Anaconda Stores
Read all reviews for Anaconda Stores →
Poor quality control
I recently purchased a Gulf Runner 510 RA (Runabout) from Anaconda Chullora. The boat is manufactured by Merlin Marine & Leisure Pty Ltd (MML) in Qld & linked to the Stessco brand. The boat had a number of quality control issues which assisted in a negotiated price, but highlighted integrity issues in the process. The presentation of the boat was contrary to praises made by MML managing director Donovan Weeks & certainly were not consistent with words of “high quality”, “durable quality products” & “built an enviable reputation as a quality local boat building company, possessing excellent technical knowledge” found on the internet. The boat did not have stern cleats fitted, despite the Anaconda & Boatsales.com sites advertising the 510RA with stern cleats & internet research showing similar 510BR & 510TF models, with the 510 Centre Console having the same transom shape & most other larger & smaller sized Gulf Runner (and Stessco) boats with cleats fitted. I attempted to conduct an enquiry with the manufacturer MML, but was diverted to Stessco enquiry portal & two requests remained unanswered. I was eventually advised by MML to attend the Stessco agent in my State with instructions how cleats could be attached. I attended the Stessco agent but was advised by the technicians they would not install the cleats due to concerns of metal fatigue etc & due to my experience, I agreed with them. Welding the cleats was not an option, at a cost to me. So whether a design decision to not include stern cleats in this one 510 model as claimed by MML or incompetence in the production phase, as I suspect, MML have not afforded me the benefit of rear mooring cleats. The technicians also conducted the service on the Dunbier trailer only to identify that the trailer brakes had not been functioning due to incorrectly installed actuator pads. We rapidly progressed from quality control issues to road safety issues. I strongly suggest any person interested in the new Gulf Runner boat range, reportedly only available through Anaconda Adventure HQ stores, to exercise a high degree of caution re the quality control of any proposed purchase. Unfortunately, Anaconda NSW (Chullora) were unable to display all Gulf Runner models so caution must be used with regards to viewing boats other than the opted model. This should certainly be the case if the buyer is interstate & involves interstate travel for boat viewings & any ordered boat will need to be inspected at time of purchase (if floor stock) and/or at time of collection to address any concerns. I found no fault with Anaconda staff, satisfied by the service provided & the work ethic by the staff member Paul Brown, in obvious difficult circumstances. I suggest the recent considerable price drop for the MML product could mean many things, but struggling sales & accessibility comes to mind. With the Gulf Runner brand reported to be sold only in Anaconda Adventure HQ stores the viewing options are limited & creates financial & logistical issues for anyone outside of NSW, as I encountered. The success of the venture between MML & Anaconda remains to be seen. Based on my experience & other information available to me, I now believe that my boat may have passed through the production system with the lack of stern cleats & a ‘cover up’ has possibly ensued due to quality control issues. I find credibility issues re MML’s claim that the 510 RA was not afforded the convenience of stern cleats despite the 450, 480, other 510, 540, 570 & 590 models having them (and similar Stessco models). I am interested to hear from any person with information about recently released Gulf Runner 510 Runabouts (2022 onwards) which may confirm or negate the concept of questionable quality control behaviour. I would also appreciate my post to be disseminated through other appropriate forums, thank you.