posted 03-26-2005 06:25 PM ET (US)        

Ok....went to get my 170 today. Did the demo, the whole thing. Boat ran great, steering seemed a little loose but I was told that that is normal for teleflex.....just a tad bit of play but it was while moving slowly. Didn't check it going fast.

Seas were very choppy and I go the "you know what" kicked out of me but it ran nice. I was happy as a clam in sh-t........until...............

they did a lousy prep job and there were glues stains all over the place. I had them redo it and all was well until.......I saw scratches on the plexiglass. They apparantly towel dried it wth dirt still on it so it scratched.

I made them replace it but they couldn't get the holes to line up. Then they decided to bore out the holes in the plexiglass to allow for more adjustment. I was not happy about this but allowed it. They spent two hours trying to fit this and in the process, sctatched the plexiglass while the metal grommet/washers turned and dug in. They tried to line up the scratches to the washers but they couldn't

Then, they decided to use a larger washer. I was at the end of my rope but I figured, maybe it will still look ok. Well in the process, they scratched the glass even more and the washers were too big but worst of all, the screws did not sit flush to the washer indentation. They were angled and sticking out a bit

I had had it. I told them it was unaceptable and that I am spending 24K on a boat and I don't want it bastardized. They were amenable but I knew they were pissed at me for demanding it and the fact that they spent so much time and couldn't get it right

So...the boat there, was promised that it would be perfect by Tuesday and that they woukld deliver it to me. Not too bad but I still feel lousy about this and feel that they aren't going to do the job as well as it should be done. I feel like i am being pacified and have serious doubts as to whether they will do it to my liking.

To say that I am dissappointed is a huge understatement. Plus I tried to get hold of them to tell them to remove the cushions (in my anger and frustration I forgot to remove them). They left 5 mins after I did. So now my cushion may get soaked cause bad weather is due here tomorrow.

Anyway, I am venting here and I apologize for this post's length.

To be continued.

posted 03-26-2005 08:12 PM ET (US)            

When I was much younger, I had a friend who worked in the delivery prep. department at a car dealership. He explained their practices to me as follows:

Fix, clean, or replace anything that 90 percent of new car buyers would reject.

When you get a buyer who comes from the remaining 10 percent of new car buyers, then fix, clean or replace anything that the customer brings to your attention.

Apparently this practice optimized the department's cost/complaint ratio.

You're a 10 percent kind of guy. Your dealership has promised to take care of the problem. Give them the chance to make good on their promise. You might want to look the boat over while she's still there, before they deliver her, just so you're satisfied that all is well. Your cushions will get wet many times. And they'll dry.

Meanwhile, think back to the sea trial. What was the biggest thrill for you? Climbing aboard your boat? Hearing her motor turn over? Taking the helm?

The next few days will probably be much easier if you focus on that thrill, rather than those scratches that will be taken care of.

posted 03-27-2005 07:53 AM ET (US)            

Do not accept mediocrity, but also choose which hill to die on.

I probably would have let the plexi scratch go, if I would have been briefed on possible collateral damage to the boat.

At any rate do not accept shoddy work. Fill out your survey, I guarantee BW will contact you.

posted 03-27-2005 12:54 PM ET (US)            

I, just like Jeff, probably would have let the plexiglass scratch go; if thay had briefed me of the perils ahead. Over the years scratch polish has been good to me and depending on the depth, this might could have been buffed out.

Things will get better. I too am a 10 per center and understand your frustrations. There was an unitentional bump in the road when my boat was put in service last year but it all worked out with no hard feelings. At my age time passes by so fast that I try not to let anything overshadow my basic joy of being able to be on the water. The dealer will make it right; would be my guess, anyway.

Heard a story once about a guy who got his wife a new 911 as a gift and brought her down to the garage to see her new car. She was rightfully overwhelmed with happiness. She then cried out as her husband took the key and put a six inch long scratch on the fender of her perfect machine. "Why did you do something stupid like that!?", she asked. He told her quietly, "Now it already has its first scratch, so it's not perfect anymore. Go out and really enjoy driving it now"

posted 03-27-2005 09:36 PM ET (US)            

Thank you all for help and solice on my delivery problems. I am rejuvinated and ready to get my boat done the right way. I will be contacting the dealership first thing tomorrow morning.

I keep thinking about the demo. The captain took us out, with three men total on the boat and very choppy seas. We we moving. It was actually scary but i trusted his driving and he really showed what the boat can do. Not sure how fast we were going but it seemed fast. I am not the chop type person and I can't wait to open her up on glass, as it usually is in the morning.

