Our Ways Of Work

Welcome to Philbrook's Boatyard, the Pacific Northwest's premier full service boatyard. Our goal is to make your visit a great experience, by ensuring you the highest quality and best value possible. Before we start work on your boat, please take a moment to review our Ways of Work, so we are all on the same wavelength!

OUR MANAGEMENT CHAIN

Your project mananger is identified on the work order you sign when you arrive, and works with you throughout the project. He/she will manage all aspect of the project. The project manager has excellent technical skills, management abilities, and strong communication skills. The project manager is not hidden, but named on your invoice. He/she saves you money and is your partner is the care of your boat. He/she is your primary contact here. Next in command are the lead hands. They supervise all the technicians who work on your boat.

OUR STANDARDS

Our labour rate is very fair by industry standards and we employ some of the most gifted and experienced crasftsman in the industry. The professional pride of our craftsmen allows them to consistently produce the appropriate standard of work suited to the project, and we use only the highest quality of parts available. If you believe, as we do, that doing it right the first time saves in the long run and maintains not only your safety, but also your assets value, then we are philosophically aligned.

HOW WE CHARGE FOR WORK - WHAT ESTIMATE MEANS

At Philbrook's we charge on a strict time and material basis. We recognize that there is no benefit to obtaining a low estimate that is not accurate. Our estimates are intended as budgetary guidelines only. No specific date on delivery can be assured unless we stipulate this in a written contract. We diligently monitor the progress of every job, and if at any time we feel that the costs will exceed the budget due to an unexpected item of concern, a change in the scope of the work, or for any other reason, you will be advised immediatly. Your project manager will work very closely with you at all times. This allows you to remain in control of the process. If you are not here physically, we will keep you informed of the progress of your job, through regular updates available via phone, fax, email, photos, Fed Ex, or our website. Upon request, you may be issued an ID and password, and have access to your own private portfolio of your job, through our website, www.philbrooks.com including up to date billing information and recent photos. (Coming in 2003)

THE NATURE OF A REPAIR OR REFIT

When working on your yacht, we always keep our eyes open and flag issues for you along the way. By doing this, we offer you a broader view of how your boat's critical systems are operating. If we notice anything, we notify you immediatly. If you choose to have it worked on, we would then be "fitting you in", or you may choose to book in at a later time.

PREMISES

We welcome visitors and would love to show you around! If you are wishing to tour our facilities, to ensure your safety and to enhance your experience, we would be happy to arrange for one of our yard personnel to accompany you. Your participation in your project is our number one priority, and we desire your involvement throughout. When visiting during our working hours, and if in need of assistance, please ask at our office. We do not allow "do it yourself" work due to WCB and insurance reasons. Also, we do not furnish or rent tools, so please do not ask.

YARD STORAGE

While we are actively working on your boat (minimum 4 hours/day), there are no daily storage charges. At any time that your boat is not actively being worked on, we match the local marina's rates, just to cover our costs. Philbrook's reserves the right to move any vessel in the absence of the owner or their representative, should the need arise. Our most senior staff members, who are very experienced at handling all sizes and types of yachts, are the only ones who will ever perform this task.

WHAT "FULL SERVICE" MEANS

We offer the following trades on site: mechanical, electrical, woodworking, composite (fibreglass), painting, metal fabrication, boat building, detailing, and upholstery and canvas. We sub-contract for some items such as refridgeration and carpet cleaning. Our work comes with a one-year warranty, and all parts are guartanteed by the manufacturer.

We also offer complimentary airport and ferry pick-up and drop-off, and arrangement of accomodation and other travel requirements. Boat pick-up and drop-off is available upon request, at the clients cost. Staying aboard your boat is not encouraged while it is being worked on. Accomodation costs are the responsibility of the client.

TERMS OF BUSINESS

All work must be commenced with a work order signed by the owner. Invoices for labour and materials to date will be issued twice a month on the 15th and the 31st, or any other time at the request of the client, and on the completion of the job. The invoice includes the billing period, labour charges, material costs, taxes, and summary to date. We ask that all invoices be paid promptly and prior to the departure of the vessel. Payment by credit cards works best. If you need other options, please speak with us. All insurance claims must be paid for in full by the customer, and submitted by you to your insurance company for a refund.

TAXES

Canadian boats must pay 12% tax, 5% GST and 7% PST.

CRUISING PERMITS

Non-resident boats on a cruising permit pay both taxes. You are able to claim back the GST on materials until April 2007. You are not able to claim back the PST. Ask at our office for the claim form. We are required to notify Customs, of any non-resident boats here on a cruising permit. In the case of the work exceeding the time frame on the cruising permit, we can arrange an extension of the permit to the completion of the project.

WORK PERMITS

Non-residents will be billed 100% tax exempt if you do the following. Work must be pre-arranged and it is imperative that Philbrook's be the first port of call upon entering Canada. On arrival, we notify Customs that you are here for work only. We apply for a work permit for you, giving your documentation number and Canadian entry number to Customs. On completion of your work, your vessel must return directly to the nearest point of call US Customs, and phone Philbrook's with a clearance number. Failure to provide us with a clearance number within an reasonable period of time will result in your being billed for the taxes. During the time that the vessel is at Philbrook's on a work permit, no cruising allowed.

SUMMARY

We are happy to discuss any of these points in greater detail. If you share our philosophy on the Philbrook's "Ways of Work", welcome to our family! We look forward to a long and productive partnership.