEING BUILT. Many wires, pipes, air hoses, welds, fasteners, etc. are sealed away forever - until you have problems.
I have Millie Mae Rose a ten year old 25' Beetle (2014). She is #8 (the eighth Beetle unit built by Aintree). I bought her when she was two and have enjoyed her for eight years. I do love her but the comments made by Lorna are consistent with my experience. I found many parts of the build were simply not done correctly including: wrong heater hose length (didn't bother to cut the hose, just threw the whole hose under the cabinets), wrong sized heater fittings (hose didn't even seal to the fittings), unsealed heater intake hose, large unsealed air gap from engine compartment to cabin, poorly vented heater on intake, poorly place drains on hatches (caused pooling water and rust), non-stainless steel screws on exterior vents and stern railing (rust), sealer failure on vents (wrong type of sealer), junk Chinese solar panel not fit for use (destroyed roof paint by electrolysis), entry hatch door opening problems from poor workmanship, floor vinyl not glued to sub-floor (wrinkled with use), bathroom flooring not extended behind toilet (shower water pours into cassette cabinet), no sealer around toilet, poorly finished wood railing on stern (destroyed by weather), raw wood edges on stern railing (wood swells by rain), rust stains dripping down hull from improper installation of chocks (the shiny things that hold the rope on the roof). Much of the electrical system was a joke. I repaired most of the things myself but the boat should not have left the factory this way. Many of the "shortcuts" are not visible in the short-term but have caused significant and expensive damage over time as the weather hammers the exposed wood, non-stainless screws, and exposed metal. I think you could get a great unit, but you probably need a professional inspector to make sure each part of the build is correct.
Aintree arnt really covering themselves in glory here - cowboys to be honest - the ballast situation is not acceptable at a base level - and the other things really show that a lack of diligence is embedded in company culture.
Just a piece of advice. If you have a friend, ideally a male friend who can send in a few emails on your behalf and maybe even a phone call and have them kind of put a little bit of effort into rectifying the situation then ask them to do that because you know you’re obviously burnt out from their maltreatment. Outsource some of your unpleasant law type stuff I would consider paying a lawyer just to send an email so retain a lawyer to communicate for you because the couple hundred pounds that that would cost coming from a lawyer and the law firm. Maybe with the letter, referencing this video and all the comments in the community and what they’re doing to their reputation.
This boat is also iconic, right, I mean it’s extremely unique, unique color and a well-known person in the community is on it and you’re rolling around the cut with the boat literally not sitting in the water level and safe. I mean it’s a literal walking advertisement for that company to implode their business. Obviously whoever runs that business is extremely shortsighted/incompetent because all it takes is a little bit of sanding or even just a little bit of rubber 10 minutes to get rid of those pencil marks before lacquerIng I mean it’s literally 10 minutes of work 5 to 10 minutes and it should be on there Procedure list right so that makes me think they don’t have a procedure list. Fixing those ballast is extremely easy to do and they should’ve done it right away. If I would send you your situation, I would honestly be suing them because you are in the right and also you will get paid back all your lawyer fees.
The sad thing about reality in today’s world, and I guess throughout history is that we have to be disagreeable in order to force move things in our favor. That is why generally women don’t get a raise at work or you know get problems like this fixed. I guarantee you if this was my boat I would be screaming on the phone with them. I would be hiring a lawyer. I would be putting up signs outside their business And I would fight until everything is perfectly how I paid for it. And also so that the boat is safe. Unfortunately, it’s either the not very pleasant being disagreeable or being kind of like a victim and sort of I think it’s better to be disagreeable and go for the win.
Don’t let them off the hook!! Keep on them until it’s done the way you wanted! Good luck!
Once the money has been paid, thats pretty much it, having to keep attempting to sort things is painfull. Removing portholes and vents to seal them properly risks paintwork damage. The jobs need to be done properly during the build.
@@ladygardener100 The various sale of goods acts would say otherwise - from what Lorna says there is at least one breach of contract (the cheap heater instead of the agreed and specified one).
