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Hobie Parts in Atlanta
http://www.hobie.com/au/en/forums/viewtopic.php?f=24&t=10627		 Page 1 of 1
Author:  Sailwave [ Thu Sep 04, 2008 11:45 am ]
Post subject:  Hobie Parts in Atlanta
I'm having a really tough time getting parts for my 1995 Wave in this area. I've been messing with it for over two weeks and still haven't gotten my order placed. Are there any plans to do an online parts store in the future? I'm missing some really nice sailing weather!

DB
Author:  sunjammers [ Thu Sep 04, 2008 1:15 pm ]
Post subject: 
I know there is a dealer in the ATL area. if they can't help you i'd just try call another dealer. I know we get a lot of biz from the ATL when people are on vacation to Panama City Beach.
Author:  wannahobie [ Thu Sep 04, 2008 5:05 pm ]
Post subject: 
My local dealer is only about 45 min away, but it does not matter, I almost never visit them, physically. I just break out the Hobie catalog, pick out my parts and call or email them w/the parts order. Usually on my doorstep within the same week!
Just use the dealer locater on this site to find the closest one and do the same!
Author:  Sailwave [ Thu Sep 04, 2008 8:14 pm ]
Post subject: 
I've tried the local dealer. The phone goes unanswered as do emails.,, actually the emails are now getting returned. I've gone to another dealer who is now helping me. If the goal is to support the local dealer over the needs of the customer than a website can be set up that gives its due to the local dealer for every order shipping to a certain range of zip codes. I am a purchasing manager by trade in the energy management industry and I can tell you that a supply network that is as archaic as this one seems to be would not be around long. A website where you select your boat type and the parts that you need and you place the order would be a step in the right direction. This is the 21st century... we don't need to talk to a real person to spend money these days! Sorry... I'm just frustrated that I've been missing many good sailing days here because I've not been able to order the parts that I want to buy.
Author:  mpalmieri [ Thu Sep 04, 2008 11:26 pm ]
Post subject: 
It is a different model that these businesses run under, I have learned both patience and resourcefullness since buying a beachcat. Lets face it, there are not big dollars in it to start with, and the business in Atlanta is as low as the lake level right now. The dealers cut back hours while waiting for the lake to fill back up along with boat business. Take the advice and go direct to your doorstep, shipping is far cheaper than driving yourself.
Author:  wannahobie [ Fri Sep 05, 2008 3:44 am ]
Post subject: 
Definitly a bummer you have missed out on some good sailing due to uncooperative dealer.

It is unfortunate that this 'local' dealer is not willing to provide you good customer service. I think that is wrong. Also I think this is the exception not the rule. Most dealers will bend over backwards to get you the parts you need asap.

Like I said, I called my dealer on a Monday, they ordered the parts, which was shipped from Hobie Oceanside CA to dealer in Falmouth ME, who in turn added a couple of 'in-stock' items I requested, and on my porch on Thursday. They don't even charge me shipping!

But I hear what you are saying about on-line ordering. It would be more convenient. And I would imagine some larger dealers could easily or do offer this. The bottom line is that Hobie is a small company, and they really want o those dealers supported, hence lack of 'factory direct' on line ordering. Sounds like some dealers just need to step up and make some better on-line order interface.
Author:  Sailwave [ Fri Sep 05, 2008 9:03 am ]
Post subject: 
I realize that Atlanta is not prime Hobie country... especially with some of the lakes being very low because of the drought. Hobie Cats are only a very small part of the dealers business. I guess I could always move to Pensacola and enjoy having Key Sailing right there! :D Not too mention much better cat sailing conditions. In the meantime I appreciate the dealer near Lake Hartwell stepping up and being really responsive so far. I think they are a new dealer but dock supply and repair seems to be their main business but I found him to be very responsive.

Dennis
Author:  zzcoreyzz [ Fri Sep 05, 2008 7:52 pm ]
Post subject: 
For what it's worth:

When I first bought my WAVE, a year ago, I was convinced that I wanted the backrests...maybe because the girl in the bikinin. leaning against it in the catalogue, is soooo cute, dunno. The hefty price tag gave me pause, though.

After some great days of hiking out and hull flying, doing somewhere between 15 and 20 mph, slapping alongside wave runners and jet skis, and chortling, screaming, and laughing like a happily deranged maniac, I have come to the conclusion that I don't see me ever getting the back rests, now, cute catalogue girl or not.

The thought of having to tack back up the harbor to drop off the backrests and then get back out to open ocean would probably take too much time and I'd wind up losing out on the peak conditions of the day.

Once you've flown a hull, there's no going back.
Author:  zzcoreyzz [ Fri Sep 05, 2008 7:54 pm ]
Post subject: 
This is really weird....when I posted the above response to a thread about backrets...it wound up posted here, instead.

WEBMASTER take note.
Author:  zzcoreyzz [ Fri Sep 05, 2008 8:00 pm ]
Post subject: 
WEBMASTER: In all fairness, I am on my second scotch...

I could be the one experiencing technical difficulties.
Author:  Sailwave [ Sat Sep 06, 2008 9:52 am ]
Post subject: 
Well I'm happy to report that most of my order showed up today... from the original local dealer. Well everything but the forestay which is on backorder. My old one "looks" OK.

The story goes that the dealer's computer crashed from a virus and since they are on limited hours over there because of the low lake levels we had some miscommunication or lack of communication. I didn't know that he'd already ordered the parts and hadn't been able to get through to find that out. I knew that I hadn't paid for sure. So anyway I'm almost out of the woods... or on the water.

I did notice that the bridles are significantly thicker than the ones that were on the boat. I like the improvement.

Dennis
Author:  JJ [ Sat Sep 06, 2008 10:54 am ]
Post subject: 
@ Sailwave

I have been in the purchasing and parts business also and I can appreciate your frustrations. Hobie however is heaven compared with other cat manufacturers. Even getting specs on new boats from some of them is like pulling teeth.

One company, I swear (I shall not name), must want at least three references before selling anything to you. I know this because I must be a reference or two short and have had no luck in even getting to talk to a live human who knows how to get something into a customer's hand without having a major brain freeze. It's like asking them to launch a space shuttle or something.

Earlier, I almost posted a plug for Brad at Sunjammers but didn't; hoping not to offend the Hobie Gods with an out of territory purchase recommendation. Brad knows parts numbers and appears to know how to run a credit card number as well. Long may he and those like him prosper.
Author:  tkeiser [ Thu Sep 11, 2008 12:54 pm ]
Post subject: 
Try Weathermark Sailing in Buford. Heather at Weathermark has been real helpful with my 16 and [email protected]
Author:  ericweller [ Mon Nov 10, 2008 4:31 pm ]
Post subject:  Find another dealer
I used WeatherMark but will not do so in the future. Worst customer service I have ever seen. Unanswered email, un-returned phone calls. They also rarely have the parts in stock so have to wait for shipping, anyway. You are better off using one of the more reputable Hobie dealers. :(
Author:  amargonis [ Thu Dec 11, 2008 3:32 pm ]
Post subject:  Depends on the parts you want
Go to Lowes or Home Depot. You can get some basic parts there for 1/5 the price of a marine store. Also, some items can be purchased at a marine store. Unless you need something specific, you should be able to find it.

Try Ocean Motion out of SC. I purchased my used wave from them and they have been very helpful.

[email protected]
Lee Scriven 1-912-638-8053
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