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One Satisfied Huki Customer 2014
Re: Thinking about a new S1-R Gorge boat? READ THIS!
saltspringken
09/03/14 #16227
Hi All,
This past year I decided to buy a new Huki S1R for a big water or Winter boat. On their website they offered a discounted “cosmetic blem” which seemed like a fair deal. I told Luanne that I was thinking of buying it and that it would be a great boat for her to use. She laughed told me I should buy it but not use her as an “excuse”. Since the boat arrived I have not paddled it much since I can't seem to pry here out of the bucket. She loves it. The few times that I have paddled it I have been left impressed at how well it performs for it's intended purpose.
Shortly after it arrived I notice a few bubbles in the out layer of glass. I didn't think it was a big deal but thought I should let Jude know and perhaps he could repair it this coming Winter when we would be in California. Jude's immediate reaction was that he wanted to build me a NEW boat and send up north at his expense. I thought it was a bit of an overreaction at the time and figured it would be resolved this Winter. Long story short, Jude called yesterday to tell me my NEW boat was ready! He added a few extras and refuses to accept any additional payment. I didn't pay for a new, perfect boat but it seems that is what I am winding up with. Jude runs a small shop, builds locally (California) and takes care of everything from design to sales to cleaning the bathrooms. He answers the phone when you call and takes a lot of pride in his business. His boats are refined and have some features that are unique. It's the little things like being able to switch rudders in less time that it takes to get a tool necessary to do the same thing on most other skis. The recesses in the side of the bucket that are perfectly placed for a balanced one arm carry, etc. Oh, did I mention that they are great to paddle? We are fortunate to have other excellent companies that build great boats in this industry, but if you want a “complete” experience and want to support a small business, Huki is a pretty cool way to go.
There are so many opportunities to gripe about how different companies treat their customers. I am grateful for Jude giving me an opportunity to pass on sincere kudos.
Ken
P.S. Anybody heading south in the foreseeable future that can help transport my old boat down or new one up or both? Please give me a shout.
