Buying a Brand New Princess 55: Lifeline / Safety Net

This is a long story that started on the 12th of January 2018.
After more than 5 months into the matter and tens of email messages exchanged, unfortunately we still do not have a net fitted onboard.

When we were in the process of purchasing the boat, we have clearly indicated that a lifeline net would definitely need to be retrofitted and that it was a must due to fact that we have a small dog.

Here is a short chronology:

First, in order for them to prepare a quote, we sketched above drawing showing where an how we want the safety net fitted on sidedecks

Then we received this offer, which we accepted (Prices in GBP)

Then we have been sent a picture of the proposed net material, which we confirmed.

During our Plymouth visit on 26 March 2018, we noticed that the lifeline "net" was built from a white batyline mesh screen as opposed to the black net material that we have selected. They have explained that the supplier presented this as the only option etc. Obviously, we rejected the work.

Batyline vs. Net

One probably does not need to be a scientist or engineer to understand the difference between the two. The batyline is normally used to reduce sunlight, the other is designed to stop a human being or animal from falling down the boat.

Aside from the fact that I have never seen a lifeline netting on a boat made from batyline, using this material will highly restrict visibility (especially when underway) and would look so ugly and impractical on our boat.

Although we have never been told, we realize that the main reason why they tried to impose the batyline material as "safety" net is the fact that fitting a net as opposed to a mesh would take more manhours. As we cannot imagine the supplier changing the material without Princess' permission, we think that Princess confirmed the order with the "easier to shape" mesh material assuming that they would be able convince us.

So What's The Big Deal?

We have notified the yard that the material delivered was inconsistent with the confirmed order and asked them to resupply the net with correct material. The yard apologized for the problem and asked the supplier to resolve the issue.

Approximately 54 days after we had this discussion, precisely on the 22nd of May, Princess finally received the correct material.

"Fragile" box containing lifeline net received from Princess' UK supplier after 54 days.

Just as we were preparing to celebrate the moment, we opened the box to check its contents and noticed that the net was supplied in wrong dimensions.

We have had many additional discussions in regards to the issue. Since then, Princess has been unable to provide with a solution and we are still waiting for them to fulfil the order which we have paid for in full.

Status: Pending since 18Jan18
Status Update: Fixed in 332 days