Boat dealers - whats important to you?

Chuckles · Newbie Joined: 17 May 2004 Posts: 4

Hey everyone, I'm new so please be nice Laughing

I'm jsut getting into boating (maybe gonna throw $20g's at a boat to start with)

I have a question, in your opinion what services should a local boat dealer be able to offer? my local seems pretty dodgy and limited in skills....

So other then the obvious:
used Boat sales
new boat sales
Basic repairs
What else should they be able to do?

should they by default be able to install just about anything- perfect pass, stereos etc...

What services do your local dealers offer?

also, does anyone deal with a mobile marine service? I have a guy near me that works out of a van, but can do everything (according to friends) and will come to my home and fix my boat in the drive way, anyone else have this? or should i use a dealer that has premises?

Thanks for any replies

lcap · Ladies Man Joined: 13 Nov 2003 Posts: 10973 City: Homeless

The most important thing is that they are waterski or wakeboarding guys. If they are, they know how important your time on the water is to you and will do everything to make certain you have maximum time on the water.

They will prioritize your repairs. They will work with you to get the things done that have to be done to get you back out their including "borrowing" a part from another boat if the part is a long lead item. My dealer has always offered me a boat if all else failed and I really needed it.

Find out if they are reimbursed for actual warranty repair costs. Some dealers will do the more profitable work before your warranty work is accomplished.

Dealers are invaluable.

blur · Criminal Joined: 22 Apr 2003 Posts: 97 City: Littleton

Icap said it well as far as making sure your dealer understands that your water time is valuable to you and that they have as much urgency as you do. I have never had the pay for vs warranty work issue but if I had I am sure I would agree. also if my dealer did that, they would not be my dealer anymore. as far as skills, the should be able to do anything to your boat that you want done and is reasonable (not install a full size fridge and a dishwasher). if they can do some simple things but not everything, i would have to question their mechanical ability and or knowledge and may fear letting them have full access to my boat. jst my .02

Bruky · Guest

i like dealerships that sell boats... Laughing

Chuckles · Newbie Joined: 17 May 2004 Posts: 4

What about installing stuff - like stereos and perfect pass?

Do any of your locals do that?

Don't think mine does anything other then basic electrical work. Rolling Eyes

Thanks for the responses.

Chuck

lcap · Ladies Man Joined: 13 Nov 2003 Posts: 10973 City: Homeless

They should be able to service all items that come standard or optional on the boat(s) they sell. If not, you may have warranty problems.

If you are this concerned about their lack of skills now, you may be very unhappy latter. Look for a dealer with a service department that you are confident in.

Chuckles · Newbie Joined: 17 May 2004 Posts: 4

ok, i think i'm going to go elsewhere then!!

one last question however - shoudl the local dealer carry spares, form what i have hear dmine carries some mercruiser bits.

generally, other then gaskets plugs etc... should a dealer be expected to carry just about everything?

Say i have a fault with your boat - how long does it normally take to get it fixed?

Thanks guys

Chuck

lcap · Ladies Man Joined: 13 Nov 2003 Posts: 10973 City: Homeless

Its impossible to carry about or just about everything. They should stock normal replacement items; belts, fuses, impellers, etc.

For everything else; UPS or Fedex

Depends on the problem and availability of parts. To give you an idea, an engine in a V-Drive can be pulled in four hours, ballast system in a SAN 40 hours.

In almost 20 years of boat ownership, I cannot think of a weekend during the season that my boat was in the shop for service.

Let us know what you purchase.

NAW · Posted: May 18, 2004 7:26 am Post subject:

I personally feel comfortable with a dealer that can handle almost everything on site. Gelcoat, electrical, major/minor repairs, etc, etc. That's just me though. Also, one that has solid financial backing, educated and experienced servicemen. Polite and helpful staff is a must also.

Still trying to find one with a smokin' receptionist though. Rolling Eyes

Chuckles · Newbie Joined: 17 May 2004 Posts: 4

My local brings in a guy to do all the gel coat work - is that normal?
Same deal with stereos, some mobile car audio guy comes in a van....

NAW · Posted: May 18, 2004 7:54 am Post subject:

Chuckles, I'd say that's fine, as long as they do good work. Alot of places can't afford to keep specialty guys on staff full time, so they sub it out. As long as your dealer is prepared to back up the work his subs do, there shouldn't be a problem.