I had a chill as I sqw the boat in the water waiting for me. Then when we got on plane fast, yes, i had a huge grin. When it is nice out, I wil be smiling ear to ear.

I mentioned the play in the steering but I must be honest in that I have nothing to compare it to. It may be tight and im just comparing it to a car's steering.

Does anyone else have a slight amount of play? I seems as if when I turn the wheel it travels maybe 5 - 10 degrees or so before i feel the boat responding. Maybe that is normal. That waqs at slow no wake speeds. I didn't get to try it when it was cruising.

Anybody have any ideas or thoughts?

Thanks again.

posted 03-27-2005 11:14 PM ET (US)            

No Sheila, it is not hydraulic steering. Wish it was. I was looking at a 19 foot Polar center console and for the same money i could have boutght it. It was sweet and had many more comforts and accessories but in heart, i always wanted a montauk.

I can't wait to get her home. This waiting sucks. Hopefully all will be taken care of by Sunday so that my electronics guy can install al my goodies.

Thanks again,

posted 03-28-2005 05:30 AM ET (US)            

Welcome to boating!!!! We all feel your pain. 24K and they want to cover a goof with a bigger washer.....classic. Just reading your post made me go take another blood pressure pill.

Okay, now that I'm calmed down, it actually sounds like the dealership is making a pretty good effort to straighten things out. When you go on Tuesday, try and approach the boat like it was the first time you've seen it. Make sure that they've corrected the errors made by the lowest paid guy on the lot, but meet them half way.

It is a great boat, and this phase will pass. Spring is just around the corner and the washer/scratch debacle will fade from your memory.....only to be replaced with the bride asking questions about where the "potty" is, problems with eletronics, kids dropping your favorite fishing rod overboard, forgetting to undue the strap when you try and launch, sunburn, forgetting to unlock the chain across the ramp when you launch, losing the keys, forgetting the keys, running out of gas, catching seagulls while fishing, not catching any fish will fishing, running aground,(at high tide), "enjoying" a wet tuna sandwich from the bottom of the cooler, and having your in-laws tell you that they would never be so foolish as to own a boat, then ask when they are being invited out again.

This is just a little bump in the wake. Enjoy.

jim

posted 03-28-2005 06:47 AM ET (US)            

Congrats, you are very close! Hang in there.

I can say that getting my first boat (1987 Montauk last year) was a bumpy time.

I was a bit, well let's just say "taught" for a good 2 weeks. Every time I worked on it or took it out, I was absolutely thrilled, freeked and stressed.

I have calmed down since. My siblings still tease me about it.

Just remember, we are here for you so if there is anything you need to discuss, vent etc. feel free.

posted 03-29-2005 08:54 AM ET (US)            

Ok...latest update on my delivery.....

The dealership, since they scratched the original windshield, then butchered the replacement, decided to try to buff out the fine scratches in the original. They are being very professional and responsible yet maybe also a little inept. I do admire their trying to make me happy and going that extra mile.

Anyway, they couldn't get the scratches buffed out so now they are getting me a new windsheild and will hopefully have it done by Wednesday.

I asked if it was realistic to expect it done by the weekend and the Manager said that if it wasn't, he'd be out of a job.

They are also going to re-deliver it to my house, which is a nice touch since I an not practiced at trailering yet.

The saga continues and i will let you know the outcome as soon as more develops. Thats for staying tuned in. Don't touch that dial.

All the best,

posted 03-29-2005 11:20 AM ET (US)            

That effort alone speaks volumes about your dealer - they're going to do what it takes to make it right. Every businessman or woman knows the challenges when an employee makes a costly mistake...sounds like they're doing the right thing and living up to the reputation of Whaler on making it right for the customer.

Good luck with the new boat - you'll love it.

posted 03-31-2005 09:41 AM ET (US)            

OK.....i am quite happy....saw my winsheild today...all is well. they are recleaning the boat and delivering it right to my house.

I was very worng about this dealership and i intend on writing a letter to the owner commending them on their service and willingness to make things right.

In the four years once this loan is payed for, i do consider coming back to them fopr a another whaler, or dare I say, Sea Ray.....I owe it to my wife for letting me have the montauk.

Anyway, tonight i start to rig it, have to buy a cheapo tarp to cover it from the rain and them hopefully sunday, my electronics get installed.

I have a feeling i will be taking off Monday and Tuesday to practice trailering, docking, launching and fishing...not all in that order. Gonna truely see how launchable the 170 is when alone.

Anyway, just wanted to let you all know that the dealer definitely made good.

All the best....life is good again.