help with difficult dealer

[ardcp]

I would start talking by to the owner in person. Don't go threatening legal action--yet--as it won't get you anywhere. And, don't talk about fraud, as it's a criminal action--not civil law. You just want a new trailer--not put anyone in jail.

If you're not satisfied, send a certified letter demanding replacement of the trailer within 7 working days.

Then, get a lawyer to write a demand letter--threatening legal action. Might cost you $100.

If it's gone this many steps, it's time to file a civil suit. This can usually be done in small claims court, which doesn't require any attorneys. It's pretty informal and inexpensive for the filing fee.

we haven't taken possesion of the trailer yet. we purposely didn't pick it up as i felt that accepting it would weaken our case. we have talked to the owner who just dismisses us and insists they only charged up for a single trailer even though the price they quoted w/the tandem trailer is the price we paid. they are disorganized and rude now that the sale is over. they were just the opposite before we bought the boat! imagine that!

[ardcp]

I would not let them get you to upset, that's what Lawyers are for. They obviously don't care about your feelings or pocket book, so why should you care about them.

I would also call Bennington and let them know what kind of dealer is selling their products. Then call the BBB and let them know also.
See a Lawyer and see what they have to say, if they have to sue them they will lose and they will also have to pay your legal expenses.

good to know about the legal expenses! i figured hiring a lawyer would cost more than it was worth

[ronb]

FWIW, my local shister.. I mean dealer.. sells single axle trailers for pontoons up to 20ft and require tandem axle for over 20ft. As far as being charged 20 vs 22ft at the slip that could be all a measurement issue...

Take my pontoon for instance.. it is a 22ft Pontoon right? Wrong..
http://www.boattest.com/boats/boat_video.aspx?id=1387

My deck is 22ft, but the overall length of my pontoon is 24' 4''

Check the total length from front pontoon eye to prop length (easier said than done if yours is in the water)

good luck.
-ron

[GregF]

I wouldn't waste my time with the BBB either. They don't care, it is a business supported agency, not a consumer protection agency.

In Florida the state consumer protection (department of agriculture) people are the ones with the big hammer. I assume most states work the same. You already paid for them, unlike a lawyer who just wants your money.

[Texoma Toon]

It may be that your toon only comes with a single axle trailer, but you have it in writing that you will get a dual axle. Ask the owner for the difference in a refund or an equivalent dollar amount of extras, like a high end fish finder with GPS or other stuff.
If he wont budge then You will need to contact a lawyer if you want to persue it. Don't wait any longer....do it now!

[slingshot]

First, Take'em to small claims court. You've got it in writing which trumps anything verbal.

Second: What is the name and address of the dealership so others can steer clear of the dealership. This forum is usually the first stop for prospective pontoon owners and no dealer wants to be outed on this forum. It's been proven time and time again.

[lakerunner]

Does he have a facebook page? Give us his email also.

[Bamaman]

If you don't have a purchase order or bill of sale saying the trailer is a tandem axle one or documenting a specific model number, you might be screwed.

The difference between a single axle and a tandem axle trailer is about $260. Pay'em the difference would be the easiest way out of this. Then, remove your boat from their marina at season's end.

If the dealer has an email address, let us all know. We'd be glad to send mass emails to them demonstrating our displeasure of a dealership that's so lacking in customer satisfaction. Then, go ahead and tell us their name.

And, Bennington also has a owner's forum that needs to know about such a dealer. (But they might strike the posting since Bennington owns the website.)

[ROLAND]

I could be mistaken, but I think all of benningtons 20 foot boats and shorter only come on a single axle trailer.... my 20 footer came on a single.... but I believe they go to tandem axle trailers with their 22 foot boats...

[1roadking]

I ran into the same problem with my boat!! They didn't specify the trailer axels but I looked up the specs of the model number included in my quote and it was grossly under rated for the weight of my boat! I caught it per delivery and they upgraded me to tandem with brakes for free. If the trailer doesn't meet specs then they are putting you in harms way and are liable.

[ardcp]

I could be mistaken, but I think all of benningtons 20 foot boats and shorter only come on a single axle trailer.... my 20 footer came on a single.... but I believe they go to tandem axle trailers with their 22 foot boats...

here's the other part of the problem, i was sold this boat as a 22ft boat not a 20ft. the reasons i paid 6k more for this boat(2075gl) vs the 20sl was it was 2ft longer and it had a tandem trailer with brakes. the sales guys sold me an upgrade that i'm not getting.
the dealer is point breeze marine in saratoga ny. i dealt w/Rich Oniel and the owner is tom ?...as they love to tell me, they are the largest bennington dealer around so i thought they would be on the up and up. guess not.

[ardcp]

I ran into the same problem with my boat!! They didn't specify the trailer axels but I looked up the specs of the model number included in my quote and it was grossly under rated for the weight of my boat! I caught it per delivery and they upgraded me to tandem with brakes for free. If the trailer doesn't meet specs then they are putting you in harms way and are liable.

i noticed you list the 2075gli as your boat..so is it a 20ft or 22ft? my dealer is insisting it is a 22ft and i was charged dock fees based on that proving that he sold me a 22ft boat but the bennington website lists it as a 20ft boat...help?

[cvslawrence]

Something everybody missed here, boat manufacturers don't sell trailers, marinas/dealers sell trailers.

Of course this is based on manufacturers recommendations, but it really comes down to the dealer. You can order any trailer you want, from any trailer company. Just as you can order any outboard you want.

My Bennington 20ft. 'came' with a single axle trailer, because thats what i bought, i could have paid extra for a 2 axle, but the weight rating was good with the single.

[1roadking]

My boat is the same length as a 22 ft s model the deck is a full 20 feet and the pontoons are 20.5 overall length with motor pod is 22ft. I would say it has the seating of most 22 ft boats, but it a 20ft deck.

[1roadking]

Your dealer sounds like a real scumbag to me!! Selling you an underrated trailer is dangerous and very unethical. Threaten to report them to state dot so they get investigated and have there trailer license suspended. My guys messed up and then made good on it. Your boat with motor should exceed the stated capacity of a single axle trailer. I have a 150 and ESP and was over by a ton. If the dock fee is based on actual overall length, then the boat is 22 plus feet including motor pod!! If the doc fee you are ??? Is a paperwork fee, then it is a 20ft boat!!