Larry mentions that the companies get parts from the same places. In some respects maybe yes but in others I doubt it. Exceltech's parts are all American made and American installed.

I mentioned this in my blog but I took a Prosine 2.0 Inverter / Charger in to have it repaired on Cartagena. Sven is the electronic wiz we all wish we could use. He spent an enormous amount of time on the unit. He detailed to me how he could tell the difference between a Japanese, Korean and Chinese fabricated circuit board. He went thorugh every solder joint and resoldered everything. Tested it out, replaced boards from other units trying to identify the issue. In the end he said he couldn't fix it. Xantrax had virtually NO support for any repair. None, Nada, Zip! A mutual sailing friend tells me he has a buddy high up in Xantrax and his buddy tells him to send him the product and he'll replace it for HIM. Not others. He also indicated that everything that is returned to them they trash. They don't even try to repair anything. No replacing boards. They throw it away.

That to me is sad.

Now I understand companies are to make a profit. In the marine environment for prodcuts that are out in the harsh cockpit circuit boards should be protected. If they're not IMHO the company is negligent in identifying the product as MARINE! It would best be described as a toy.

I think Uniden's warrenty say's something like if they don't have the same product they'll at their option replace it with something newer and close. That was my understanding anyway.

I do my best to not purchase any Raymarine products and I will do my best to NEVER purchase another Xantrax product. In fact if someone were to give me a product of Xantrax I would be hard pressed to NOT THROW IT IN THE WATER. Mostly cause I don't like to mess up the ocean.

Go Slow
Sail Far
Stay Long