[PUP] The Global Adventure

[Scott E. Bulger]

Theresa asked:  How come no one ever talks about Selene?

Scott thinks out loud:  Like most manufactures Selene has an active, vibrant
owners web site where owners can exchange ideas, concerns and criticism with
a group of other owners.  In a forum such as this it takes a very outgoing
personality to take the flack in "coming out" with a posting.  Once you
throw it out there in public it's fair game for anyone and everyone to
critique.  Being a boat owner is like buying into a social club.  Since you
have skin in the game you get a license to have an opinion about anything.
Of course opinions are like well, I won't finish that thought.  Regardless
on the PUP forum we are focused on passages.  I'm aware of a couple that is
taking their 53 Selene from here to Mexico, and possibly further.  There is
also a Selene 53 about to cross to the Marquises.  Perhaps they will hear of
our list and participate?

Regarding my own thoughts on the Selene, here they are (more appropriate for
the T&T list):
a.  When I first saw the 36 Selene at the Seattle boat show 3 or 4 years
ago, priced at $299k I thought it was without a doubt the best value for a
trawler I'd ever seen.  If my Camano wasn't the perfect boat for me there is
no doubt in my mind I would have purchased one, like 20+ some people did in
the first year they were available in the PNW.

b.  In researching the Selene I found out they were originally branded as
Solo.  I was then cautioned that some Solo boats had critical, major defects
(transom falling off?) which caused the hair on the back of my neck to stand
up.  At that point I cast a very critical eye to the boats, which then
influenced my future observations of them.

c.  At the 2005 Trawlerfest in Poulsbo I saw a 40 something Selene that was
1 year old.  The teak and holly sole on the boat was delaminating.  The
sales guy (whom is one big reason why today I wouldn't buy a Selene from
Friday Harbor Yacht Sales), said "this is a live aboard, that's normal wear
and tear for such use".  To which I replied "bul"  well I won't finish that
thought, let's just say I believed he was less than credible.

d.  Two other Selen's I looked at (less than 2 years old) smelled of the
worst possible head odors.  I couldn't get this out of my mind, so as I've
gone back on them in the last few years I've not noticed it since, so
perhaps it was just a bad day for those boats?

e.  Even today, 4 years later the helm seat in a 36 is designed for a
midget.  Oops, I just offended midgets.  Honestly, the depth of the seat is
about 8 inches.  I can't even get one of my fat buns on that seat, let alone
two.  It's the most stupidest thing I've ever seen.  The boat dealer (see
statement above) would never address my question when I asked him why 3
years later they were still building a helm chair that only a midget could
use?  I believe his answer to the question was: Yes, the teak in this boat
is very nice.  Honestly, that's what he said?

As far as your observations about boats and mistakes, you are absolutely
correct.   Every boat can come with "issues".  It's how the dealer and
support network deals with them that defines the scope of the problem.  This
is another reason why buying a Diesel Duck from China is an issue.  Can you
imagine taking a boat back to China for work?  With no dealer network in the
US, how are you going to deal with these issues?  So, let's be fair to the
Selene's because I've done a bit of bashing on them.  They are beautiful on
the inside, I'd be proud to own one.  The defects they have are certainly
constantly being improved and any owner should be able to address them over
time.  There are some out there staring to cross oceans.  Perhaps some of
these bold owners will come forward and share their experiences.  Of course,
they now think I'm a jerk because I shared my experience with them.  But
then again, if we don't be open and honest, how are we ever going to get
this stuff addressed?  Once the check clears the dealer is on to the next
victim, oh um, customer.

Thanks, tongue in cheek, Scott