Ordering
•
How do I order a vessel from Still Water Design?
To order a vessel from Still Water, look through
our website to discover which kind fits your needs. After
you have an idea of what you'd like, please call Dick Pereli
at 781 608 3079, or Jeff Myjak at 617 308 5820. You may
also contact us via email at dick@stillwaterdesign.com
or jeffmyjak@hotmail.com.
Together, we will discuss the nature of your order and what
you would
like to get done. After agreeing on the specifics of the
work, we will send you a "pro forma" invoice to
be submittitude to your institutions business department.
We can not begin work until we receive the purchase order,
so it is key that we receive one as soon as possible.
•
Is there anything that my launch requires that I would also
need to purchase?
Your new launch will come with components necessary
for its proper function, such as a steering wheel and steering
cable that works with all outboard motors. What you will
need to purchase on top of the basic items will be a motor,
a motor control box, motor control cables, and any associated
mounting kits to attach the steering mechanism. It is key
to note that motor control boxes and cables change every
year, so check with the manufacturer to find out what specs
and installation approaches you would need for your make
and model. Still Water can recommend relatively inexpensive
and high-quality manufacturers to you.
When purchasing a motor for your new launch, keep in mind
the following: The 25C, 25XL, and Newick 32 all require
a long shaft motor; the 18 solo may use a long ôr
a short shaft, but you must let us know at
the time of your order which kind you intend to use.
For those who would rather avoid the long and tedious wait
for a third party to install a motor after the launch is
completed. Still Water will install your purchased motor
for you at $500 charge. This will save you a great deal
of time.
We
are able to install lights for you open request at an additional
cost of $250 per launch. We also recommend you purchase
PFDs as soon as possible from your preferred retailer.
• Why doesn't Still Water
offer pre-built vessels that I can simply purchase from
a lot?
Each and every boat that we create here at Still
Water is created by hand from real live humans. We take
pride in our time-honored techniques that bring a unique
and elegant finished product. In order to keep down costs
and to ensure the integrity of each and every vessel, we
keep our staff pool small and work out of a facility that
does not cater to a wealth of product storage. If we were
to have a full-time staff of many people and a large lot
for our sales, we would need to charge more to cover the
new expenses this would bring us. The constant need to produce
vessels even on our downtime would also detract from our
ability to focus completely on our customers projects and
the specifics they entail.
•
I haven't placed a purchase order. Can you start building
my launch regardless?
We are unable to begin even the most modest order
without a purchase order or specified cash deposit. Please
ensure that your institution has sent us either in a swift
fashion so that we may begin your order in a reasonable
time frame.
Pricing
Policies
•
Why aren't the prices for vehicles listed online?
We here at Still Water know how much the final outcome of
our labor will mean to you, and would love to discuss your
project with you, one-on-one, to clarify all of the details
involved. Together we can conceptualize your needs and develop
a clear game plan. This helps us obtain a firm grasp on
what your project will cost in the end, and helps us determine
what costs will come in to play during the creation and
delivery of your vehicle.
At
Still Water Design, our belief is that all of us in the
aquatic vehicle industry should expect the most from our
creations. We strive to bring you a vessel with the highest
quality, most sound reputation, greatest package of safety
features, and at a competitive price that will show you
why we are a leader in the industry.
•
Do you offer any kinds of discounts?
Our prices are cut fairly close to the bone when
it comes to how low we can get. We're aware of how much
our competitors charge, and what goes into making their
boats, and we feel our boats are worth any differential
in expenses. And since all our boats are made by real humans
working on each one at a time, we don't offer bulk discounts
as, well, it's not easier or cheaper for us to make one
boat or a hundred boats.
That
said, there are a few ways you can cut down on
the total amount of your purchase.
One
way is to come to our workshop in Chelsea and pick up your
finished product or products yourself. This will trim off
the shipping and handling fees associated with your purchase.
If you do have us ship your boats, having them all shipped
at the same time will save you some money.
Another
way we can offer you savings is by bundling accessories
together. This can also shave off a reasonable portion of
your costs.
Finally,
we can offer a discount when you pre-pay for our work. An
intiial deposit of 35% of the final, total costs will get
you a 7% discount on theon the cost before accessories are
factored in. An initial deposit of the full amount will
save you 10% off on the cost before accessories are factored
in. With larger orders, this can create substantial savings.
Because
most of our orders are from groups and non-profit organizations,
we are unable to provide a special merit discount for these
institutions.
•
I've shopped around and found a launch
for less, can you price match?
Your best bet is to call us. In general, our launches
are a great overall value; there are cheaper launches on
the market, and if you can't tell the difference, by all
means order a cheap one. We're confident in the quality
of our product, and we know that the outcome will speak
for itself.
•
I've ordered a number of boats to be built;
can I get a bulk rate?
Each and every boat we make is built by human hands.
Because of this, there is no financial discount for us or
time reduction in construction when we produce things in
bulk. It takes us the same amount of time per boat no matter
how large your order. Therefore, no bulk discounts are offered.
Shipping
and Delivery
•
How do you ship your boats?
Delivery is $400 in the New England area. New York,
New Jersey, Philadelphia and surrounding areas we normally
charge $600. For DC and the surrounding areas, we charge
about $750. For other points further, please call Dick Pereli
at 781 608 3079 or Jeff Myjak at 617 308 5820.
•
Can I come pick up my order from you in
person?
Yes! This is always an option when you order from
us. This will remove your shipping costs and can trim down
the amount of time it takes for you to receive your order.
Turnaround
•
I have a deadline for when I will need
my order. Can I have it by then?
