KVH Quality

D

Doc

Member
Member
Joined
May 2, 2005
RO Number
17228
Messages
533
I mentioned in an earlier post that my 10 year old KVH C3 had been diagnosed by a KVH service tech as needing some new boards to the tune of over $800.

After trying to give it away I decided to take it apart for the stainless screws, bolts, etc. I got several dozen.

I have to say that everything in the dome was corrosion free, of the highest quality, and the wiring was very neatly done.

That will influence my decision when I decide to get a new one.
 
You might be able to resell the dome on E-Bay. The domes have some real value.
I don't know about the C3 dome but the M1-5's bring close to $500.00
Bill
 
Thanks for the idea, but the dome is very brittle and cracked as I was throwing parts into it.

I have heard that UV really does a number on domes and that possibly Intellian has the weakest dome.
 
On my previous Velocity I have a KVH digital compass. The boat was always kept covered and in addition, if we weren't running the compass was covered with the factory plastic cover. In a couple of years the white compass had turned quite yellow. Thinking it was maybe a fluke, I emailed the company a number of times, no reply. At the Cleveland Boat show one year, I attempted to nicely discuss this with a factory rep. He basically blew me off.

That is why I have nothing to do with any KVH product.
 
I had same unit, bozo's in in Ft Laud charged me over $600 to only says that I needed more
parts...could see that this was going to no good place. Replace the unit with a KVH that is
actually sold for RV...but works great. Bought it from some KVH dealer in Texas for abt $1300.
 
I have been extremely happy with the quality and support for my KVH M2. For $800 I would have rebuilt it, you'd have essentially a new unit. A friend of mine had one of their digital compasses, uncovered, on the flying bridge of his Hatteras 42LRC for many years and many many thousands of sea miles, with no issues; he's a very finicky guy too. They would be my first choice for any product they market. The fact that they are an American company with American support is worth a premium to me on top of all that.
 
I thought about rebuilding it but my ole daddy once told me that if it cost half of a new one to fix it, go with the new one. Like is said above, the RV units are the same as the marine models just much cheaper.

Other reasons that I considered were the brittleness of the old dome and the warranty on a repair versus a new unit.

So far my decision has been to do nothing. We are currently weekend cruisers. Previously we traveled extensively from Texas to Maine and up the rivers to Knoxville. A sat dish was a must. Now the over-the-air HD signals are quite good and all we need. If we start traveling again...say the Bahamas...a new dish will be aboard. I am still debating between a KVH M1, a M2 or an Intellian I3.
 
As I said my compass that was covered except when running, turned a really ugly yellow. Other then that It was a quality unit. I was hoping they would either for free or a small charge swap out the internals with a new outer shell. As I stated, after contacting them a number of times, I couldn't even get an answer, not even a no or a FY. I refuse to deal with companies that treat customers like that.

quote:
Originally posted by caltexfla

I have been extremely happy with the quality and support for my KVH M2. For $800 I would have rebuilt it, you'd have essentially a new unit. A friend of mine had one of their digital compasses, uncovered, on the flying bridge of his Hatteras 42LRC for many years and many many thousands of sea miles, with no issues; he's a very finicky guy too. They would be my first choice for any product they market. The fact that they are an American company with American support is worth a premium to me on top of all that.

Click to expand...
 
I meant to say M3.

BTW, where did my edit button go? I noticed that Padraig edited his post.
 
Did I break the edit button? I didn't mean to. It was just one small comma that I forgot to put in.
 
quote:
Originally posted by Doc

I meant to say M3.

BTW, where did my edit button go? I noticed that Padraig edited his post.

Click to expand...


Better deal yet, the M3 is about double the price of a C3 isn't it?
 
Not trying to step on any toes or break BE rules, but my friend has a KVH unit for sale, just posted it in the classified section. Will vouch for the seller and item...unit is like new, can't say the same for my friend :)
 
I have been using and installing KVH products for about 6 years. I have simply never had a major or even minor issue with any. I use the KVH M3 TracVision on my boat, when I sell the boat unless it's a deal breaker it's coming with me to my next boat.
Bill
 
quote:
Originally posted by caltexfla

I have been extremely happy with the quality and support for my KVH M2. For $800 I would have rebuilt it, you'd have essentially a new unit. A friend of mine had one of their digital compasses, uncovered, on the flying bridge of his Hatteras 42LRC for many years and many many thousands of sea miles, with no issues; he's a very finicky guy too. They would be my first choice for any product they market. The fact that they are an American company with American support is worth a premium to me on top of all that.

Click to expand...
George, I agree with everything you mention in the above post.
Bill
 
I'm not sure if this is the thread where the difference between the KVH M1 and the KVH R1ST was asked?
The KVH R1ST doesn't have an RF converter in it. The KVH R1ST needs either an Audio/ Video to RF converter or you need to hook up your monitor inputs to the TV assuming you have audio/ video inputs.
That's pretty much the main difference that I can tell.
Bill
 
Beats me. I had mostly forgotten about this since I am very happy with my "over the air" service. We are weekenders. If we do the Bahamas next year I will put something on that works over there like an M3 or Intellian i3.

On this RF issue, all I remember is that the tech who's name I got from the local KVH sales manager said the the M1 and the R1 were exactly the same units. Only one wire (co ax)from the antenna to the 12 volt Direct TV box that comes with it. He even offered me a free power supply if I bought the unit. Installed tax paid he wanted $2,000.
 
I have decided I'm installing a new KVH M1 TracVision in the new to me trawler. I prefer the smaller dome being it's going to be mounted on a post mount.
Bill
 
Bill,

Keep us posted. I am leaning towards the same unit with the only question being the Bahamas...and I have heard that the M1 will work in the near places like
Freeport and Lucaya.
 
quote:
Originally posted by Doc

Bill,

Keep us posted. I am leaning towards the same unit with the only question being the Bahamas...and I have heard that the M1 will work in the near places like
Freeport and Lucaya.

Click to expand...
I will do so Doc, but I doubt I'll being going there for a few years. Let me check the KVH dealer tech tool, I have a feeling they would prefer you have an M5 for the edges of coverage. I'm curious to see if we get more rain fade with the M1 over the M3. I do know someone selling a complete 1 year old M3 set up for Direct 101 for $1600 they are in Florida let me know if you are interested.
Bill
 
You must log in or register to reply here.
Back
Top