Q: I just love the look of your boats, why have I not seen you before?
A: Thank you, we try to build boats that appeal, we certainly don’t take shortcuts
with the design or plug building just make it easier for ourselves.
As for knowing us, we’ll in some respects perhaps you already do, if you share the
same passion for boats and you crave for days spent on the water relaxing having
fun or battling the elements then we’re very like minded.....
We built our first glass fibre boat in 1993, the Sprint 148. A centre console model
that has gave many people lots of fun. The Sprint was built as a product developed
with in our sister company, that manufacturers plastic and glass fibre signage products.
In 2007 we took on extra space in an adjacent unit to launch the Nord Fisher range.
Our experience is extensive, both in plug and mould building, fabrication and we
carry out fully documented insurance and builder warranty repairs.
Q: Your boats seem a little more expensive than some others. Why?
A: We like to think that the difference is built in!
It’s quite simple really, there are boats out there that are just cheap, cheaply built, cheap hardware and not great value. The trouble is some buyers believe the brand name is their protection. This isn’t always the case!! It should be all about value, not low cost..
However, I’m NOT going to catalogue or run down any one else’s product, to start with it’s a bit childish. I have read somewhere on a brochure or web site where a comment was made by a builder referring to other builders as ‘his rivals’, surely it’s about offering a buyer ‘value’. Just because you pick holes in a ‘rivals’ product, doesn’t make yours’ any better!
No, instead, we’d rather put our efforts into giving our customers life enhancing boats they can proud off and enjoy! When you’re out there and the wind turns against the tide, and you need to get back home, will you really be glad you saved a few pounds when you bought a ‘me too’ skimpy boat? Wouldn’t you rather have a stronger boat with value that you can confident with!
We’re fussy about what we build, it’s in the small details as well, like for example the hull and deck joint, it’s force bonded, glassed over inside then bolted, the edge is then sealed with gelcoat before fitting a heavy duty fendering that won’t pull off. We don’t use plywood or even softwood in our stringers, that’s only leading to future problems. Our stringers are pu foam or a moulding heavily glassed over . Our buoyancy foam on the the new 170 even has drainage channels built in . We use bolts not self tappers!
Safety is a big issue, the new 170 has been tested to carry the weight of six people at 75kg, as per requirements, but not everyone weighs 75kg! So we have the 170 marked to carry four people, chances are someday you’ll put in five. If it’s marked for six, somebody may put in seven and what if they’re all 90kg?
The 170 will float level if swamped, with people on board, and the high level scuppers, help evacuate water quickly to protect the battery.
We also supply every Nord Fisher with a fire extinguisher, ropes, fenders, and an anchor.
And of course during this year all new boats will qualify for a £100 RYA training voucher that you can use in your local training school.
So the difference is much more than just what get’s built in.
Q: I see you’re based just outside Belfast, does it float?
Let’s get this one out of the way, I wish I had a penny for every time I heard this one, actually I take it in good humour and don’t even hint about about who was at the helm! But seriously, Belfast has a wealth of maritime history, and it’s now an evolving emerging vibrant city in it’s own right.
Here’s a few links worth a read if you get a chance
www.titanicinbelfast.com/welcome.aspx
http://www.titanicsdock.com/
So the answer to your question, yes, it floats, and floats level even when full of water. (It’s a requirement of the RCD, many older boats don’t comply as they where never built to same high standards, a point worth considering if buying any older boat)
Q: Can finance be arranged?
Yes, finance companies are now accepting proposals again, we can arrange or assist you.
A personal loan tends to the most popular way of raising funds. We have found believe it not, Tescos to be excellent and another internet lender Zopa.com to be very fast.
If you have a good credit track record then you should have no problem.
Q: How much do I need as a deposit?
A: A building slot deposit of £499 is required to book your delivery window and a building contract is signed, then approx. six weeks prior to delivery we require a building deposit of 50% and the remainder to be cleared before your boat leaves our works. (In some circumstances especially if an alternative engine or electronics have been ordered they will need to be paid for in full).
Throughout the build process, you will be emailed regular build photos. All Hull and equipment numbers will be supplied.
(Some buyers like to place their funds with a solicitor, which with we have no problem with. Although we may have to ‘Stop the clock’ on a build if the solicitor’s pace is not in time with ours!)
Of course you do, and in fact we’ll insist!!
If there is no dealer local to you , then we can easily collect you from Belfast City or Belfast International for a run out from Carrickfergus to the North Channel, or Belfast Lough.
Let us know your location as we are constantly planning locations for dedicated demonstration days at new dealers throughout the UK.
Q: Can I make some changes?
A: All boats are individually manufactured even for dealers, and come with a range of options, built in fuel tanks, filters, covers, canopies, seats, extra storage. We’ll consider any option that doesn’t affect the integrity of your boat.
Q: If I decide to go ahead, how quick can I have one?
Build time is approx six weeks, but that slot may be already allocated. If you are in a hurry the best we can do is check with dealers who may have a stock boat in build, that they can sell to you.
Q: I don’t like Yamaha can I have a Suzuki or Mariner?
Currently we only supply new boats rigged with Yamaha engines . Here’s why, Yamaha and ourselves have invested considerable time and money fine tuning our craft to give you the best possible performance and value package in it’s class.
Q: I want one but can’t afford it, will you sell me a kit boat for me to complete myself.
A: Sorry, we don’t consider that an option, ‘Engine ready’ is our base unit. If you need to save money, consider a cheaper unbraked third party delivery trailer or borrow one, if you only need it on occasions ( A braked trailer is about £1500)
Q: I have or am buying a used engine, will you fit it?
A: Usually yes, at our normal rigging rate, but can offer no guarantee towards performance or reliability.
Q: Your question not answered?