Not happy with my local dealer

[pickle311]

After almost 2 months, I finally got my boat back from the dealer. The condition in which they returned my boat to me I believe is unacceptable. Don't get me wrong, I didn't expect my boat to be detailed, but I also didn't expect to be scrubbing greasy shoe prints off the vinyl and rubber streaks off the gunwale. And really, would it have killed them to clean my boat? After all, I did have a $7K repair bill and have spent almost $100k with them. The interior of my boat was absolutely disgusting and I spent half a day scrubbing it. I've never let my boat get that dirty and it doesn't look near that bad after sitting for 4 or 5 months during the winter. I just expect them to treat a $40k + toy a little better. I can spend $25k on a used BMW and they will pick it up from my office to change the oil and bring it back detailed. You don't return items to loyal customers in worse condition than you received it.
They may have lost me as a customer after all of this. 2 months to repair it, invoice was higher than estimated, charged for things I didn't approve and what I thought should have been covered under warranty, and freaking greasy shoe prints. rant over

[wolfeman131]

That stinks and I think I would have taken it back (or not taken it off the lot) and told them to clean it up. But, I also understand when you're in a spot that you just want your stuff back and it's easier to get it done yourself.

Post up the dealer's name for a proper rant and possible resolution as they lurk around here a bit.

[Suprahunter]

The owner should have been notified of the condition the boat was returned. His answers would determine whether you have ant further dealings with him. I would send him a copy of this post and see what he says.

[02Outback]

I had a similar issue at my dealer here in Houston, however mine was a little worse. I quickly got on the phone and called the service manager to complain about my findings. He quickly requested the boat back at the shop, which of course I did. I took it back and they fixed everything.

When they water tested my boat, when loading back on the trailer they ran the nose up causing the nose rub rail to be pulled down/off almost. I did not notice this at the time because of the cover being on but once I did, I was quick to get on the phone.

I applaud my dealer for accepting responsibility and quickly resolving the issues at no cost to me.

Rinkers Boat World - Houston, TX

[brad460]

That's what sucks about working on a boat, you are constantly climbing in and out!! That being said a dealer should be smart enough to cover everything with loading blankets or something similar.
Curious, what kind of work did you have done? Based on your bill was the engine replaced?

I would complain and request some in store credit or coupon for some free oil changes...

[pickle311]

Yes, it was an engine replacement.
I thought about complaining to them, but what good would it really do? I don't care to haul the boat 30 miles across town through craptastic traffic to bring it back to them. I also don't care to get anything out of them for it. I guess I'm not the type that seeks compensation for something that's not permanent damage. It's cleaned up now, so I guess it really doesn't matter. I did just get an email from them for a survey though. I will fill that out honestly and see if anything comes of it.
I don't want to post their name at this point because they have been great to me for the last 6 years. I will give them the opportunity to redeem themselves without tossing their name under the bus.

[jpetty3023]

I had the very same issue with the same dealer a few months ago (minus the 7k service bill). I noticed it before the 1 1/2 hour drive home. I said the very same thing aboutma 45k boat and no TLC from them yet. My wife owns a BMW and
by far the best service of anything I have ever owned. "our boat place" should take some notes from my BMW dealership

[ptcbtchr]

I'm starting to think that boat dealers are not the top of the customer service heap. I took my swim platform back to the dealer to get the recalled rubber
replaced. I dropped it off on monday and told them I would leave it for a day or 2 to replace the rubber. I called on thursday at appx 10 am to see if I could pick it up on friday, and was told service manager was on lake testing a boat and would call me back. 7 hours later I called back to see status of my platform, and again told service manager no available. Later received a call to tell me they were working on my platform. I did pick it up friday.....with several air bubbles under the rubber, much to my dismay. Once calling them I was told that was normal and they would bake out in the sun!! not pleased. Seems boat dealers all suffer from
quality service. My Mercedes dealer washes and details our car anytime we have it in for service!! and I paid less for it that my boat!! expected more


Mark

[matt75]

I had a similar issue at my dealer here in Houston, however mine was a little worse. I quickly got on the phone and called the service manager to complain about my findings. He quickly requested the boat back at the shop, which of course I did. I took it back and they fixed everything.

When they water tested my boat, when loading back on the trailer they ran the nose up causing the nose rub rail to be pulled down/off almost. I did not notice this at the time because of the cover being on but once I did, I was quick to get on the phone.

I applaud my dealer for accepting responsibility and quickly resolving the issues at no cost to me.

Rinkers Boat World - Houston, TX

Was the service mgr Stan? He's an awesome guy- takes care of the client!!!

[skiyaker]

all this stinks to hear. I've been pretty happy with my dealer (Aqua Marine of Anderson)- in the summer he usually employs a high school kid to wash the boats and get them ready for pick up. I notice little things like if I drop it off for service and it's wet he'll remove the seat cushions and dry it out. Too bad you guys don't live closer.