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Biehlmarin, a good deal!

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  • Biehlmarin, a good deal!
Adding sliders to the main sail
Changing the main sail to sliders
2. February 2015
norðri’s boat pasta
norðri’s boat pasta
8. February 2015
Biehlmarin Logo

Biehlmarin Logo

Today I like to write about Biehlmarin, the dealer I bought my Seascape 27 from. A lot of publicity goes to Seascape (yard), but without Knut Biehl, Gregor Keunecke and all the other people involved from and around Biehlmarin, I would not call myself proud owner of a SSC27 today.

When the “Yacht” magazine published the first article about the Seascape 27 in September 2012, I fell for her. After some consideration, I called Knut Biel – Seascape dealer Germany – to inquire about the boat. The first shocking news was that the price, the Yacht published, was wrong (to little). The second shock, there was a waiting list – 6 boats had already been ordered. My dream about getting her latest beginning of May ’13, rather wishful thinking.

Yacht Test Seascape 27

Yacht Test Seascape 27

I had never owned or bought a boat before. Only the prototype had been build. Even if I would test-sail her, I wouldn’t be able to tell right from wrong. Spending the largest amount of money, I ever spent on one item at a guy that I had only talked with over the phone?

Too much to take in …

On the other hand, what’s the alternative? I had been looking for a suitable boat for month – none on the market met my requirements at the time. Ordering later would mean an even later delivery and probably even higher price.

I called Olli from Segeln Mallorca; I trust his abilities and judgement. At the same time he would not take any benefit no matter whether I actually bought a boat or not. Turns out Olli knows Knut personally. He said that Knut knows what he’s doing and that he’s a guy he trusts. He also encouraged me in regards to the Seascape 27.

On the risk of sounding totally crazy, I closed the deal with Biehlmarin in one of the next calls, after Knut had offered a bank guarantee without my asking.

Today – roughly 30 months later – I have no regrets whatsoever! I believe in “what you give is what you get“. It has been a journey for sure, one dominated by trust and fairness. Biehlmarin could have used my not-knowing to his advantage, easily tricked me. The “contract” was rather vague; most of our agreements made over the phone or informally by email. I’m amazed – and was very anxious throughout the process – that doing business like this is still possible in today’s times. If you talk about business ethics – this is my perfect example.

Flensburg, Biehlmarin HQ
Flensburg, Biehlmarin HQ
Pick up with VW van and LOC trailer from Slovenia
Pick up with VW van and LOC trailer from Slovenia
Hand-over - Das Flenst
Hand-over – Das Flenst

Biehlmarin workshop
Biehlmarin workshop
New masts waiting to change owner
New masts waiting to change owner
Manual crane
Manual crane

Pulling the strings
Pulling the strings

Just one of many stories: Shortly before the pick-up, Seascape mentioned that the boat had gained ~ 280kg compared to the prototype; just too much for my new car to be towed with the standard trailer. damn. Knut threw in his VW van, incl. his trailer so I could drive to Slovenia and back … how cool is that?!

They took care of all the issues that occurred during the season at a level that cannot be taken for granted – giving me the feeling about being in good hands over and over again. What else could one expect from a dealer?

Last but not least, after rigging and an introduction to our new boat last March, Knut send Ole – one of the sailing teachers from  Biehlmarin – to join us for the first 40nm. A steep learning curve for us in terms of boat handling, especially as we took off under sails. Only later, the engine had a chance to show it’s working.

Big thank you to everybody involved!

Ole, sailing teacher from team Biehlmarin showing us how to sail with a SSC27

Ole, sailing teacher from team Biehlmarin showing us how to sail with a SSC27

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0 Comments

  1. Phil says:
    5. February 2015 at 15:13

    Cool story!

    Guess (or at least let’s hope) that there is a “nicer” ethic within the sailing world…

    Log in to Reply
  2. Martin Hammershøj says:
    9. February 2015 at 19:25

    Had only pleasent experiences with Biehl, when I bought my Seascape 18, mainly corresponding with Gregor 😉

    Log in to Reply

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