Ouch!! That's disappointing... But, your boat is delightful!! Enjoy it!!
If they fitted a little brass vent on the cassette door, then when you closed the door, air pressure would escape and the door wouldn’t pop open. Maybe one in chrome or stainless to match your portholes would look better
I’m sorry you had to go though with that. Aintree should have thoroughly checked the boat before handing it over to you
I am pleased to hear they plan to rectify the issues.
Wonderful to watch an honest vlogger . So many tell their subscribers how wonderful their new boat is, with good after sales service. Yes thry possibly do when they have 1,000 of subscribers, but people like me get crap service from my boat builder and itnis due to being mislead by certaim vloggers, i purchased a new boat....big mistake...shoddy work, well you can see from your experience. Vloggers should be open and honest, not keep quiet in liu of discounts and freebies.
It seems that what you are saying is NEVER BUY A BOAT FROM AINTREE BOATS?
Lorna - there is Trades Description Act. You will only have a certain amount of time to raise all these snags so dont delay and take no b.llocks from them. They are treating you badly because you are a woman. I would not normally say that but in this case I do believe it. I hope the Managing Director can sleep at night knowing what is going on. Isnt there a programme on the BBC headed by three women that deal with matters such as this. I think you deserve a new boat quite frankly.
Very fair assessment. Better to make peace with it all and like you say enjoy the boat ! Looks great btw
Time to call a lawyer/solicitor!!!! Don't let them treat you like this any longer.
you have way more patience than myself!
DON'T BUY AINTREE BOATS - Lorna is totally in the right about all the issues in this video.
It's a bit annoying on the beetles where the whole point of them is that they're not bespoke so that they're easier and cheaper to build. Given that, snagging should be minimal since they should have got the hang of it by now.
@@davidquinn5906 Never mind the snagging, the build-quality beggars belief. I was going to say to Lorna that, after they came back, at least they know how to do nice things with paint but thinking about it.....who the hell clear-coats over pencil marks on a new boat!!!!?? I mean, I haven't really got a dog in this fight but it makes me want to ring Aintree Boats & give them a mouthful!! Car dealers do this sort of crap too, especially to females, & its very sad that accountability & consumer rights aren't more on-the-surface & available to us in the UK...
@@TomTremayne There's another guy who has vlogged about his boat (Gladys the Narrowboat) being built at Aintree. He was getting the same runaround as Lorna and it looks like as of August 31st he still didn't have the boat. They seem to treat everyone equally with their poor service. It's really sad to have a wonderful exciting thing turned into a pile of poo.
Anyone that thinks it’s acceptable to seal windows like that needs sacking
If that was my boat I would take it out of the water and have a full inspection done mechanically and structurally. Where else have they cut corners? Get a lawyer and have them send a letter of all the issues.
Structurally it should be OK. Aintree supply shells to other boat builders. It's at the fit-out stage where they've been struggling for quite a while now.
@@davidquinn5906
Perhaps some jobbing boat builders were employed to fit out the boat?
If so who is responsible for the subbies?
Not a difficult question.
Don't let them get away with that. Rember, the squeaky wheel gets the grease!
You have a lot of patience with Aintree, you got a lot of narrow boat subscribers who wont be saying good things about Aintree, terrible after sales service, they aren't doing them selfs any favours, good luck with everything and looking forward to your next vlog 😊
Sorry to hear that you were having all those problems Lorna. Totally agree with the Weed Hatch. If that was me, I would rather be shown than just being explained about it and some of the sarcasm in the video was spot on!
We were going to have a boat built by Aintree, so glad we didn't go down that route! It's so disappointing for you that it's tainted the experience of having a new boat, not sure you should budge on that heating system if it's not what you were supposed to get, demand you get what the spec said. I saw your boat when we had a meeting at Aintree it was inside being worked on. I hate people over promising and under delivering. I hope your experience gets better with your boat, we brought second hand in the end and did work to it, feels like it was the right decision.😊
All noted! As you know, I really appreciate your honesty with all of this. I agree, stay positive & keep your boat the happy place it is! X
Oh dear Aintree! Picked on the wrong person here, fair points well put.
