I want my boat back.

[X2M]

I need some advice on what to do and how to handle this. This has been my experience so far...

As some of you know my boat went to the dealer on October 3rd to get the gelcoat cracks fixed and some warranty work done. We were given this appointment date because it worked best for the gelcoat guys schedule. When we dropped the boat off we were told that the boat would be ready for pick-up in 2 weeks. Well, the 2 weeks turned into a month.

On November 3rd we went to pick the boat up from the dealer. Were told that the boat had been prepped and detailed and was ready for us. When my husband arrived after some waiting he was able to hook the boat up and then look it over with one of the employees that work there. He found several things he was not happy about and wanted to leave the boat for them to fix. He was told by the employee to take the boat home and they would work something out with us later. By this time my husband was late getting back to work (used his lunch time to pick-up the boat) and couldn't take anymore time to discuss it. He took the boat and then I went and picked it up from him and brought it home.

After getting it home I got in the boat and looked it over. The boat was filthy. There was a thick layer of gelcoat sanding scum all over the hull, deck, tower and seats. Foot prints on the vinyl, the battery was dead, the back engine compartments had leaves, sticks and gelcoat shavings in them, the engine dividers were not put back in, dealer wire-cutters under one of the seats as well as exposed wire and wire trimings. I looked over the exterior of the boat also. The gelcoat work had been done and looked really good. The colors matched and you couldn't even see where the patching was done. But the rub rail didn't meet up, it now had two 1/2 inch gaps where the two sections meet. I got the cover out and went to put it on and found a 2 foot rip in it. At this point I called the dealer. Told them about the problems and was told they couldn't do anything about it now because the manager was out of the office but I could bring the boat back to them the next morning.

The next morning the dealer called and said that they would be sending someone out to pick the boat up, take it back to fix and clean it. They also apologized for the rip in the cover, explained how it happened and that there was a new one at the dealer for us. And they were going to give us a free 50 hour service as another apology. An employee from the dealer came out picked the boat up and took it back. I asked when it would be finished and was told they would deliver it back to us on November 9th. The 9th was wednesday and we didn't hear anything. Called today and was told that they hadn't started on it yet.

I am frustrated. I want my boat back. It has been in the shop for a month and a half now to fix things that we did not cause. We have missed a couple of weeks of using the boat because of this.

I am happy that they are trying to make situation better. I am also happy with the gelcoat repair. I just want my boat back.

What do I do now?

[bigmac]

Originally Posted by X2momma

I need some advice on what to do and how to handle this. This has been my experience so far...

As some of you know my boat went to the dealer on October 3rd to get the gelcoat cracks fixed and some warranty work done. We were given this appointment date because it worked best for the gelcoat guys schedule. When we dropped the boat off we were told that the boat would be ready for pick-up in 2 weeks. Well, the 2 weeks turned into a month.

On November 3rd we went to pick the boat up from the dealer. Were told that the boat had been prepped and detailed and was ready for us. When my husband arrived after some waiting he was able to hook the boat up and then look it over with one of the employees that work there. He found several things he was not happy about and wanted to leave the boat for them to fix. He was told by the employee to take the boat home and they would work something out with us later. By this time my husband was late getting back to work (used his lunch time to pick-up the boat) and couldn't take anymore time to discuss it. He took the boat and then I went and picked it up from him and brought it home.

After getting it home I got in the boat and looked it over. The boat was filthy. There was a thick layer of gelcoat sanding scum all over the hull, deck, tower and seats. Foot prints on the vinyl, the battery was dead, the back engine compartments had leaves, sticks and gelcoat shavings in them, the engine dividers were not put back in, dealer wire-cutters under one of the seats as well as exposed wire and wire trimings. I looked over the exterior of the boat also. The gelcoat work had been done and looked really good. The colors matched and you couldn't even see where the patching was done. But the rub rail didn't meet up, it now had two 1/2 inch gaps where the two sections meet. I got the cover out and went to put it on and found a 2 foot rip in it. At this point I called the dealer. Told them about the problems and was told they couldn't do anything about it now because the manager was out of the office but I could bring the boat back to them the next morning.

The next morning the dealer called and said that they would be sending someone out to pick the boat up, take it back to fix and clean it. They also apologized for the rip in the cover, explained how it happened and that there was a new one at the dealer for us. And they were going to give us a free 50 hour service as another apology. An employee from the dealer came out picked the boat up and took it back. I asked when it would be finished and was told they would deliver it back to us on November 9th. The 9th was wednesday and we didn't hear anything. Called today and was told that they hadn't started on it yet.

I am frustrated. I want my boat back. It has been in the shop for a month and a half now to fix things that we did not cause. We have missed a couple of weeks of using the boat because of this.

I am happy that they are trying to make situation better. I am also happy with the gelcoat repair. I just want my boat back.

What do I do now?

I would be just a frustrated as you are, but if it were me, I'd be working hard to be understanding. It sounds like your dealer is willing to stand behind his work and fix the areas where he dropped the ball, and make up for the inconvenience he's caused you. In my mind, that's a good dealer, even if he fell down on the ancillary details surrounding the repairs. No doubt it's a busy time for them and scheduling this stuff is problematic - not an excuse, but maybe a reason to try to be patient, cut him some slack, and maintain a good relationship with him. We've seen here on TMC, in excruciating detail, the negative effects of pushing a busy dealer who's trying to work hard for all of his customers. Service work on stuff like vehicle repairs isn't an exact science. It's amazing how often what seems like a 2 hour job can turn into a 4 hour job and screw up an entire shop work schedule.

Just my . Personally, I'd be pleased that he's willing to address my issues, let him know I'm disappointed (he probably is too), shrug, and take the hit.

[X2M]

Did I come across as pushing the dealer? I didn't mean to. I think we have been patient.

Thank you for giving me your .

[whitedog]

X2 Being paitent in these matters usually pays off. With dealers being busy this time of year thing get behind. But by waiting it out and not ranting you will most likely be very happy in the end.

[bigmac]

Originally Posted by X2momma

Did I come across as pushing the dealer? I didn't mean to. I think we have been patient.

Thank you for giving me your .

No, no. I didn't think that at all - you sound very reasonable. I merely counsel against letting your frustration lead you to do so...

[stevo137]

I agree with Mac. Especially since it involves gelcoat work. There aren't many people that do this type of work and do it well. Just the fact that the gelcoat looks good is a big plus.
It sounds like you have a good dealer that made some mistakes that is willing to compensate you for the inconvenience.
Keep a positive and understanding demeaner with them and I'm sure that they will do the same...

[stevo137]

Originally Posted by bigmac

No, no. I didn't think that at all - you sound very reasonable. I merely counsel against letting your frustration lead you to do so...

Momma sure sounds like a sweetie to me!

[SteveO]

Originally Posted by stevo137

Momma sure sounds like a sweetie to me!

Stevo137 flattery will get you everywhere

[Diesel]

Why do you need your boat back?? Isn't it cold up there??

FWIW my 05 has been at the dealer for 2mths for some warranty work. I call every now and then to check on it and make sure it is inside. I too am having some gel coat work done and they know how picky I am and take their time to make sure it is right.

I am just glad I did not take it back in July when they wanted it. Now 2mths shop time during the season would kill me..................

[Cloaked]

Take control of your own destiny and go get the dang thing. Done deal.

I'd never allow someone to control me in a situation like this. Go get it, suck up any losses, restitute any gains, and have it home by dark tomorrow.

Then deal with the frustrations or injustices with the boat in your court.