Dealership service: Is this experience normal?

[alexbailey228]

Removed.

[Nautiquehunter]

I would have pulled the boat the minute they said it would be 3 hours to install a ballast pump. Isnt that about 300.00 per pump? I can,t think of any reputable shop that would take more than 35 days to do such minor repairs. Pull the boat if you can and go to a dealer or boat repair shop that treats a customer with respect and has a staff that can do repairs in a timely fashion.

[alexbailey228]

removed.

[Neverenough]

Maybe I'm spoiled w a great dealer but NO WAY!!! You are taking it in at the busiest time for them but there is no way it takes an hour per pump and that's just out right poor service. That maybe what they charge. I'd pull it and go elsewhere.

[alexbailey228]

They said 3 hours per pump

[NCH2oSki]

Poor service...cut your losses and take it elsewhere. There are some good dealers in NC and a few good independent guys also.

[alexbailey228]

removed.

[hondaprlud]

I'd pull it. Ride the rest of the summer and do the pump replacement yourself in the off-season, or weeknights. If that's not your thing call the Malibu dealer you friend uses and see if they'll do it. I bet they would.

[shag]

Unfortunately I have heard some stories like this the last couple years. My observation is that those who are buying the 100k boats seem to take a front seat, while those with older boats seem to (maybe unintentionally) get pushed back.... I can understand a little of this (If I bought a 100K boat I would expect to have prompt service) but there should be adequate personnel to service the older boats as well. imo

[theskunk]

My honest opinion? Start becoming very handy, and make friends in the LKN/Huntersville area who know how to work on boats and are willing to teach.

For an 02 SAN, they are actually pretty easy to work on, and not 100% based on computers, so that at least isn't getting in your way. You'll also save TONS of money and be well versed in getting things back on-line quickly.

Finally, you're going to find that the providers and vendors in this industry are extremely helpful with DIY'ers - PerfectPass, WakeMakers, and StraightLine/LiquidForce have been the ones I've dealt with most recently, and they've all gone above and beyond to help me out. You also have access to this forum (we love pictures!), and nautiqueparts.com, who has a wealth of information, as well.

[nyryan2001]

Alex- did you buy your boat at that dealer???

Or bought it elsewhere and now bringing it to them for service ?

[alexbailey228]

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[kend]

I feel your pain for not having your new toy in the middle of season. I had a similar problem a few years back and called around until I found someone who could get to it right away.....turns out good mechanics are very busy and the quick turn around guy was expensive and caused more engine issues than it fixed. For something non-critical like a pump I might pay for work done and bring it back to them in October.

[Neverenough]

3 hours per pump!!!!! Thats crazy!!!!! No way! If you can hear the pumps run it probably just needs impellers.Pretty simple either way. I'm with NCH with what you need done it doesn't have to be a Nautique dealer any good boat tech can fix what your looking for.

Your way cooler than I! I'd be freakin out! There's only so much summer and this guy ate up part of it.

Good luck.