We do not routinely offer firm delivery dates
for anything we manufacture. We can offer reasonable estimates
and straight forward information about each step in our
workflow as we progress, however.
•
What can I do to speed up the turnaround
time for my order?
There are a few things you can do to speed up
the turnaround time on your order. The first, and by far
the most important, is to make sure we receive your payment
or purchase order in a timely fashion. Anything you can
do to stay on top of that aspect of the process will only
work to your advantage. We don't mind if you call us as
many times as necessary.You may also pick up, in person,
one or all of your vehicles from us, which may reduce
shipping time. In some cases we may be able to rush through
certain process, however we do charge a 15% additional
fee per launch in these instances.
•
What types of things will slow down
how long it takes to complete my order?
Our vessels are entirely hand crafted from start
to finish. We're quite good at it, but there are many
things that can go wrong that need to be resolved before
a vehicle can be shipped. So many things can happen in
a boatshop, and 99% of them will slow things down.
In
addition to the human aspect, one of the most common things
to slow down the process is customer error: incorrect
specifications on the purchase order; unreceived purchase
orders; or discrepancies in the needs of the customer.
The more firm you are and versed you are on what you need,
the more likely we are to swiftly create and deliver the
exact products you desire.
Yet
another factor that can affect your turnaround time is
third party suppliers of various accessories and parts
that we may use in constructing your boat. Please understand
this aspect of the chain is out of our control.
Once
we receive your foirm order, we can begin to make predictions
about the finished product based on our estimates involving
all of the above factors and more. We will always increase
or staff pool if it takes more than three (3) months to
finish any project.
Safety,
Proper Usage of Vessels
•
How many people can fit on my launch?
18 Solo: Designed for one (1) driver
and at most one (1) passenger. Low-wake
performance degrades rapidly with even one passenger.
Rescue capacity an Eight (nine (9) persons). If you routinely
carry more than a single passenger, we recommend the 25XL.
25XL: Designed for one (1) driver and
up to four (4) passengers. Low-wake performance degrades
after this point. Rescue capacity two or more Eights (eighteen
plus (18+) persons).
Newick32: Designed for one (1) driver
and up to eight to ten (8-10) passengers. Great platform
for those that routinely bring groups of guests out with
them. Same rescue capacity as the 25XL.
NOTE: It is is possible to overload
even the largest of launches or barges. Use your good
judgement. Do not count on equipment, and always practice
sound seamanship. The best tools can not be a substitute
for experience or proper safety technique.
•
What should I know about the durability
of my vessel?
All of our launches, barges, and kayaks are made
to withstand the tests of time with proper use. However,
your vessel is not designed to withstand abuses
that are not associated with proper use, such
as being docked without care or large, heavy objects being
thrown at it. All of our hulls do have a little give as
part of their construction, but please avoid banging them
into rocks or other blunt objects during use (including
other vehicles). Our boats are built light, but with a
nod to balancing lightness and toughness. You can expect
them to last you along time as long you as treat them
with care.
•
Do you have any advice for docking my
new purchase?
Always dock with care (using bumpers) and remove
from the water gently and cautiously.
•
I plan to use my new vehicle in a way for which it was
not designed; is that ok?
The most important thing is to always
exercise good seamanship; it is the
key to safety on the water. Call us if you are unsure.
Maintenance
and Storage
•
How should I store my new launch?
Your new launch is designed for either dry or
wet storage. If you are to leave in the water, try to
keep covered or out of direct sunlight. It is recommended
that for wet storage you paint your vessel with anti-fouling
paint after proper sanding and prepping. Please ask us
if you are unsure as to what this entails. Always make
sure your barge or launch is pumped out when necessary
and is bumpered when docked. Please remove your vessel
during the icey winter and store dry during this time.
For
dry storage, do not leave your vessel on asphalt as the
heat in the summer can cause damage. Keep out of intense
direct sunlight and store upside down, as launches do
not make good ice trays or tea cups. Always keep your
boat out of temperatures above one-hundred and fifty (150)
degrees Farrenheit as this is the peak heat tolerance
level for your launch before degradation.
•
How should I clean my new launch, and how often?
Your launch can be cleaned with most over the
counter cleaning products. We recommend basic soap and
water. Ask us if you are unsure if a certain product is
safe for seams or the components we have used to construct
our launches. Avoid harsh scrubbing materials when possible.
Always check parts that may need lubrication, and remove
any acrued mold or other natural complications.
•
Are there certain parts or spots I should check up on,
and how often?
It is recommended that you routinely check and
lubricate your fasteners with anti-sieze or marine grease.
Check your steering mechanisms and your motor before use.
In general, exercising good seamanship will be your key
to the most enjoyment and productivity from your new vessel.
•
What is the average lifespan of your boats? Are they built
to last?
The average lifespan of our boats can exceed
several decades with proper care and maintenance. They
are most certainly built to last, so do your best to treat
them well and they will treat you well in return. Our
reputation is based on our products being a good value,
both as a new purchase and down the line. We make no formal
warranty on our products outside of a common sense warranty,
but do employ a "happy customer policy", so
feel free to discuss with us any issues you may be having
with your product.
•
My vessel has recently taken on some damage; how do I
fix it?
Holes or perforations in your hull can be the
beginning of serious problems, and should be attended
to as soon as they are discovered. Most minor issues are
user serviceable, though we can offer repair services
for extensive damage. Call us for more information.
•
Can I leave my vessel in the water when it is not in use?
Yes, but please remove your vessel during the
winter. For proper storage instructions, please go here.