I am waiting for a well known online boat broker to start a video with “lovely boat this…beautifully made by the craftsmen at Aintree boats “ …
and suggest we comment accordingly :)
Bless u. That is awful. There’s another vlogger also experiencing said delays. Think the mushroom vents look a bit bodged. Feel so sad for you. All that money too. They’re not doing themselves any favours. Let’s hope from now it’s plain sailing g for u. Every best wish. 🎉
Great video, looking forward to watching you cruse the cut, hope you get the problems all fixred lee
The heater sounds like bait and switch, also they are responsible for engine just like every boat builder in the planet. The quality control of that company is not good. If they do that in USA, they be out of business in a year.
Another great presentation video, Flamingo Girl. Wisely chosen words as always.. Aintree just don't come across as a caring, professional company, with their use of excuses, smoke and mirrors and downright bullcrap. They seem to be playing on your sweet nature and understanding. Many would have resorted to lawyers, but that's not FG's way is it? Enjoy your boat, make it your own in your own way and get things sorted as and when you seem fit. Customer service is now a thing of the past in what seems every to be every customer facing business these days. You're not alone and your restraint and forward looking is to be admired. Happy trails FG.x
I'm sorry to hear you've had problems. It's terrible when suppliers don't take their own service seriously. Id speak with consumer direct, they are helpful and will suggest some options. You shouldn't accept poor service , it's every consumers right to get what they paid for and not back down when suppliers short change them. Pm me if you need help or want to off load. Good luck.
Bunch of cowboys but that started to show with the build, you should not see the wires above the heating control, take the to court, they have fitted inferior components just to fill their own pockets, total criminals.
Lorna, it sounds to me like the heater or the controls that they've fitted isn't fit for purpose, I would insist that they change it.
If you used any form of credit card to pay for the boat, I would consider applying to them for a recharge until they fix this.
I worked for a boat builder a few years ago as an electrician and one of the things they did before declaring a boat finished was to put the boat in their on site pond without a propeller fitted, test it for leaks and fire up and test the engine.
Yes, I agree that things go wrong and there are definitely more often than not snagging issues.
I'm guessing, from what I've heard and read, that Aintree are NOT a professional and caring company.
In any business that makes and supplies their own products, customer after care is of prime importance because happy customers mean they will likely get more business through recommendation.
It would be nice to see other companies building smaller narrow boats. We don't all want 55,60,65. Foot long boats. Not sure I would have been so calm with the aftersale
Someone else definitely needs to break into the market
Sorry that you had to experience this. Being in the US, I understand that the narrowboaters are a strong community. Hopefully, they will make things right. You will get through this and look back to see your strength in all of this.
Strange that they are not aware that Lorna is a youtube vlogger, a boat safety examiner, and all round honest person.
A poor show from them and I totally get what you are saying about the lies, which are the most disappointing aspect. A heater that you can’t change the temperature on and a weed hatch you have use tools to open? Neither of those can be right yet they say that’s how they are meant to be. I know you just want to get on with it now, but the ballast, weed hatch and heater should be fixed for you. What a sloppy approach from them!
I contacted aintree n their website and said i wanted a boat EXACTLY like yours with pencil marks, missing porthole bungs, sticky doors and all the other faults you mentioned. I never got a reply!!!
Ah Aintree Boats. We had our boat built by them 6 years ago so many issues on delivery it went back to the boat yard for 3 months for them to rectify. So many bullshit answers as to why things were failing, window sealant was the wrong one used, incomplete paint on the roof, solar panels weren’t stuck down correctly or the size we were told they were. Blacking not done correctly internal measurements were well out from plans etc etc. Up shot was we had it all rectified by Stoke Boats total repaint and quite a few other unresolved issues sorted. We got a boat we wanted after 5 years thanks to Russ at Stoke Boats.
