I have contacted SunRain LLC on October 17th, 2013. I spoke with Rod LeQuerica and I've explained to Rod, that I was looking for a marine electrician, who can convert power boat with the European electrical system to accept US shore power. The proper solution for my boat was to install isolation transformers to adopt 120V 60 Hz US electric power into 240V 60 HZ European electrical system. Rod assured me that he's very familiar with projects for electrical system conversions and he needs to come for initial visit to look at the boat and determine what components are needed and where these components will be located on the boat. Afterwards, Rod promised me to create a detailed proposal for my project and provide me with the cost estimate for the project. Further, upon my approval of the detailed project proposal and the cost estimate for the project, SunRain LLC will perform the job of installing the transformers.
Prior to Rod's visit, I have emailed him electronic copy of the manual for isolation transformers I've picked for this project- Charles Industries 93-ISOG2/6-A ISO-Guard 3.8kVA Isolation Transformers. Prior to Rod's visit to examine the boat, he requested me to pay him for 2 hours of service - which included his time to visit the boat and put together detailed proposal for my project and provide me with the cost estimate for the project. The cost for such service was $120.00. I paid SunRain LLC promptly via PayPal and we've scheduled the appointment for 11/21/2013.
On the morning of October 21st, Rod showed up and examined my boat. He assured me that there will be no issue to install isolation transformers selected by me and he should have detailed project plan and cost estimate for me in a couple of days. On October 26th, I've received an email from Rod, stating that he found a superior solution to using isolation transformers and that solution will convert not only the voltage, but also frequency. The recommended solution was to use Asea 8 KVa power conversion system at list price of $1800.00. This compared favorably with 2 isolation transformers at the cost of $1300.00. I immediately replied to Rod, stating that proposed solution is clearly superior to my own, however I had concerns over extra weight of the equipment (Asea power management system weighted 235 lb) and converting 2 inlet 30 AMP boat system to 1 inlet 50 AMP system. However, I've asked Rod to provide me with the cost estimate for the entire project, before making a final judgment.
Independently, I've contacted ASEA Power Conversion System myself and found out that the list price for 8 KVa system is $17,500.00 and not $1800.00 as Rod stated. I immediately contacted Rod with this information and asked him again to provide me project plan and cost estimate. However, I've not heard from Rod LeQuerica until early November 2013 and only after my repeated phone calls. In his email on Nov 14th 2013, Rod has acknowledged his mistake regarding the price for Asea Power Conversion system and stated that he will provide me with project plan and cost estimate using isolation transformers as I've requested on October 17th. However, I never received any project plan or project cost estimate from SunRain LLC in spite of my repeated phone calls and emails.
I'm convinced now, Rod LeQuerica had no prior experience in dealing with marine electric conversion projects and simply didn't know how to plan and/or execute this project. He lied about his core competency and pretended to be knowledgeable in this area. On November 27th I've initiated my dispute with SunRain LLC to recover my $120.00 back. My strong recommendation is for future potential customers - stay away from Rod LeQuerica and SunRain LLC. read more