Ordering Process

As custom boat builders, the experience of buying a boat from us is different than you’ll find in a big-box store, or even most online retailers.  Ordering a boat from us is a personal experience.

For most of us, buying a boat is a major decision, so it’s very important to us that you get the boat will make you happy.  Along the way, you’ll have the benefit of our decades of experience in construction and design, as well as our first-hand knowledge of recreational boating. And in the end, you’ll end up with a boat that is the best fit for the way you are going to use it.

Here is what the process of ordering a boat from us looks like:

1) Choose the best boat model for you (Our Boats)

We will talk with you to make sure that you are choosing the best boat for the way you intend to use it.  Do you want a yacht tender to row ship to shore, or are you looking for something to motor out to the crabbing grounds?  Planning on going on a solo sailing adventure, or looking for a family daysailor for a calm inland lake?  These are the kinds of questions that we’ll talk about in order to help you find the best model and options for your intended use.

You can also read our “How to Pick your Boat” FAQ that outlines the best use of each model, and most of the common questions we receive.

2) Learn about our custom Options and Accessories

These are the features that will further customize your boat to your desired use.  Sliding seats for tandem rowing?  High performance sails?  Special colors?  These are the things that set your boat apart, and make it truly yours. “Options” are features that are built into the boat, like colors and rowing seats. “Accessories” are items that are independent from the boat itself, and as such can be added on later or purchased separately.

Our FAQ addresses several questions about the various options you have to choose from.

3) Check out our Price List and configure your boat with our Online Quote tool

First take a look at our price list to see how your desired Boat & Options fit in with your budget.  Then, go to the Online Quote page to test different option combinations and find the best fit for you.  Once you find a configuration you like, you can provide your contact information and submit the web quote to us. This no-obligation informational quote is non-binding, it just lets us know what you’re interested in and how you picture your boat.  You’ll receive a copy of the quote you customized via email and we’ll be in touch with you to discuss it.

You may have noticed we have no online checkout – that is intentional!  We want you to contact us so we can make sure you are ordering the boat that will be the best fit for you. We always connect with you personally before we will create your Purchase Order or accept any money for your boat.

Please Note: We will NEVER try to upsell or pressure you into a purchase – that’s just not the way we do business! Much of our business comes from referrals, so we want your purchase experience, and your boat, to be everything you’d hoped they would be. No haggling, no pressure.  And if we don’t think one of our boats is the best choice for you, we’ll try to point you in the right direction.

4) Make your 25% deposit to secure your place on our waiting list

Since all of our boats are built to order, there is a waiting list of 2-6 months that varies with the seasons.  A 25% deposit on your Purchase Order secures your place in line (Visa/MC, E-check, regular check, or cash). Your deposit is placed in a trust account and won’t be used until construction begins. Changes can be made to your Purchase Order up until we start production on your boat.  We will call you a few weeks before we start production to let you know your boat is coming soon, confirm any final changes to your order, and invoice another 25% installment (for a total of 50% down). Your deposits becomes non-refundable once production begins.

5) Final payment and local pick-up, delivery, or shipping of your finished boat

Your boat will be delivered upon receipt of the final invoice payment.  If you are local to the Gig Harbor, WA area, you can make an appointment to come pick up your finished boat at our shop.  We can also arrange delivery within Western WA for a fee (varies).  For boats that are going elsewhere in the country we can arrange either truck delivery or crated shipping.  International orders can be shipped.  Shipping is pre-paid and varies greatly by destination – contact us for a quote.

6) Go play with your new boat, but please keep in touch!

We love to hear about all of the adventures our customers have with our boats.  Please send us updates and photos – we love to find out what our “kids” are doing with their new families!  (With your permission, we may even feature them in a “Mailbag” post on our blog.)  We’re also happy to be a resource if you ever have a problem or question down the road.

 

What about sales tax? Purchases of goods by WA residents are subject to sales tax (based on the combined local tax rate where the boat is delivered). Out of state and international residents may prove exemption from sales tax by providing proof of non-WA residence.