Brand new boat w/ so many issues???

[mav7]

My brother just purchased a new 2006 Nautique (not too sure of the model, 210 I think?) and just picked it up this past weekend. He put ~9 hours on it so far (mainly breaking it in). From the hour or so I had to experience this boat, I noticed the following problems already:

- Metal filings, cut zip ties and miscellaneous crap under the engine.
- fiberglass shavings near the factory amp during installation.
- Depth finder doesn't display a reading
- Boat sounds a low-fuel alarm randomly and cuts power down to idle until restart.
- Top speed only 40mph (but I know this should improve after proper break-in)

The factory stereo system wasn't that impressive. You can barely hear the subwoofer and I had to re-tune the amp just to get it to sound right. They also didn't have the 3/4 channel low-pass filter on the amp enabled, which caused every frequency to go through the sub.

Called the dealer and they want money to come look at it (we're ~1 hour away from the dealer). So we have to spend $$$ in gas to bring this brand new boat to the dealer for them to look at, which may last a few days if parts are needed. Those parts are delivered via UPS ground too, so add 3 days at least if there is a part needed.

Has anyone else had similar experience with CC dealers / boats? We have an 89 Martinique and not a single problem with that boat. I was hoping the new Nautique could share the same reliability as in the past. I guess not. Am I wrong in asking for the $100 reinbursement in gas to bring this boat with less than 10 hours on it back to the dealer for warranty work already? Half the problems should have been checked/taken care of during inspection and delivery.

I guess I'm not satisfied at all with CC quality and service right now.

[Flux]

RE: Brand new boat w/ so many issues???

- Metal filings, cut zip ties and miscellaneous crap under the engine.
Make Dealer clean that crap out of there, that is unnacceptable

- fiberglass shavings near the factory amp during installation.
Again, unnacceptable, Dealer should have detailed that before it left.

- Depth finder doesn't display a reading
Dealer can fix, sounds like bad connection. Depth finders are wierd anyway.

- Boat sounds a low-fuel alarm randomly and cuts power down to idle until restart.
I don't think there is a low-fuel alarm. The engine will cut on low oil pressure or high temperature. Could be a bad sending unit. Definately take back to dealer for troubleshooting. If there is an oil problem, you need to know now.

- Top speed only 40mph (but I know this should improve after proper break-in)
Depending on the prop, this may be your top end. A high pitch prop for better hole shot will keep your top end down a bit. I doubt you will see much more than this, maybe 42-43. What type of boat was it?? The team edition will come with a high ptich prop.

Call CC directly and talk to them about these issues. Your boat was not detailed at the dealer, the stereo was set up incorrectly, and there is an engine problem some place. Chances are it's just a bad sender, but the dealer needs to diagnose it. Call CC and see what they can do, they might flip for the gas or the mechanic to come to you. Call them and talk to them, I have a feeling they will help you out here as it's a brand new boat and you are having a problem that will prevent you from even reaching the break in period.

Best of luck, this will get sorted out and you should be fine.

[Deuce]

RE: Brand new boat w/ so many issues???

Factory stereo is the factory stereo, expecting a lot out of that is on you. Fact is, it is just not anything to write home about..... That is nothing against Correct Craft....everyone's factory stereo is barely adequate IMO.

40 MPH is about where you should be topping out. I don't know if I have ever even gone 40 in my boat, no idea top speed....but assumed around 40....... I don't know if you are going to ever go any faster than that, even after break in.

A few things working their way down through the boat and ending up in the bilge area under the engine is not uncommon at all with a new boat IMO.

Depth finder and low fuel alarm need to be dealt with. Hopefully quickly and with a smile from the local dealer. Though I don't think they will or should be willing to pay for your gas. It is unfortunate that your brother is having these problems and hopefully it can be taken care of quickly and to your brothers satisfaction.

[mav7]

Call CC directly and talk to them about these issues. Your boat was not detailed at the dealer, the stereo was set up incorrectly, and there is an engine problem some place. Chances are it's just a bad sender, but the dealer needs to diagnose it. Call CC and see what they can do, they might flip for the gas or the mechanic to come to you. Call them and talk to them, I have a feeling they will help you out here as it's a brand new boat and you are having a problem that will prevent you from even reaching the break in period.

Best of luck, this will get sorted out and you should be fine.

Thanks for the advice Flux. I will get back to you on the exact boat model.. But I can say the dealer quoted 47-48mph top speed before it was purchased. We run 40mph doing barefoot runs and I'd hate to keep the engine at max RPM when pulling. Our martinique tops out at 45mph with a new 4-blade prop (can't remember the pitch) and less HP. Old speed was ~48mph. I will look into the specific prop details and make sure everything matches up.

