Pontoon Boat & Deck Boat Forum

I recently bought a 2015 Pontoon Boat that I absolutely LOVE! The quality of the construction, fit and finish, and price was exactly what I expected. I just wish I had looked at as many Dealers as I did Boats.
OK now......
Looking for input on "Reasonable Expectations" from Dealers/Marina's that sell you a Boat, new or used? Whether its, courtesy, honesty, fulfilling promises, or condition of Boat at Delivery, anything that is important to you. Just looking for input.
Everyone I am sure has different expectations, so I was wondering what the Forum expects when they shell out their hard earned cash?

I expect a dealer to do what they say they are going to do. I expect a NEW boat to be delivered clean, full functional and ready to go....period.

I've also learned, mainly from car dealers, to get every thing in writing. If part of the deal involves fixing this or throwing in that, put it in writing!

Lastly, if your first impression of a dealer seems sketchy, you're probably right. Keep moving. I don't care how much you like that boat. KEEP MOVING.

Dude wrote:I expect a dealer to do what they say they are going to do. I expect a NEW boat to be delivered clean, full functional and ready to go....period.

I've also learned, mainly from car dealers, to get every thing in writing. If part of the deal involves fixing this or throwing in that, put it in writing!

Lastly, if your first impression of a dealer seems sketchy, you're probably right. Keep moving. I don't care how much you like that boat. KEEP MOVING.

This pretty well sums it up.
You might include after delivery quality service and how they take care of any problems that come up.

Disclaimer - I am not a dealer, have never been a dealer, and am not related to a dealer.

After owning many (too many) boats, I think the operative word in your thread title is "REASONABLE".

Almost (not all) every boat dealer I have dealt with has been reasonable with me as long as I have been reasonable with them. If it is July 3 and you need something fixed then don't expect it to be ready for July 4. If it is mid-summer, their service department is going to be slammed so get used to it. If you get pissed because they suggest you wait to fix a minor irritating problem that can be dealt with in September (when they slow down and when you bring it in for winterization) then you are being unreasonable.

Yes, some dealers can be lying a$$holes and unreasonable but those don't stay in business too long. And yes, some owners can be complete a$$holes as well.

BobL wrote:Disclaimer - I am not a dealer, have never been a dealer, and am not related to a dealer.

After owning many (too many) boats, I think the operative word in your thread title is "REASONABLE".

Almost (not all) every boat dealer I have dealt with has been reasonable with me as long as I have been reasonable with them. If it is July 3 and you need something fixed then don't expect it to be ready for July 4. If it is mid-summer, their service department is going to be slammed so get used to it. If you get pissed because they suggest you wait to fix a minor irritating problem that can be dealt with in September (when they slow down and when you bring it in for winterization) then you are being unreasonable.

Yes, some dealers can be lying a$$holes and unreasonable but those don't stay in business too long. And yes, some owners can be complete a$$holes as well.

I agree. Its usually in the dealers best interest to do whatever they can to make you happy. But customers have grown accustom to yelling and screaming to get their way. Most issues can be resolved with a little give and take on both sides.

what's reasonable? that's both a simplistic and complex question at the same time.. I say that because there are so many variables that come into play on both sides....... to me, reasonable = what's right and fair.... but as someone else pointed out, it would be pretty unfair of a boat owner to take his boat in for a minor issue during the middle of boating season and expect his repair to be taken care of right away, when the dealers shop is jammed with other customers.... my personal experience with the dealer that sold me my boat is mixed... when I picked the boat up it was supposed to have a half dozen rod holders installed.. they weren't... but they had some rod holders in thier parts dept. that were both nicer and much more expensive than what was supposed to come on the boat.. shop was slammed so the general sales manager actually climbed up on my boat and installed not six, but 12 of the more expensive rod holders.. no charge..... on the other hand I took my boat in for service one year and noticed one of the trailer tires was a little low... asked the shop forman to check it for me while they had in the shop... picked up my boat the next weekend only to see they charged me 25 bucks to put air in that tire.... when I pitched a bitch about it I was told the shops labor charge was 100 bucks an hour... minimum job was a quarter hour or in this case 25.00 I complained but it did no good.... I might add that this particular boat dealership has since gone out of business... gee, wonder why? what goes around comes around...

rdeterman wrote:

BobL wrote:Disclaimer - I am not a dealer, have never been a dealer, and am not related to a dealer.

After owning many (too many) boats, I think the operative word in your thread title is "REASONABLE".

Almost (not all) every boat dealer I have dealt with has been reasonable with me as long as I have been reasonable with them. If it is July 3 and you need something fixed then don't expect it to be ready for July 4. If it is mid-summer, their service department is going to be slammed so get used to it. If you get pissed because they suggest you wait to fix a minor irritating problem that can be dealt with in September (when they slow down and when you bring it in for winterization) then you are being unreasonable.

Yes, some dealers can be lying a$$holes and unreasonable but those don't stay in business too long. And yes, some owners can be complete a$$holes as well.

I agree. Its usually in the dealers best interest to do whatever they can to make you happy. But customers have grown accustom to yelling and screaming to get their way. Most issues can be resolved with a little give and take on both sides.

100% agree. Reasonable is the key word. I assume you (the OP) must be having some issue with the selling dealer.

If you are, discussing your issues in a calm reasonable manner is the best approach. If you don't get anywhere with your salesman etc, ask to speak to the manager/owner.

Also, the longer you let an issue go the harder it is to get resolved, especially as boating season starts to draw near.

As Dude mentioned, I am having a few issues with my Dealer. My intention is to work it out calmly, "reasonably", and respectfully.

We had a good productive conversation today. They got me the extended warranty from Mercury that I was "promised", not in writing. Didn't think I needed it to be, but as was posted earlier, should have been. Also, they are going to Prop it correctly.

I had reached out to another member here for a Manufacturer contact in case my deal really went sideways, but decided to give them another chance. I think it's going to work out. Just should'nt have been this difficult.

I have bought alot of Boats since the early 90's and this has been a tough one. I really like the Service Dept. and the Girls in the office.
As soon as the Ice Melts I will take Toon back for Prop Change and raise the motor up to 3rd hole for Water Test. Motor is all the way down on transom now.
Keep everybody posted.

did you get this in fox lake IL

Dude wrote:I expect a dealer to do what they say they are going to do. I expect a NEW boat to be delivered clean, full functional and ready to go....period.

I've also learned, mainly from car dealers, to get every thing in writing. If part of the deal involves fixing this or throwing in that, put it in writing!

Lastly, if your first impression of a dealer seems sketchy, you're probably right. Keep moving. I don't care how much you like that boat. KEEP MOVING.

This!

Yep, Get it in writing so no one gets amnesia, and you can even remember what was supposed to happen.

FYI for what its worth,
I learned something valuable for someone buying a used motor: have the prop shaft dial indicated before you leave the shop with it. some folks are unscrupulous.