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

[Cpan13]

I have no problem with issues if I do it my self (or kids) but to pay full price for something and have it arrive not perfect is not something I would accept. I'm not saying walk away but at least make sure the fix is perfect or make sure you're compensated for it (get them to throw in a new wakesurf or give a greater discount, something at least).

[G_WaTT]

The damage is about eye level making it something I'll see every time I wipe it down. I was told they ordered factory gel coating for the repair, so everything should be the same color. I was told the guy from my dealership hadn't realized anything happened to the boat until he saw the damages. they said they thought a truck got a little to close and caused the damage. I also think it's possible they took a turn a little too sharply. I agree that accidents happen, but when the damage is done before it even leaves the lot and cannot be repaired. It is a bit different. This is not damage from normal wear and tear. It may not be my last, but my Malibu Wakesetter VLX lasted me 14 years and I expect this to last just as long.

[Quinner]

A proper repair should not be noticeable, if you can see it they need to do it again, new gel is far easier to match then aged gel so a perfect match should not be a problem. As I mentioned in a previous post, it's possible the gel repair will age differently and may re-appear years down the road, that usually can be fixed with a polish and wax.

Whatever you decide, good luck, if it was me based on what you are saying, get the repair corrected to the point it is no longer visible, sweeten the deal as both parties agree and go have fun.

[swc5150]

Cannot help but to laugh at some of these comments about walking away or not buying it because of a scratch, so what would you guy's do when your kid drags his bike across your boat in the garage or hits it with his ski in the water, sell the boat or junior finds a new home at the orphanage, lmao.

Yes CQ, Luna would have to find a new home for the time being if she ran her bike into my boat, LOL

[vanhanbr]

Have we determined that this "scratch" is cosmetic only at this point? If it was only minor, I'm surprised they didn't just give the OP the option of a discount in the first place. As far as the driver's comment: I wouldn't have him drive anymore if he can hit something / get hit and not even know it.

[G_WaTT]

The damage is cosmetic at this point and a discount wasn't offered. I told the dealer I shouldn't see any damages on a new boat purchase. If the repairs are still visible I may suggest a discount if it seems it can't be repaired to the level I expect. Thanks to the forum I also asked that the trailer be sent in to have the alignment checked. They told me that would not be a problem.

[Neverenough]

A good repair to a scratch is one thing but even a great repair to heavy damage is WAY different. Did they have pics prior to repairs? Heck Im always up looking at boats at Buxton and all to often they are new boats with damage. A friend of mine ordered a new G and when it came in it had several places he wasn't happy with.. Buxton has an awesome Gel and Glass guy that repaired it and hes happy with it and we are in the Auto Collision business. We catch stuff that most people would never see. I noticed a spot on my G the other day where it had been repaired at some point.. Im the first owner but it was at another dealer before Buxton got it. Who knows but again that stuff is just scratches. Its likely the trailer took the biggest blow since its bumper level. If the boat was just scratch then Id let them get the gel good and then follow behind the trailer to see if it pull straight. The only way I know how to check alignment on a trailer is just get under it and measure the axles from the center line and the cross measure... Ive never hard of an alignment machine that could give you specs on one because there is no adjustment. If its out some thing is bent.... Either way best of luck to you!

[G_WaTT]

I do not have pictures of the damage. I did go in and take a look at it though. The damage was a long strip of gel coating that had been chipped off and the gunnel in that area had taken some damage as well. They hadn't done any more repair work to the boat since it came back from the gel coating shop. It didn't look as bad as I had anticipated. It was pretty minimal, but they are going to work on it soon. The new gunnel looked scratched and they are hoping it will buff out. I did notice some damage on the front wheel as well as some paint damage on the trailer. Before I was so concerned with the boat I had neglected to inspect other areas. Parts for the trailer are still two weeks out, but hopefully they don't wait for the parts before they start correcting all other issues. *fingers crossed*

[G_WaTT]

*Update* I still have no boat. After a month the boat had still not been fixed while other areas like the trailer had not been worked on at all. Stuff was on order, but things on order doesn't put me in the water. I asked for my deposit back and my dealer offered my a discount on a custom ordered 2017 that could be completed early July. I was later told that the Nautique Rep had promised a build slot that he couldn't deliver. So now I'm waiting on a 2018 that should be completed early August. I sold my old boat in March and have been making payments (home refi loan - lower interest rate) on this new boat I don't have It has been a rough summer my friends.

Nautique People Problems

[surroundsound64]

What a bummer. Dealer didn't have a loaner you could use in the mean time?

[vacooley]

Make dealer give you money back. Buy 1-2 year old used Nautique. Trade it in a year or two.


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[Wake.BC]

I think you made the right choice taking a new one. It's a new boat, so you should be getting a new boat.

I would talk to your buddy at the dealer and see if he can let you use a pre owned one in the meantime. Even if it was just on weekends and you take it back every week that would still be better than no boat.


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[BigEasy]

Good call, unless you were getting a substantial discount I would have opted for the new one as well.

[Chris5084]

What dealer did you purchase your boat from?




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[G_WaTT]

I had a great deal on the 2016 and the 2017 was a 5k bump and now I'm getting the 2018 for the same price as the 2017. I feel like it's an amazing deal. I'm just bummed since I can't ride. My dealer has spoken with me about letting me borrow a G23, but I'm hesitant to borrow something so large and expensive.