Hull warranty?

Charlieroc · Aug 12, 2009

Is there really a difference between a hull with a 5 year warranty (Parker) and a hull with a lifetime warranty (Steiger)? Leaning toward purchase of a Parker but cannot take my mind off the Steiger warranty.

Porkchunker · Aug 12, 2009

I dare say that most people don't keep the same boat for more than 5 years before trading up/down.

As for me, my 2002 Parker is now 7 years old...2 years past the hull warranty...and she is still as solid as the day I took possession. The new high-tech components have their advantages (no rot), but they have disadvantages (delamination). Wood is forgiving and can be repaired...some of the high-tech stuff cannot be easily repaired when it delaminates.

As for me, I love wood...see my woodie in my signature.

Dave

aka

Charlieroc · Aug 13, 2009

That woodie looks great.
What delaminates on the hi-tech materials?

Megabyte · Aug 13, 2009

On any quality built hull (of any brand), if any problems were to be discovered, I would think they would surface within a 5 year timeframe.

Also understand that there are (or were) companies in the boat business that offered lifetime hull warranties... and they are no longer in business.
So what becomes of that lifetime warranty then?

Warranties are a marketing tool as much as a protection vehicle offered to the consumer of any product.
And we're not just talking boats... Everything from homes, to cars, to washing machines, and consumer electronics... all are covered by some kind of warranty. If a company goes away, who assumes that warranty?

Warranty might be a consideration in a purchase, but I'd give more weight to other factors when making a decision to buy anything these days.

B-Faithful · Aug 13, 2009

Exactly Capt. Kev....

I will also add that Angler offers a lifetime warranty on their boats. I would take a Parker anyday over an Angler. Parker has a great reputation for a reason. They build quality boats and have for a long time. I am sure Steiger builds a great boat but my point is to not base the quality of a boat soley on is warranty. You should base your decision based on many other factors first - such as the layout and what boat you believe will suit your needs and desires more.

Hugs Tug · Aug 13, 2009

I agree with the warranty issues that they are only good for as long as the boat manufacturer is solvent.
I purchased my Steiger not because of the lifetime warranty. The decision between a Parker and Steiger came down to the fact that the cockpit floor on the Steiger was flush all the way to the helm. With arthritic knees the step on the Parker would have been a challenge.
Is one better than the other? That answer is only in the eyes of the individual owner.

For what its worth I did entertain the 2310 model but that had the step up. It seemed that I could not win unless I moved up to the 2510 model.

Tom