You don't deserve this you must have the patience of a saint, Hope it's gets better especially the heating which is a major point, take care.😊
Sounds like the same kind of problems people in the US are having with rv (caravan) dealers with the warranty work. I hope you can get it worked out
Their customer service seems to be lacking. 🤨 You have handled it very well. 🤗😎
This is so sad that you had to go through all of this. Not that you or he should have to, but I bet David could redo the seal on the mushroom cap on the roof and make it look much better.
Agree with most of the comments you are 2 nice, they should fit the heater stated Trade Description Act, don’t be so nice give then some shit & Threaten Legal proceedings but basically they are shit boat builders & employ people who must be blind when sealing mushroom vents hope you get things sorted.
I do feel for you. We bought a boat and had to deal with a whole load of bulls?.t as well. In the End you have a lovely boat.
They need putting in court ! I know you won't because it's just to much hassle and cost.They talk a good job, but they are just messer's and with you putting this out on you tube you maybe saving other people All the heartache you have had to suffer!Its time to move on and enjoy your boat! Happy boating!
A poor experience overall. After watching David struggling with the weed hatch, you have got to be kidding that that's just the way they are made. Safety of the vessel without the engine being checked after installation is a serious issue. Get an expert survey done and send to Aintree for immediate resolution.
Honestly if this is the shoddy workmanship and attitude that they give to someone with a YT channel (who could have been a great advert for them) then how bad is the work they do for other people with no platforms?
You would think they would put more effort into your boat since your basically showing off there progress to all your followers who may be potential customers….
Why should some z list celebrity be entitled to 'more effort'? Aintree dealt with me in a professional manner & from what I saw when visiting their factory I was treated no differently than any other customer. Why should someone with a video camera expect superior treatment?
I don’t expect superior treatment. I would have loved to have the same experience as you
As an attorney and while there are recommendations below to get one, I have found you can get issues resolved very quickly by simply retaining one to write a letter. That may well move things along very quickly! As for Aintree, they appear to be ripoff artists building shoddy boats and have little interest in doing the right thing for there customers! Good luck.
Feel for you Lorna Jane, but, as you say, going forward..... Lots of fun to be had.😃
It seems you're not the only one having issues with Aintree boats, Lorna...get on their coat tails to get it sorted; get what you paid for!
I have met a similar problem, although not for a boat. I was looking at buying a new car, and found one I liked the looks of, booked a test drive, and liked the way it drove - then - - the stumbling block - NOBODY amongst all the insurance companies has ever heard of it, so cannot even give me a quote. This is not some back-street fly-by-night garage, but a proper big wel-known showroom! Even their own company doesn't have it listed! So I contacted Customer Services, to chase up a solution. I'm still waiting a week later. Do they really want to sell cars?
Well, now, it would seem that the boat builder is oblivious to the notion of customer satisfaction.
Or customer communications.
One thing I am intrigued about is the notion of getting the weed hatch clear of the well so you can reach right down to the prop and propshaft.
As for the pencil marks under the varnish then that seems to be an apprentice's mistake when not working under supervision.
I am slightly disappointed that the snagging was not done before the boat was released to the customer.
As for attempting to mansplain the lack of bungs seems ridiculous.
Ditto why the stern sits deeper in the water.
Anyway it remains to be seen whether your exposé ref the quality of de-snagging and overall attention to detail has an effect on their business.
Shame really because all it required was a little more attention to detail during the stages of the build.
It seems its a general thing nowadays if you buy new it takes ages and still there be lots of dissapointing things . Not just boats same with campervans etc etc .what shoold feel as a party now becomes a disapointment.
The boat looks nice in the pictures but I agree with the other comments that the builder should have been much more helpful after the sale. The thermostat for the heater should be fixed, a boat that size doesn't normally have an "on/off" heater. And certainly there should be no need for tools to get the weed hatch off -- you might need it in a hurry while the boat is drifting somewhere bad.
