Russo Marine.....have you bought a boat from them?

[rhodyboater]

Is it just me or does this company take your money, promise to deliver your boat, and then constantly make excuses about the weather to keep from delivering it?
This has gone on for 6 weeks now and there's no end in sight

 

[fwebster]

Russo runs a good operation and is very well respected by both Sea Ray and customers. The 2 boats I know about their delivery on were both slower than estimated, but they didn't cut any corners and both buyers ended up very happy with their boats and their dealer service.

Hopefully, the weather will break soon for all of us.............

 

[Jack F]

I believe JV II bought his 330 from them and was happy.

 

[Russ Calasant]

I did buy my current boat from them in RI. Fran was great and I had a good experience. I just notified him that I may be in the market to move up very soon. Sorry your having issues.

 

[jhild]

I’ve never purchased a boat from Russo, but I know two people who have. (One Sea Ray and one Whaler.) They were both very happy with the way they were treated. I know I’ve been pleased with the Parts & Service folks over there.

 

[Ididntdoit]

Heads up - a couple of guys from Russo regularly lurk here for "leads" etc. You would probably be better served taking up your issues with the owner - he seems like a pretty reasonable guy........

 

[Henry Boyd]

Tony,

We bought Bella from them (it was a trade in). They were great. I also have a good friend who bought a new 320 there as well. His was delivered right on time. That being said the past couple years have been tough on new boat sales and a lot of organizations have had to let people go.

As for the six week delay, our weather has been complete crap. We're still on stands and the bottom paint is only half done, I haven't even started to wash and wax. We were in the water by this time last year.

Henry

 

[Lazy Daze]

I've only ever had good dealings with them. They're good people and run a respectable business.

Weather is weather, you know? Can't do much about that.

 

[wetpaint]

I like Larry Russo Jr.........We bought one boat from them and they delivered it as promissed....I know you are anxious for your boat, but I was anxious for mine to be in 3 weeks ago and I have not used it once due to weather. If something goes wrong due to wind/weather, you will wish you did not press them......With that said, if I was to paint ten buildings (deliver boats) in April and weather prevented us from painting or doing a good job, obviously my early May jobs (deliveries) will be delayed. It happens all the time. Talk to Larry Jr and it is always better to use honey rather than hot peppers...Good luck

 

[rhodyboater]

Thanks for the input guys. The positive comments are why I went with them in the first place. But at this point, it's about customer service. If you can't deliver a boat as promised after 4 weeks, you should take steps to book several dates with a captain instead of just one, then when it comes and the weather is bad, you keep saying, sorry no delivery today. Just basic courtesy and good open communication is all I'd like.
But glad everyone else had no problems...

 

[rhodyboater]

OK, so I did receive my boat today...it's awesome! I love it.
The captain Russo hired made up for all the bad vibes I received....kudos to Captain Joe Dupre.....he does the industry proud.
Did I receive a call from Russo asking if everything was satisfactory? No.
Do they even know/care if I even received the boat...don't know.
Do I have any questions? Yes, of course, but they didn't ask.
Here's my point....when someone has over $100K in "disposable income" to spend on a luxury item like a powerboat, shouldn't there be
s-o-m-e little bit of customer service to go along with that?
I didn't buy the boat because Russo was so awesome...hardly...but because the 340 is a killer boat...in other words, the boat sells itself.
If you want to sustain yourself in this market, you should at least make the tiniest bit of effort to see that you have a happy customer.
Ok, enough said...I'm off to enjoy my boat!

 

[Tonka Boater]

OK, so I did receive my boat today...it's awesome! I love it.
The captain Russo hired made up for all the bad vibes I received....kudos to Captain Joe Dupre.....he does the industry proud.
Did I receive a call from Russo asking if everything was satisfactory? No.
Do they even know/care if I even received the boat...don't know.
Do I have any questions? Yes, of course, but they didn't ask.
Here's my point....when someone has over $100K in "disposable income" to spend on a luxury item like a powerboat, shouldn't there be
s-o-m-e little bit of customer service to go along with that?
I didn't buy the boat because Russo was so awesome...hardly...but because the 340 is a killer boat...in other words, the boat sells itself.
If you want to sustain yourself in this market, you should at least make the tiniest bit of effort to see that you have a happy customer.
Ok, enough said...I'm off to enjoy my boat!

I kind of agree with you but here's what I've learned. In the real world, $100k+ is a lot of money no matter who you are. In fact, if you were to buy a car for $100k they would give you red carpet treatment with every encounter.

However in the boating world, $100k isn't that much money for some reason. A boat's a boat and they see them all day long and to them it's just a boat....$20k, $50k, $150k, it's all the same.

 

[wetpaint]

Tony you are 100% right!!! Most boat dealers who are "boat dealers" prodominately and not marina owners, real estate owners, etc. are not too far right now from being in deep trouble....If I was the salesman who sold the boat to you, I would be making sure everything was perfect as the commissions right now are far and few in between for them. Like you said, the 34 (I had one 1999-2001 and loved it) sells itself and my guess is that Russo and your salesperson will not be on your recommendation list to anyone interested in buying their next boat. Same holds true if and when you buy that new 2016 60 foot sundancer.......Customer service right now in every business is sooooo important in this economy and moving ahead! Glad you love your boat! Enjoy!! I will say again, I like Larry Russo Jr. and we had a great experience with them although we now buy from Hyannis Marina (due to territories) who has done an exceptional job from boat buying to service to storage to being a full service marina.....

 

[tdschafer]

........Hopefully, the weather will break soon for all of us.............

It's not looking that way here......

High Temperatures Low Temperatures Precipitation Wind Speed

Tonight
May 14

Showers

Sun
May 15

T-Showers


Mon
May 16

Scattered T-Storms

Tue
May 17

Rain / Thunder



Wed
May 18

Rain / Thunder

Thu
May 19

T-Showers


Fri
May 20

Showers

Sat
May 21

Showers


Sun
May 22

AM Clouds / PM Sun

Mon
May 23

Partly Cloudy

 

[rhodyboater]

I know it may seem I have a vendetta against Russo, but I'm really way more concerned with the boat buying experience....and why it can't be more gratifying.
If we want the boat /dealer/consumer relationship to flourish, for gods sakes...the dealers need to acknowledge their clients deserve and require a high level of service.
At this level of consumerism, the experience of the sale actually transcends the value of the product itself, since I think we can agree, the product sells itself.

 

[JV II]

I bought 2 boats from Russo Marine, a 2007 290DA and the current one. The sales experience was outstanding. My boats have had all of their service done through Russo. Work has been done timely and professionally. They have been out to my dock to do some of the work. They immediately respond to my e-mails and are available on the phone every time. I have never experienced such a high level of customer service and professionalism from any other business. My boat was delayed a bit on launch this year, but only because in their thorough commissioning, they discovered during impeller change that my water pump housings were scored from some sand that was apparently sucked in. I would recommend them to anyone.

 

[molding1]

We bought our '02 320 about 6 seasons ago and were pleased with the overall experience. Paul's team in the Quincy/Dorchester site was first rate and made right all items identified during the survey.