Issues with new pontoon

[NonHyphenAmerican]

Sorry to hear you got stuck with what is at first glance a disreputable dealer.

We bought our new G3 last year from Shady Creek Marina in El Dorado Kansas on the Reservoir.

It was an "in stock" 13 model and we'd seen it at the Sport Boat & Travel Show.

It was spotlessly clean. A couple of minor issues were noted by the dealer as we did a walk through and he promised to get them straightened up before we took delivery. He was as good as his word except for a part that took a bit longer to get in from the manufacturer.

That part they took care of about a week after we took delivery of the boat.

When we took delivery, the dealer made sure we had everything we needed to slide over to KDWP and get our Registration.

When we came back with the Registration Number, he applied a good grade number to the boat for us and gave us the rest of the Numbers/Letters in the kit in case we needed them later.

Walked me through everything and then we went down to the ramp. One of his guys backed us in and then took our trailer up to be stored in the locked lot. Meanwhile, we're putting out through the no-wake zone with him doing a tutorial and double checking everything from stem to stern.

Each and every thing on the boat was double checked, turned on, opened up, or deployed including the trolling motor, GPS/Depth Finder, etc. etc. etc.

Then as we toured the lake a bit, he pulls out a map that has all the submerged tree areas as well as the shallow road bed that could be treacherous when the water level is low. He hands that to me and points out landmarks to use to help us stay out of trouble as well as some good fishing spots. I have extra copies of that map and hand them out to people at the lake, ensuring they know who to thank.

We get back to the Marina and his guys have already put the boat bumpers and mooring lines in place so that when we pull into the slip the boat is protected.

He then helped supervise the "Shut Down" procedure so that we knew what needed to be stowed, turned off or covered up so that the boat was moored securely.

All in all, very helpful.

After the break in period, they did the oil change, lower unit oil change, and service as recommended by Yamaha.

When they were using my trailer to load it up to put it in the shop, the windy Kansas day caused the boat to knock loose the guides on the trailer. They were "Cheapy" ones. The Dealer Upgraded the trailer to some better ones at no additional charge commenting "They should have been better in the first place.".

Now in my opinon, that's how a Dealer is SUPPOSED to take care of customers.

Maybe your Avalon Dealer could take lessons from Mike at Shady Creek Marina.

And since he's being "Unavailable", I'd do as others have suggested and contact Avalon.

I'd also let them know about this forum so that they know that not taking care of things gets talked about, and so do those that do take care of things.

They can salvage this by taking care of you so that you are confident with your Avalon purchase even if the Dealer is the north end of a southbound donkey.

[JBO]

I wouldn't "threaten" a retailer or manufacturer. I'd suggest politely seeing what can be done and what is "standard" for their service/condition of products. As a retailer, the only thing I hate more than a customer having an issue is a customer who tries to be an a-hole about a problem prior to letting us take care of the issue. IMO, you get more flies with honey.

[LadyGT]

I think this is a lesson to be learned for future owners. Do not accept any motorized vehicle without test driving it. You would not buy a car without a test drive, so do the same with a boat.

My boat was ordered and delivered in 3 weeks. At first I was happy that I would get it so quickly, now I wonder about the pressure put on the employees to get the orders filled as quick as they can and foregoing good craftsmanship.

To the OP, have you talked to anybody in upper management like the owner? I would file a claim with the BBB until you get this cleared up. It may or not make a difference for the next customer. Considering the amount of money spent, continue fighting for what is rightfully yours. Since your person is not available by phone, go in person to the dealer and speak loudly about your problem in front of other potential customers with whoever is at the desk. This should get the right person's attention. I would not be surprised if you end up buying a trailer because you will have to bring it in somehow and I do not see that being a free service to you.

My advice to any new boat owner, get everything in writing, test drive and get the orientation prior to giving the final payment. Once the money is out of your hands, your leverage is gone I am sorry to say. I learned all this in hindsight.

Please keep us up to date with your experiences. It may help others.

[teecro]

I think this is a lesson to be learned for future owners. Do not accept any motorized vehicle without test driving it. You would not buy a car without a test drive, so do the same with a boat.....

This is not always going to be a viable option; but one should always do a full inspection before accepting delivery or trailering it off their lot....

[zoom650]

Mechanical issues aside, I think your dealer should send one of his detailers to make your boat spic and span. My boat was delivered with a full tank of gas too.

If your boat was delivered, coated in soot from diesel, it can be incredibly difficult to clean. If it is not pre-rinsed and scrubbed, the soot is ground into whatever surface its on. I think someone cautioned using the Mr Clean Eraser Pad, but it's the only pad I've found that works.

Good luck

[Mosnowman]

So sorry to hear about your experience....

First of all I would suggest you post the dealer's name here so others might avoid purchasing from him. Quite frankly the dealer is an asshole...

Secondly...the squeaky wheel does in fact get the grease. I would be in the dealers ear until everything is taken care of to your satisfaction. I would also contact the manufacturer on a daily basis. My assumption is that all ethical manufacturers authorized dealers are required to give you an orientation to your new boat. (?) Your dealer may be in breach with the manfacturer and I would make sure they pressure the asshole as well.

Thirdly...contact your Better Business Bureau and file a complaint. Contact your State's Attorney General's office and file a complaint. In my opinion your new job is to make the dealers life hell on Earth until he does the right thing and get things fixed. He has shown his character so playing nice is over with...just my two cents...

[LadyGT]

My marine dealer transports boats out of state. The boats I have seen waiting to leave were not covered with anything. I will inquire about what is done to protect the vinyl during transit on long trips.

The idea crossed my mind that the members here could help the OP by calling the dealership to push it along. Lol We could make their lives miserable too. Haha

[Capt. Dan]

I would be on the phone with Avalon in a heartbeat, they don't need dealers out there giving their customers bad experiences and their boats a bad name. I suspect they will jump on your issue quickly!

[smltooner]

..... I think someone cautioned using the Mr Clean Eraser Pad, but it's the only pad I've found that works.

Good luck

My dealer told me to use Mr. Clean Eraser Pads. They work great removing mold and mildew.