Client Testimonials

Yacht Maintenance: Client Testimonial
S/Y SAILDANCE II

Mr. Brian May
Berthon Boat Company
Lymington SO41 3YL, UK

Dear Brian,

As you know last autumn, after a six year circumnavigation and two lightning strikes, we wanted to do a complete check-up and service of all major systems on our Oyster 62. We were also considering several modifications before embarking on further long range cruising. On our way back to the UK, we put together an extensive work list and sent it to Berthon and another leading yard. Berthon’s response was quick and complete with cost estimates. In our initial meeting with you and the project manager, Keith Harris, we were very impressed with your expertise and many constructive suggestions. Keith was on top of the details and gave us complete confidence that he would manage the project well. It was an easy decision to go with Berthon.

As soon as we arrived at the yard, everyone was helpful and accommodating. A convenient berth was given us to off load the contents of the boat and help with the storage. Keith had arranged the work schedule so that it could be done quickly, smoothly and cost effectively. The quality of the work was excellent. While working on the agreed work list, the engineers also discovered a number of unidentified faults including two below the water line that could have sunk the boat.
Keith and his team did a lot of research on the modifications, particularly to convert a single to a double-berth in a forward cabin. They came up with an innovative solution and did an excellent job of the joinery making maximum use of the existing timber. Also, when the boat was lifted onto a ship for transportation to avoid the pirates, the port cap rail lifted because too small a spreader bar was used. This was a difficult repair. Again, Keith mounted a team effort of 12 men to lift the damaged rail without breaking it. Another modification that needed careful planning was to move the life raft to a specially constructed stainless steel bracket on the pushpit.

This past summer we sailed up to the west coast of Scotland and across the North Sea to Denmark and Sweden. A change of plans resulted in us deciding to winter the boat in the UK. It was an easy choice to return to Berthon. They know the boat and we know we will get excellent and helpful service.

Sincerely yours,

Peter S. P. Dimsey, owner

4 November 2012

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