We’ve been cc’ing for a few years now, and thought of ordering/buying a new boat. Having heard lots of boaters dissatisfied with there build by so called reputable builders we’re giving it a miss. Another couple on TH-cam are by the sound of it very disappointed. So better the devil you know.
So sorry you seem to have had a bad experience with Aintree. I really wish they'd been honest with you. They've not done themselves any favours by putting you off and basically offering such poor service and after sales care. I hope this hasn't put you off your lovely little boat and wish you years of happy cruising. We won't be going to Aintree to have a boat built!
All of this is so unacceptable. They took your hard earned money for a new properly built boat. I know you are tired of dealing with it but none of it should be allowed to slide. Of course, that's easy for me to say since it's not my problem. I'd be on a rampage. It IS a lovely boat over all. Best of luck.
Sad it has to be like that Lorna. I think the port hole bungs look good though, like huge speakers 😊
Hi Lorna thank you for the update I agree with some of the comments you are too nice since making the video have aintree got back to you .
Kindest regards Paul in Kent - please enjoy your hobby you really deserve it
You're too nice! However, I do understand that you've had enough and can't face more dealings with them.
I think you are being a good sport bout all that stuff.
I think it is a littany of shoddy workmanship and lack of attention to detail.
A good testament of why one should not buy a new Narrowboat.
At least not from that maker.
I sure wouldn't.
Even at the beginning of 'Your Dream' coming to fruition and your video's of the meetings - They Looked like a dodgy operation 🤠 .... I did comment at the time ... But you were MORE than happy with them 'stroking' your Ego .... It's such a SHAME that there are Folks out there who ONLY see £££££ Signs in the Eyes - And Dreams are just an obstacle to 'get over' .... Hope things get better on the 'Little Pink Plodder' 😀
What a lousy service 😞
My respect for you saying not to dwell on that but get on with your life and your boat that you - in spite of all - are generally satisfied with!
Love from Denmark
Nah, she suffered for months and has to live looking at crappy work she paid hard money for. Better to fight for your right and get revenge/fairness and be proud of yourself when you look at your properly built boat with all issues fixed.
My jaw dropped several times during this video . I’d be really frustrated as you are . Sorry to hear , hope it’s all sorted for you soon
Awww how awful all still not sorted but hope you do get the rest resolved tc now the oldies 🤗👍🤗👍🌹🌺🌷
Thank you 👍🌹
Was it not inspected by Quality Control before delivery?
sorry to hear about all the snags but I am sure you will be ok somtimes when you see liitle marks you cant unsee them but i dont think anyone else will notice all the best to you
Nice one Lorna This is bad form that sealant on the mushroom vent looks a right mess .they have cut to many corners and what kind of heater is that if you can’t adjust the temp and I have never seen anyone need tools to take a weedhatch off apart from when it might av not been moved for yrs it’s a totall shitshow anyway have a Top week lass 🙂⚓️🦆✌️
Aintree quoted me a sailaway price in 2022 and then again in 2023. With a £20,000 price difference. Needless to say, I purchased elsewhere.
sorry i forgot to say you have a beauitful boat love the colour
Ah the ole Jova N-40 diesel cabin heater, maybe reach out to them directly if Aintree is clueless, personally I’d tell them it better get fixed otherwise sue them…
They’ve already reached out to me twice and are going to talk me through it on the phone next time I’m there
So Braidbar don't need to worry then? Honestly, that's the quality of workmanship I would expect from my neighbour Alan, and he's never picked up a tool in his life. At least Alan would have the decency to be embarrassed about his mistakes. Whatever they sell must comply with safety regulations and be "fit for purpose" a cheap heater with a thermostat that doesn't work is not only false advertising, but it clearly doesn't satisfy the "fit for purpose" requirement either. If they don't rectify their mistakes, I would consider taking them to the small claims court (covers claims for up to £10,000) They probably won't even show up to defend, or they'll elect to go to mediation. I can't imagine them winning and that should cover the cost of replacing the heater for the one they claimed they were selling you.
Sometimes you have to accept that the only redeeming feature of a snagging visit is Dave’s legs.