Anyone used boatersworld.com?

[lakelover]

For Xmas, my wife got me a 1.5 million candle power rechargeable Vectorlite at boatersworld.com. I charged the battery per instructions and the small area light on the handle works, but the spotlight section is DOA; the bulb looks good.<br /><br />The only means of contact for customer service is an email address, which I sent to. I finally received an automated reply and that was several days ago, but nothing since. I want to exchange it but I'm getting a little nervous.<br /><br />Anyone have any experience with their customer service? Or know a way around the email-only for customer service?

 

[snapperbait]

Re: Anyone used boatersworld.com?

BW's online and phone customer service is a joke... I went round and round with then a few years back on a steering cable..<br /><br />Personally, I'd try the closest BW store, or go directly to the manufacturer of the light...<br /><br />ps. If you need a good laugh, go onto ebay and check out BW's feedback.. lol!... If ebay has'nt kicked them off....

 

[lakelover]

Re: Anyone used boatersworld.com?

Originally posted by snapperbait:<br /> BW's online and phone customer service is a joke... I went round and round with then a few years back on a steering cable..<br /><br />Personally, I'd try the closest BW store, or go directly to the manufacturer of the light...<br /><br />ps. If you need a good laugh, go onto ebay and check out BW's feedback.. lol!... If ebay has'nt kicked them off....

I'm getting that feeling.. My wife wanted to surprise me because I'd mentioned wanting a light like this in passing a while ago and she didn't really know where to start looking.<br /><br />I was looking the light over again today and it works using the 12v cord and my car lighter outlet, so I'm giving the charging another try.<br /><br />After that I've decided to go the the mfr. as you said. I got nervous when I saw boatersworld only listed phone number was "for orders only"!<br /><br />Thanks.

 

[technostingray]

Re: Anyone used boatersworld.com?

Anyone used boatersworld.com? <br />Do smoke that or inject it?

 

[artburr]

Re: Anyone used boatersworld.com?

I have checked their prices and find them a little on the high side. I did get a fantastic buy in their store (not in catalog) on a pair of boat shoes.

 

[llfish]

Re: Anyone used boatersworld.com?

You may still be in luck if everything else fails and it was charged to a credit card. Call the credit card and let them know and they will put a hold on that payment and contact the seller. Then you will probable hear from the seller.

 

[Elmer Fudge]

Re: Anyone used boatersworld.com?

There ain't nothing that i can get at Boatersworld that i cannot get right here at iboats.

 

[lakelover]

Re: Anyone used boatersworld.com?

Good news for me, I won't have to deal with returning the light. I charged it for another 24 hours and it seems to be working OK now. <br /><br />Problem was, the instructions had three different recommendations for the first charge:<br /><br />1) "the unit is shipped partially charged", first charge time is 5 hours<br /><br />2) charge the unit until the red indicator light goes out<br /><br />3) First charge time is 12-16 hours, maximum 24 hours.<br /><br />Not too ambiguous, hmmm?? Made in China...

 

[Stratocaster]

Re: Anyone used boatersworld.com?

Slightly off topic, but regarding the last post. My favourite "Made In China" instructions, courtesy of Engrish.com (maybe written by gatorred?):<br />

 

[lakelover]

Re: Anyone used boatersworld.com?

Thanks, Stratocaster, for putting this up. LMAO!! Lots more at www.engrish.com.

 

[18rabbit]

Re: Anyone used boatersworld.com?

Call BW's tool free 800 number and tell them you need to speak to a supervisor. Haven't bought anything from there in while, but I have gotten satisfactory, actually excellent customer service that way. And I always got return calls when they said they would. That was then, don't know about now.<br /><br />Fwiw, the cost of my compass with free s/h and no sales tax thru BW was about $100 less then if I bought it on iboats. If it were priced more reasonable I would have bought it here, even if cost a little more, but I couldn’t ignore $100.

 

[lakelover]

Re: Anyone used boatersworld.com?

Update:<br /><br />Just received an email from them (took a week). They agreed to send me a prepaid shipping label ("will arrive in 7-10 days"), accept the return & replace the light. Good to know but since it works now, I guess this thread has come full circle. Thanks for all the insights!

 

[HT32BSX115]

Re: Anyone used boatersworld.com?

Howdy, <br /><br />I bought a similar light from Costco ($30 or so)<br />and I had to charge it for just about a full day before it would work for any period of time. That light has a VERY small gelled electrolyte battery in it so don't expect it to work for more than a few days using it intermittantly. I use it on the "low" beam setting just about every night taking the dog out etc. I probably use it for about 10 or 15 min per day and it seems to last about 4 or 5 days like that.<br /><br />I have only bought a few things from Boaters World online. No problems so far. I bought a Zodiac Zoom a couple years ago and have bought a lot of other stuff but it was all from a local store.<br /><br /><br />Regards, <br /><br />Rick

 

[lakelover]

Re: Anyone used boatersworld.com?

This one is pretty nice, as long as it keeps working. It has dual lead acid batteries. As you say, it'll be interesting to see how long it holds a charge with use. The small area light in the front is claimed to run for 15 hours. It's not very bright, but would do in a pinch, such as power failure etc. It's quite heavy.<br />