Factory stereo is the factory stereo, expecting a lot out of that is on you. Fact is, it is just not anything to write home about..... That is nothing against Correct Craft....everyone's factory stereo is barely adequate IMO.

Actually the system now isn't bad at all. The Polk speakers, as well as the Clarion amplifier.. It's equivalent to an aftermarket upgrade on a 'typical' factory system. These are well-known brands, not just generic factory crap. The proper 'tune' of the amp was what upset me more than the performance of the components.

40 MPH is about where you should be topping out. I don't know if I have ever even gone 40 in my boat, no idea top speed....but assumed around 40....... I don't know if you are going to ever go any faster than that, even after break in.

I'm hoping the boat picks up a little more speed after the break-in, but if not at least I know it's not abnormal. The dealer quoted a different top speed with my brother's configuration so I was expecting that.

A few things working their way down through the boat and ending up in the bilge area under the engine is not uncommon at all with a new boat IMO.

That's exactly what the dealer said, although I still feel it's unacceptable for that much crap to be evident. My brother told me his boat arrived 'dirty' as well.

Depth finder and low fuel alarm need to be dealt with. Hopefully quickly and with a smile from the local dealer. Though I don't think they will or should be willing to pay for your gas. It is unfortunate that your brother is having these problems and hopefully it can be taken care of quickly and to your brothers satisfaction.

We're talking about someone who bought a brand new Sea Doo and spent more time at the dealer for repairs than enjoying it (again, all before the break-in period). Call it bad luck, but I beg to argue that the dealer / manufacturer should cover the inconveinence costs since the boat hasn't even been broken in yet. All I ask is for gas, I wouldn't even get into the time off work, etc. Heck, I need to move 4 cars just to get the boat trailer out of the garage.

As far as the boat not having a low fuel sensor, I'm *pretty* sure that's what the error message was when I checked the dash. It also made sense since it usually happened when slowing down and the gas tank gauge would drop due to the transfer of fuel in the tank. (When level, the gauge read 3/4). Still quite anoying if you're coming into the dock and you can't put your boat in reverse.

I should make a poll for those that bought their boats brand new.. how many required a trip back to the dealer within a week of ownership?

[Deuce]

I am in disagreement with Flux as to calling Correct Craft directly. I say you work through your dealer until they give you a reason to talk with Correct Craft directly.

He is also assuming your brother’s boat was not finely detailed. I know both boats I have taken delivery of, the process started with a "delivery person" walking me through my new boat bow to stern. I have always assumed this was not a Taylor's Boats thing, but a Cobalt and Correct Craft thing.....maybe I am wrong. Nevertheless, I would have done it anyway.....have done it with every car and truck I have purchased as well.

I will assume that if the bilge were full of crap or shavings by the amp, these would have been noticed at that time. So "maybe" during 9 hours of bouncing around a lake at 40 MPH and towing back and forth, a little stuff worked its way around the boat. I am assuming we are talking "a little." If it looked like the boat had not been detailed, that is a different story.

Note, I am not saying your brother is at fault...in the wrong, to blame whatever or that I would not be frustrated with some of these issues. However, issues happen with EVERY boat company and it is how they deal with the issues....not the issues themselves.

I also don't think it is fair to ask a dealer to come to you for warranty issues or ask to be reimbursed for your gas costs to take your boat in. I think timely service, fixing the problem right the first time and doing this with a smile is good customer service. Anything beyond that....well, that may cause you to stick with that dealer for a lifetime.....

[starslm]

Yeah I figured that out.

[Deuce]

If ANY dealer....boat or car....tried to have me take delivery of a "dirty" item.....they would have lost a sale. Done deal, I would walk......

[mav7]

I also don't think it is fair to ask a dealer to come to you for warranty issues or ask to be reimbursed for your gas costs to take your boat in. I think timely service, fixing the problem right the first time and doing this with a smile is good customer service. Anything beyond that....well, that may cause you to stick with that dealer for a lifetime.....

That's exactly the service I am looking for... And I'm sure would have been easily negotiable BEFORE the sale. But after the sale, it seems as if the dealer doesn't care anymore. But don't get me wrong, I'm with you if a sensor goes bad 150hours later. But less than 10 hours and problems? If I was a dealer I'd go out of my way to help a customer that has such problems with a brand new boat. What's $100 to a $45,000 sale?

