Put a deposit down and boat arrived damaged. What now?

[G_WaTT]

I put a deposit down on a new 2016 G23. The boat arrived, but had been in an accident along the way. Most damage occurred to the trailer, but the gunnel was scratched and some gel coating had been chipped off in a thin area above the gunnel. The gel coating chip is approx a half inch to an inch wide and about 2 feet long (1"x2'). It was sent up north for repairs and came back, but my guy at the dealership doesn't sound too stoked on the work they did. Letting me know that I can tell there has been repairs made to that specific area. I have not seen it yet, and intend to view it once the gunnel is replaced, but I wanted some advice on what to do. I really like the guys at my dealership and I appreciate them being up front and honest with me, but I don't feel comfortable spending this much money on damaged goods. I'm sure the defect is small and another buyer would probably overlook this, but I don't think I'll be able to overlook a flaw even if it is a minor one. Again, I haven't seen it after the repair, but I wanted some thoughts and opinions on how I should proceed. Thanks!

[charlesml3]

Again, I haven't seen it after the repair, but I wanted some thoughts and opinions on how I should proceed. Thanks!

Personally, I wouldn't proceed at all. You put a deposit down on a boat. Not necessarily THAT boat.

-Charles

[Dandy21]

If this was a 2016, is it safe to assume that this was a dealer leftover that was being shipped to your dealer? If the boat had been in an accident during transportation, then the responsible party's insurance should be responsible for the cost of repair. I would suggesting working with your dealer (them being the knowledgeable party of what is expected out of a new boat) and request that they hold the party (insurance co.) until the boat is repaired to their consideration of "as new" condition. Again, this is all subject to this being a new boat and not a demo. If it is a demo and has several hours registered the insurance company could argue that some wear and tear is expected.

In a previous life, I worked in car sales. We had a situation where a dealer trade was performed. An accident happened (don't recall what car) and the car had to go through insurance to new condition as it was truly a new car, never titled - not a dealer demo.

If you have a good dealer, they should be willing to stand up for you and make sure that even though there was damage, you still purchased a new boat and should get one.

Good Luck

[G_WaTT]

Thanks guys! The boat has 0 hrs on it. It was a custom order where the buyer backed out and purchased something else. You are correct. My local dealership had picked it up from another dealership in another state. I think my dealership will work with me, but do I ask them to make me a deal on another new 2016 or have them send the boat in for repairs for a second time? I know I should decide after I see the damage, but I want to go in having a game plan and expectations. I really appreciate the feedback. Thanks!

[gmdog2]

If you are not happy with the repair, tell them. See if they are willing to work with you. If not, do not take it, as it will probably eat at you as long as you own it. I'm very picky or AR as my wife n friends say, but I like things perfect. It sounds like you are that way as well from your post. Give the dealer a chance, if a good dealership they will understand...my .02..good luck..

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[shag]

Imo, you put a deposit on a new boat... These boats are 100K plus and if I was paying that much, I wouldn't accept damaged and repaired, unless their was a substantial monetary offset, determined by yourself.

[swankster]

Who sent it out for the repair, your dealer or the other? Don't take it unless you are satisfied.

[surroundsound64]

Take 20% off the sale price and I would still buy. If they didn't want to do that, I would get another one.

[JD ski]

Imo, you put a deposit on a new boat... These boats are 100K plus and if I was paying that much, I wouldn't accept damaged and repaired, unless their was a substantial monetary offset, determined by yourself.

For a substantial price reduction I would still consider the boat, someone has to put the first scratch in it and this way it is not you or your wife. You know what kind of problem that can cause. Make sure the repair is up to your standard. Nothing is perfect for ever and you will be able to relax more knowing the first damage has already occurred and you are not waiting for the first scratch and then hating the person that caused it, which might be you. Just something to think about.

[G_WaTT]

My dealership sent it up for repairs. I had originally had my Nautique dealership contact the out of state dealership. My dealership picked up the boat out of state and damaged it along the way back to my local dealership. I believe I was getting a really good deal, but now I worry if I walk I won't find something as great. Additionally, I had calculated all my finances around this particular boat's cost. I did a home refi to take out a loan against my home for a lower interest rate and to write it off on my taxes. My dealer had even mentioned making me a "killer deal" on a 2017, but I'm sure that deal would still put me well above my intended finances, or not have near the additional features. From everyone's feedback it sounds like if I'm unsatisfied I need to have them fix it again to be perfect or walk away from the boat. I appreciate the feedback. Hopefully all goes well. I'll keep you all posted. I should be going in by the end of this week or next week.

[markj]

Was the damage done to a solid color or a flake color? If it was done in a solid colored area, someone should be able to dig out the bad repair and fix it easily.

[G_WaTT]

The damage starts in the red metal flake, goes across the white accent, and back into the red metal flake. My dealer said it was the white that looked troubling to him.

[lucky7t]

Personally I wouldn't accept a repair . Get a new boat . I don't think you will ever be happy especially if it in the flake part of the gel.


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[Bevostein]

Based on my experience, they should be able to get the white repaired so that its not noticeable. The metal flake colors are harder to repair so its surprising that it looks OK but the white doesn't.

I find it strange that your dealer damaged it, sent it out for repairs, now telling you its doesn't look right and wants you to come look at it. IMHO that's not what a good dealer would do. A good dealer would say "the repair doesn't look right and we are sending it back or sending it to someone else to be done right" I wouldn't spend the time to go look at it. Tell them if its not up to their standards its certainly not up to yours.

Personally IF they can get everything back to new I would try to negotiate a little something for the fact its been damaged. If its still noticeable they would have to do something substantial to get me to take it.

[swc5150]

Unless you absolutely cannot tell where the damage occurred, I'd have a hard time taking delivery. If your deal is too good to pass up, again, I'd make sure the repair was perfect.