July 1999

Vol. 14, No. 7     What's this?

The Outlook for Orca Products

from the July, 1999 issue of Undercurrent  

Here’s where you stand if you own the following Orca products:

Edge— Edge users can still get service from the Orca Service Center.

Skinny Dipper — If your Skinny Dipper takes a dive, there’s no upgrade offered: they’re all out of warranty. Although some service is offered at the Service Center, it’s limited.

Marathon — If your Marathon is still under warranty, EIT has a few units on hand and can provide a replacement. For out-of-warranty units, there’s a $140 charge for a replacement.

Delphi — Generally speaking, the Delphi makes a nice paperweight, although it’s possible to obtain some limited service.

Phoenix — Since the last Phoenix units were manufactured 2-1/2 years ago, replacement units are no longer available. Owners can obtain limited service or upgrade to a Pilot for about $200.

Pilot — Orca will offer Pilot units until midsummer; then Benemec OY of Finland, the current manufacturer, will market it in the U.S. under the Orca name. Pilot units still under warranty can be replaced from U.S. stocks until inventories are depleted; after that, replacements must come from Finland.

For repairs, contact: Orca Service Center, 2619 Baltimore Pike, Ste. #2, Oxford, PA 19363. Voice 610-998-1017; fax 610-998-1018.

It’s my understanding that the service center is run by a former EIT employee and is not directly connected with EIT. We’ve heard some complaints about slow service and repair problems in recent months, though all have been resolved. My impression is that the facility is small and understaffed, so I’d allow plenty of time before a scheduled dive trip for any repairs to be completed. I’d also suggest addressing any problems you have as soon as possible, and it wouldn’t be a bad idea to stock up on incidentals like battery door gaskets and those little screws for the Edge that always seem to get lost.

— J. Q.