Does anyone have an opinion of Marlow boats?
I do, but I may be swayed by something others are not.
As a used boat first. There are lovers and haters and part of the reason is David Marlow is a bit like a mad scientist and always changing things within existing models. So two boats of the same model may not be the same. Some say they don't ride well, some say they ride great. We would have considered either the 57 or 61 or similar size as a loop boat. Marlow, today, is the nearest you can get to a Grand Banks with the traditional Grand Banks models shrinking.
Now the new boat opinion and this is just one man's view. I can sum it up in one word, Kakawi. As in Kakawi vs. Marlow. The purchasers were unable to get the boat right for months. There was a lot of attempt to dodge as Marlow claimed they were suing the wrong Corporation and it turned out the order was written on a document with a non-existent Corporation. I believed, as did the court, that Marlows actions were indefensible. There were things clearly promised that weren't there such as classification by Veritas. Veritas had not classed it and upon checking it out, would not. This was on a model 97E. Also note that all three 97E's they built hit the used market very quickly so more signs of something amiss. I will also mention they came nothing close to the fuel numbers Marlow showed in their advertising.
It would be easy to say that doesn't impact a 53 or 58 and certainly they haven't had the same problems. However, I only purchase new or would enter into a new build with someone I trusted. Based on reading all the court documents, I could never trust Marlow. Therefore, I will never order a Marlow.
Now, the one factor that would also play a role is the mad scientist. Marlow would call this constant improvement. However, I have a mindset that I'd never want the first build of a model. Well, a lot of Marlow's are first builds in their specifics. The 62 just picks up from the 61 you'd think. However, it's got an extra foot of beam, 200 more gallons of fuel, 4" less draft because of "an innovative design of engine placement", 5% more speed, 10% more economical. Clearly major change, so how does it all work and how will the next boat off the line differ.
So, mine is a resounding "no" to new and a "caveat emptor" on used in terms that ride and extensive sea trial would be critical as the one you're boarding today may be better or worse than the one you were on last month. I would insist on sea trial in both good and bad conditions. I've heard too many very different opinions on the same model from experienced and knowledgeable captains.
... seminars are always hit or miss ....anywhere. But a much bigger chance of enjoying them and finding them useful if you are relatively inexperienced on the topic.
