New Boat Delivered-Paint Damage-Need your HELP !!!!!!

[JFT]

Hello everybody

I finally have received delivery of my new Nautique (see previous post on Boat selection). It is Winter here and the dealer had to transport the boat (shrink wrapped) over a 1300 km's distance.

When the boat was unwrapped at delivery we discovered that some dirt had collected between the boat and the wrap and had significantly damaged the paint (see attached pics). Even some of the rubber guards have been scuffed.

The dealer tells me that this is really not a problem and that it can be easily fixed. He proposes that I take the boat to someone local that will fix it and look like it never happened before (matching paint and gel will be shipped from the manufacturer). Repair to be obviously covered by the dealership.

This is my first boat. Needless to say that I am extremely dissapointed. I do not want to be "a pain" to the dealer if this problem is really as insignificant as he describes it. However, I am concerned that it is a repair and that I may not get, especially after a few seasons, what I was supposed to get.

What is your opinion on this ? Is this a really small issue or should the boat be replaced ?

Write soon

JF

[JFT]

Another pic

Here is another pic

[JFT]

another pics

Here is a third pic

[brit_rider]

RE: another pics

hmmm... i'd take it right back to the dealer and have them fix it.


shouldn't be your problem.. unless you've already paid in full and taken it home.

[NautiqueJeff]

RE: another pics

I wouldn't even consider accepting a boat in that condition. I don't know if I would go so far as to say that the boat should be replaced, but the dealer should certainly be responsible for the repairs. The boat should look BRAND NEW when you take delivery. Correct Craft gelcoat is quite thick, so a little wet sanding and a new rubrail will probably take care of the problem.

[whataniceboat]

Some of those marks look quite easy to polish out, but as Jeff says this should not bhe your responsibility.

Where are you based?

You seem to be a long way from the dealer.

[JFT]

Damage

The boat is currently being used at the boatshow. On Sunday, the dealer was supposed to hand it out to me and leave home (1300 km's away).

My biggest concern at this time is that the repair will provide me a boat that is as good as a new one. Will this repair be durable and noticeable ?

Asking him to stay and have it fixed is not an option.

[FatBoy]

RE: Damage

I am with Jeff, I would not accept a new boat in that condition. The dealer should make that right before you take it.

[Mikeski]

I would treat the deal the same way I would treat a damaged equipment transaction.

Accept the boat on a contingency basis, withold 10% of the purchase price, make an agreement in writing between you and the seller that the boat will be repaired to new condition. Upon successful repair of the boat the dealer gets the remaining 10%. If the boat is not repairable to new condition then it should be replaced. Do all agreements in writing and withold an amount equal to double the estimated repairs, minimum.

Alternatively figure out what the demaged boat is worth to you and you assume the responsibilities for repair in trade for a reduced boat cost. It will definately need a new rub rail and at least $200 in buffing so figure $1k best case scenario, maybe $5k worst case (providing there are no structural cracks, hard to tell extent of damage from the pix).

[Johnsongc]

Don't keep the boat. The dealer has a responsibility to provide you a "new" boat. I hate to recommend this but send it back, even if you have paid in full (actually, especially if you have paid in full). Dealer should pick up all shipping cost and get you a new boat immediately. If this is not an option then follow Mikeski's instructions and with-hold at least 10%. Although, most likely you have already either paid cash, or paid a down payment and signed loan docs.

I hate to hear about things like this, but you should not feel like you are being a pain. These are expensive boats and we should all get our money's worth.

-Greg

[JFT]

Thanks for the very good suggestions.

I have decided to follow Mikeski's advice and have held 10% of the total amount.

At the boat show, the dealer has introduced me to someone who does such repairs for a living. He showed me his portfolio of repaired boats which included a lot of $ 300K + boats and sailboats. He promised that no one will ever be able to tell the difference after the repair is done and that the repaired portions will be as durable as the rest of the boat.

Once I get delivery of the boat after the repair has been completed, I will return the 10% to the dealership, if I am satisfied.

In short, it is not over yet but, d..n, I feel so much better than yesterday...

Thank you all again for your help. Facing this problem, I immediately knew that I could get some very valuable and quick help from you folks. I hope to be able to return the favor soon...

Have a wonderful week-end

JF

[Laptom]

JFT, don't worry to much... I know it's a bitch, but they can repair this for the full 100%.. I don't think your dealer is to glad with it either, help him a bit for something in return. 'Let him in writing that they would fix this for 100%, and if it's easier for them locally. It doesn't matter where the problem is solved. If it solved before summer starts...

Good luck with it!!

[darrel409]

JFT, congrats on the purchase and satisfactory repairs on it. Do you all think this is the first boat to take on a little damage in transit? I wonder how often this has happened in the past, before the buyer sees his boat. Would the dealer be required to notify you or just do the repair before pick-up of your new toy? After JFT's repair he wont kno it was ever damaged, i wouldnt either, would you?

[BigBald]

speaking as someone that worked on fiberglass boats in a past life and someone that has had a major repair done on his boat.....they should be able to make this damage look like brand new. It may take a bit of work, but there is no reason that it won't be perfect. My dealer has a sub do their fiberglass repair and the guy does an awesome job. Absolutely no complaints.

[Hollywood]

I also think it will come out looking brand new once repaired. If the dealer never told you and had it fixed before delivery, would you be more angry finding out he was trying to cover something up? Also, it was at the boat show, and obviously isn't going to be "perfect". You should have known that, but obviously this gel is going to need a little work. It doesn't sound like you're getting screwed, just inconvienced. Relax, you're getting a new Nautique!