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 Catalina/Capri 25/250 Sailor's Forums
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 Eight Bells: Frank Butler		  New Topic  Reply to Topic
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Stinkpotter
Master Marine Consultant

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Djibouti
9013 Posts
Initially Posted - 11/18/2020 :  14:32:47  Show Profile  Reply with Quote
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!
Dave Bristle
Association "Port Captain" for Mystic/Stonington CT
PO of 1985 C-25 SR/FK #5032 Passage, USCG "sixpack" (expired),
Now on Eastern 27 $+!nkp*+ Sarge

Commodore
Russ Johnson

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USA
690 Posts
Response Posted - 11/18/2020 :  21:28:57  Show Profile  Reply with Quote
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.
Russ Johnson, Commodore 2009-2022 (commodore at catalina-capri-25s.org)
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bigelowp
Master Marine Consultant

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USA
1736 Posts
Response Posted - 11/20/2020 :  19:04:50  Show Profile  Reply with Quote
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.
Peter Bigelow
C-25 TR/FK #2092 Limerick
Rowayton, Ct
Port Captain: Rowayton/Norwalk/Darien CT
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OLarryR
Master Marine Consultant

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USA
3367 Posts
Response Posted - 11/20/2020 :  20:00:00  Show Profile  Visit OLarryR's Homepage  Reply with Quote
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.
Larry
'89 Robin's Nest#5820, Potomac River/Quantico, Va
http://catalina25.homestead.com/olarryr.html
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Stinkpotter
Master Marine Consultant

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Djibouti
9013 Posts
Response Posted - 11/20/2020 :  20:52:18  Show Profile  Reply with Quote
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.
Dave Bristle
Association "Port Captain" for Mystic/Stonington CT
PO of 1985 C-25 SR/FK #5032 Passage, USCG "sixpack" (expired),
Now on Eastern 27 $+!nkp*+ Sarge
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dmpilc
Master Marine Consultant

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USA
4593 Posts
Response Posted - 11/22/2020 :  20:34:23  Show Profile  Reply with Quote
A true legend in the world of sailing. RIP Frank.
DavidP
1975 C-22 SK #5459 "Shadowfax" Fleet 52
PO of 1984 C-25 SK/TR #4142 "Recess"
Percy Priest Yacht Club, Hamilton Creek Marina, Nashville, TN
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Jack Schafer
Navigator

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USA
112 Posts
Response Posted - 12/05/2020 :  07:50:02  Show Profile  Reply with Quote
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.
Jack Schafer, previous owner of 2ndWind 250WB #106,

2nd Wind
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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.