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 Eight Bells: Frank Butler

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T O P I C    R E V I E W
Stinkpotter Posted - 11/18/2020 : 14:32:47
https://www.sailmagazine.com/cruising/eight-bells-frank-butler

I never met him, but heard from many who did that he was a great guy. He left quite a legacy!
6   L A T E S T    R E P L I E S    (Newest First)
Jack Schafer Posted - 12/05/2020 : 07:50:02
After hearing from many old friends on the forum I remember when I bought my 250,2ndWind, hull 106 I had that old problem with the center board. Late one Sunday afternoon I received a call from Frank Butler inquiring of the problem and immediately had new parts sent to my dealer. Truly a fine gentleman.

I too have given up sailing and sold my boat after sailing her for 25 years.
dmpilc Posted - 11/22/2020 : 20:34:23
A true legend in the world of sailing. RIP Frank.
Stinkpotter Posted - 11/20/2020 : 20:52:18
From all I've heard, Frank made customer service his role, and essentially turned over product development to Gerry Douglas. In so doing, Frank built unsurpassed customer loyalty--good friends of mine (whom I taught to sail) progressed from a C-22 to C-27 to C-30 to C-34, and would never have considered another brand. In the final analysis, that was probably more because of Frank's focus on customers than any other factor.
OLarryR Posted - 11/20/2020 : 20:00:00
I recall receiving an email directly from Frank Butler many years ago when I inquired if Catalina had any parts support to replace one of my cracked port/windows in the main cabin. He responded that for my ‘89 they do provide support and he forwarded my email to their tech dept and they contacted me. I did purchase a replacement port...but still have not replaced the cracked one. (I had sealed the crack with glue.) The tech dept also provided their engineering drawing to facilitate the repair.......and I believe I have that drawing on my website.
Anyway, I felt like I had personal service from the owner and his staff.
bigelowp Posted - 11/20/2020 : 19:04:50
The first time I ever heard the name Frank Butler was in 1981 -- a coworker waxed on about how, when he bought is C-25 in 1979, he received updates on delivery from Frank Butler, company President. He always commented "would the President of our company, or most companies every talk to any customer? probably not!" My friend has owned several Catalina's over the decades since. Obviously, the boats Butler designed or co-designed have passed the test of time, but more importantly his attention to customers has had much to do with the fact that Catalina has sold over 85,000 boats!! He, and his spirit and commitment will be missed by us all.
Commodore Posted - 11/18/2020 : 21:28:57
Dave,

Thank you for posting this message.
Because of your post, I found a tribute on the Catalina Yachts website.
https://www.catalinayachts.com/frank-w-butler/

I met Frank Butler at the Sail America boat show in Oakland CA back in 2005.
Every year, he would attend the boat shows and there would always be an owner’s party on Saturday afternoon.
I probably attended 10 boat shows in a row.

I do know in the office, Frank reviewed every warranty claim from a customer.
Here’s to a great boat.

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Notice: The advice given on this site is based upon individual or quoted experience, yours may differ.
The Officers, Staff and members of this site only provide information based upon the concept that anyone utilizing this information does so at their own risk and holds harmless all contributors to this site.