[skiswm]

Sounds a bit strange to me. The dealer should be able to fix all the issues (vaccum cleaner for most of them?). Did your brother buy it from a CC Dealer or a broker? But, you did say the dealer is an hr away, in the first few towings you might find a few things falling down and such, it happens as you bounce over bumps in the road. Asking the dealer to come to you and/or pay for you to come to them won't happen. But, you need to remember any dealer will make money off of their service, they want you to come in. I can't believe they'd charge you for "warranty work." Might want to dig a little deeper and see if there is a larger issue. The tuning of your stereo is normal, each person has their own style and way to listen to music. My only other question, are you sure the "beep" was from the gas and maybe not something like PP?

Just my thoughts........take them for what you want. I have had great success with my dealer and my dealings with CC.

[Flux]

I have an 02' Mav7, and there is no low fuel alarm that I am aware of, that could have changed though. It is still a warranty issue though.

You may want to check into the prop thing on the top end. If they sent a high pitch prop for wakeboarding then you may want to look into a low pitch prop for barefooting and getting more top end. We wakeboard so we have a low pitch prop for hole shot, we love it.

The only reason I suggest calling CC is that they are ultimately reasponsible for the customer satisfaction. There is nothing wrong with having a polite conversation with CC over the issues you are unhappy with. Your experience thus far is not that abnormal considering the issues, but there are some mechanical things that need clarification. CC should be fully helpful and could easily work something out with the dealer to make your borther happy and get everything straightened out.

[mav7]

We're just going to have to see how well the dealer can take care of the problem. Just to clarify, the dealer would charge for the time and gas to come out to us... NOT for the actual warranty work.

I think CC makes a great boat.. We've been a satisfied customer since 1989. I was a bit surprised to see this one with so many issues (I don't remember *any* of these issues when taking delivery on a brand new martinuqe).

If the problems get fixed at the dealer in a short time and the boat is back in perfect working order, I'm sure my brother will be happy. Anything more than that, we might have to put CC's customer service to the test.

[Hollywood]

What's $100 to a $45,000 sale?

So why are you going through so much effort to get that $100 back? Next time tell your brother to make sure the boat is solid before pulling out of the lot.

[mav7]

What's $100 to a $45,000 sale?

So why are you going through so much effort to get that $100 back? Next time tell your brother to make sure the boat is solid before pulling out of the lot.

Because I feel you shouldn't need to haul a brand new boat back to the dealer for warranty work. I'm sure you'd feel the same way if you had a similar situation. When you are working your *** off full-time to afford the boat and need to take time off work to get it fixed to enjoy it for the weekend, it's a BIG inconveinence. The appearance issues with the boat should have been handled during delivery, but there was no way of knowing about the depth finder and sensor/engine problems. The dealership should "take care" of the customer.

[ag4ever]

Yeah, what is $100 to a $45,000 sale?

The dealer sure does not get the whole $45,000.

If you can afford a $45,000 boat, then the $100 gas is small beans.

They just get a SMALL piece, and requiring them to pay for you to bring it in is rediculous. If you required that, then you should have made that aggrement before buying it. The warranty clearly states that transportation costs are yours, and not theirs.

Having to move four cars to get the boat out of the garage. Give me a break! Do you complain about moving them to go use the boat?

Is your brother complaining about all this, since he is the one who bought the boat, or are you just a person that like to complain about every thing?

The problems you listed all sound VERY minor. Just be happy it runs.

Also, the 210 will only do 40 - 45 with the 18" pitch prop. Put the 16" that comes with the team edition on there and you would be lucky for 40. The salesman was wrong, and you should have test drove the boat prior to the sale. Either that or got the speed in writing from the salesman.

[mav7]

Yeah, what is $100 to a $45,000 sale?
Is your brother complaining about all this, since he is the one who bought the boat, or are you just a person that like to complain about every thing?

If the boat came the way it was suppose to, I wouldn't be complaining would I? I'm the guy that will probably have to bring the boat to the dealership since my job is more flexible than his. Must be nice to have a ton of money.. If we did I sure wouldn't be complaining about $100 either. I just like to see people get what they pay for. If I would have known a new Nautique would have issues I'd recommend another manufacturer.
I'm not putting the dealer at fault for the problems... I'm sure they can work with CC though for issues like this. But I've been through enough scenarios to know good customer service from bad.

Like I said, we'll see how the warranty work goes. I'm not holding my breath for any time/expense reimbursement (nor did I ever expect to). It'd just be something nice that would keep me referring the dealer/manufacturer.