There should have been a deposit but never pay the total amount due. When I do a project for someone I never take the total up front. Though I have been burned doing it this way. We now get 50% (covers the cost of deposit on equipment)and a weekly check for the work that is accomplished. I agree with Too Old your info is hear say. If the man who spent the money posted it would be diferrent. I also would like to see the other side. In their defense we have seen many of the boats that are built out of the Pantera factory through the in production process to completion on OSO. Everyone seems to have been very satisfied. If nothing else he should get on a plane and go see his boat. Join the board and post his findings along with his friend. I do believe this post should be taken down also.

ok ok you guys win I'm calling him with my password and the next post will be from him himself.

I'm surprised that it isn't handles like earnest money on a home purchase. The money is held by an attorney with a contract that stipulates certain deadlines for the process to be completed. If those deadlines are not met, then the contract can be adjusted if both parties agree or canceled and the money returned. I don't necessarily care to get more attorneys involved, but for the $300-400 it would cost it sure would give some peace of mind. Most of these boats cost as least as much as a small property after all. It would also protect the builder. I'm sure something of this type of contract is already used. I'm surprised anyone would lay out there money to someone else given the current economy w/o some sort of protection.

PS. Tell him to join. If he uses your password how will anyone know its not you? After all....its free

That's what I'm saying seems to me like they what you to fork over all the money 100% and bendover and wait. There has to be some sort of way you can buy a custom boat a safe way?

There has been at least 3 boat dealerships alone in my area that have taken money and split before getting your boat. I have had more money wasted in getting lawyers involved in boats then I ever thought . I am NOT saying all boat dealerships and buisnesses are like that but there has to be a way you can buy a Custom Boat and not risk your $$ a happy medium

We were just talking the other day that we've never ever heard a bad word spoken about Pantera. I would be more likely to give up front money to them than any other builder I know of.

There is always two sides to a story. How do we know it wasn't due to changes from the buyer, or some other influence. I for one and certainly sticking with the Pantera reputation without more information indicating otherwise.

chuck,

i understand your buddy's frustration. and i am not saying it's good bussiness practice. but when ordering a custom boat, i have never seen one on time from any manufacture. the whole word meaning custom. it takes time to build a qaulity product. and if you guy's can't give them a break from the recent events then you have no feelings whatso ever.

i am sure they will finish the boat asap. i am also sur it will be a 2004. july 1st is the change over for the new year in the boating industry.

i realize it blew your boating season but look at the bright side. you will get an 04 boat for an 03 price wich in january will be the usuall increase of 10 - 15 %. jumping up and down will only make matters worse.


and not to mention if your buddy has a problem tell him to register it's free and complain himself. earase this thread for it has no purpose hear for the plain fact it has nothing to do with you.

Treadwell

Dear Treadwell, The boat was three months late when the accident occured. The owner seldom returns phone calls. When my friend got the boat fiananced he needed the serial number to do so. So now he has a 2003 boat,and won't use it until 2004. The 10-15% diffrence you thought would be to his advantage in reality is probably depreciation of about 30 %.

I do understand peoples replies that this is his argument and not mine, but he is apprehensive that he will never see the boat nor his money back. I have had many phone calls from him today concerning these posts. He would be happy to speak with anyone personally to support this thread in private. Just so some of you know, I have received some private messages from customers with similar circumstances. P.S. I do own a custom boat and it was only about three hours late.

Do we need reminded this is an open forum?
He has expressed a ligitiment concern of his friend and all he has gotten is a rash of crap from those who haven't lost a dime. Such brotherly empathy is terrific.