Platform in water at all times?
We have asked Princess whether a ZAR ZF1 Tender would fit on the platform without any issues/restrictions. Princess confirmed it will, so we placed the order through them. After fitting, we noticed that the platform needs to stay in the water as long as the passerelle is out. This poses a problem during docking/undocking (ie when you need to jump to dock to pickup the lazy line or release the stern line etc) or even periodically start the engines at the marina. When platform is down, a loud buzzer goes off and engines would not start. You have to retract the passerelle and raise the platform. Dealer now says the tender is too big for the boat, although they were the ones to confirm dimensions and place the order.Status: Pending since 02May18
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| Tender fits on the platform end to end. |
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| Platform needs to stay in water whenever passerelle is out. To access lower floating pontoons, tender needs to go even further in water |
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| This fact inevitably accelerates corrosion (ie railings in platform and rubbing band screws, which in the first place should not have corroded if proper grade screws were used) |
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| Corrosion on submergible platform rubbing band |
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| Corrosion on built in swimming ladder |
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| When we plan on mooring on a floating pontoon, first we launch the tender (subject to weather conditions) upon arrival to destination and then call a marinero to take our tender and temporarily moor her in a dinghy dock or buoy (if available). We also have the option to tie down it to the bow section of our boat during docking but berth places are usually tight and we do not like to deal with an extra variable during docking. |
Tender not Planing?
We have performed a short seatrial of the tender during our visit in Plymouth and observed that the tender was having difficulty planing. We immediately communicated this issue to Princess and asked them to seatrial the tender for themselves again and fit trim tabs (at our cost) if necessary. The yard replied saying that the tender was performing fine and that trim tabs where not necessary and that when fuel is added, the issue will rectify itself etc., which of course did not happen. Later on, we had to source and fit a hydrofoil (SE Sport 300) to the outboard (as seen on first picture above).
Status: Fixed by owner
Status: Fixed by owner
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| Zar ZF1 Tender fitted with Suzuki 40hp outboard during Seatrial in Plymouth. We could not get the tender to plane despite lowest trim setting of the outboard. |
Broken fresh water tank fitting
Status: Fixed in 17 days
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| Suction fitting of the soft water tank broken causing fresh water to leak to tender bilge |
Hobbit Style Bimini Top?!
A retractable bimini top has been ordered with the tender (a 1200 GBP option). Yard confirmed that bimini was operational. Later during our tests, we found out that the bimini top might have been designed for Hobbits! Neither crew nor guests could board the tender or fit underneath without bending over.
Status: Pending since 12Jun18
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| Retractable bimini top, a 1200 GBP option designed by ZAR Formenti |
Chock problems
During our inspection, we noticed that the two platform chocks custom made by Princess (for which we have been charged 930 EUR) to support our ZAR ZF1 tender were too shallow, meaning less surface to support the hull laterally. This is important in that when we need to reposition the tender slightly forward or aft during recovery, the hull escapes the chocks and we have to start the recovery process all over again, which could become a little annoying in unsettled weather.
Ideally, the chocks should have been deeper so as to allow the hull to be "locked" in the lateral axis whilst we are trying to reposition the tender longitudinally.
The yard denied to fix the issue claiming that "this is the way they do it for other boats".
Status: Pending since 03May18
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| Chocks need to be deeper, preferably up to the edge of the first lifting strake (marked in red), in order to better support the hull of the tender and facilitate recovery. |
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| Tender chocks mounted on platform. |
Update - 27Jun18: Princess accepted to take back the tender, but...
Some quotes from recent communications with Princess dealer:To Princess salesman:
We were searching our email archive but could not locate a thread were we have been advised/warned that with the ordered Tender (Zar ZF1 - Order Q3426-2) fitted on the platform, it would not be possible to extend the passerelle without the platform + tender lowered and staying in the water.
Could you kindly dig into your archive and get back to us with your findings at your earliest.
From Princess salesman:
I have checked my communication on this subject, and can confirm that we stated your desired tender would fit on the bathing platform of the P55.
There was no further specific communication regarding the functionality of the installation.
From Princess senior manager:
On the subject of the rib I can see there is room for misunderstanding between us and the owner on his original request and what was then supplied, this is unfortunate.
We are where we are now but we have options;
1) We can simply take the ZAR rib back and credit in full and the owner can (if he wishes) make his own arrangements. Although we would prefer to assist with the solution if we can.
2) We will look at the market and offer an alternative solution as per his original request if there is one that fits his criteria and that also allows the passerelle to operate without the need to lower the platform
3) We can offer a Williams 325 JET that we know is suitable and is the most frequently fitted tender on the P55.
To Princess senior manager:
Many thanks for your message and suggestion for a solution to the dinghy issue.
I have conferred with the owner, and as per your suggestion, he has agreed to return the ZAR rib at the end of the season for full credit.
In the meantime, as per your proposal #2, we would like to have your support in exploring our options for a tender that will suit owner's requirements and fit the platform without affecting passerelle operation.
From Princess senior manager:
I will need to think about you keeping the ZAR all season, that is not really in the spirit of my offer. I anticipated immediate credit and return of the unit or immediate order of a replacement. We will send you options ASAP so that you can chose or otherwise ASAP. I will let you know in due course.
Please let us know when the boat will not be in use as far as you can advise and we will work together with you on a plan.
To Princess senior manager:
Even though the tender is causing issues, I am sure you would appreciate that spending the season without one would not be among a sensible boater's options. That is the reason why we have proposed to return the tender at the end of the season.
I believe we all agree now that the operation of the passerelle is being severely restricted by the tender. Although we placed the order for the tender through Princess, we have never been warned that its size and shape would require the platform to stay in water at all times as long as the passerelle is in use. This issue already started to make way to corrosion problems, as you might have already noticed from the list.
If you are able to find and source immediately a tender that would suit owner's criteria and fit to the platform without any operational restrictions, we hereby confirm that we will be ready to return the ZAR at soon as the new one is fitted and tested.
From Princess senior manager:
Please advise re the replacement tender ASAP. Presumably it is not too much of an inconvenience for the owner using the ZAR so perhaps he has decided to keep it?
To Princess senior manager:
Owner is aware of your offer and is current in travels. Will get back to you with the configuration asap.
Last Page Update: 22 December 2019
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