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Anyone know what happened to Nautica?

Discussion in 'General Yachting Discussion' started by SHAZAM, Jan 1, 2012.

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  1. SHAZAM, Jan 1, 2012
    #1
    SHAZAM

    SHAZAM Senior Member

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    I drove by there factory a couple of weeks ago and all was normal, two days later everything was gone. I heard rumors of financial difficulties then a possible purchase by the Shadow people, Any ideas?
  2. K1W1, Jan 1, 2012
    #2
    K1W1

    K1W1 Senior Member

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    Hi,

    I do not have any facts and have heard no gossip.

    I would say myself given the poor products and service and Franks attitude to customers it is a wonder the doors stayed open as long as they did.
  3. Ken Bracewell, Jan 1, 2012
    #3
    Ken Bracewell

    Ken Bracewell Senior Member

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    Franco told me in an email that he sold the company. That's all I know.
  4. YachtForums, Jan 1, 2012
    #4
    YachtForums

    YachtForums Administrator

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    I'm told Tom Gonzales contracted a RIB so big, it just about bankrupted Nautica, so he ended up buying the company. I had a lady contact me with a complaint that Nautica took her money for an inflatable but never delivered. She was pretty upset and wanted to post to YF, but I suggested she pursue this with an attorney. Friends that know TG state this isn't his MO. I don't know...
  5. SHAZAM, Jan 1, 2012
    #5
    SHAZAM

    SHAZAM Senior Member

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    I was just told that all the company's molds and assets were taken to TG's hanger at Lauderdale Executive Airport and yes Carl, I've heard that there were many, many, many more people in a similar situation to your lady friend. Sorry to see the company go down this path as I had known Franco SR since the inception of the company, I suppose things haven't been the same since he passed.
  6. Garry Hartshorn, Jan 1, 2012
    #6
    Garry Hartshorn

    Garry Hartshorn Senior Member

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    While I truly feel sorry for those people who have lost money I am not surprised. The way they treated us after we received a faulty product was just downright disgraceful.
  7. Capt J, Jan 1, 2012
    #7
    Capt J

    Capt J Senior Member

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    One of my customers took delivery of a Nautica about a year ago. It wasn't "exactly" how he ordered it, and the quality well is typical Nautica. I hate the thing.
  8. SHAZAM, Jan 1, 2012
    #8
    SHAZAM

    SHAZAM Senior Member

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    Cap, clean out your mailbox!
  9. Capt J, Jan 2, 2012
    #9
    Capt J

    Capt J Senior Member

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    I just deleted a bunch of messages, so there should be room now
  10. Diversion, Jan 2, 2012
    #10
    Diversion

    Diversion New Member

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    Bought and took delivery of a 12ft RIB console in Nov. Miami. No issues so far. Delivery staff excellent job.
  11. sagharborskip, Jan 2, 2012
    #11
    sagharborskip

    sagharborskip Senior Member

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    Took a small Nautica rib to them last winter for repairs to tubes and they did an exceptional job - to the point that where after they patched tube on one side they added a dummy patch on the other so it would look symmetrical (makes more sense then adding a second satellite dome!) and thoroughly cleaned the thing afterward and quick turnaround.

    Took a similar boat to 84 Boatworks this winter for similar service and they were frustratingly slow (had the boat for 3-1/2 weeks) and only got it back then after forcing the issue.

    Oh, well...plenty more where they came from, I guess. Never was a big fan of overly built out yacht tenders...West Marine has a Zodiac pro line on the floor now that makes far more sense as an "inflatable" - grey tubes, open plan, etc.