Just curious -- Option to return a boat?

[automaticj5]

So I just bought a boat from out of state -- never will I do this again without going to look at it first. However its leaking from somewhere as the bilge pump runs almost non stop... The boat was delivered dirtier than a boat left untouched for 30 years -- I had to spend 3 hours just making it look acceptable inside and out...

These two things in the first day -- I just wonder what other issues this boat has that I wasn't told about -- not only that but I was assured and re-assured there was no issues on this boat...

Just wondering if this is a big leak issue if there is such think as returning the boat??

I understand boats will break -- but shouldnt arrive broken

 

[MTboatguy]

Re: Just curious -- Option to return a boat?

This is kind of an open ended question, did you buy from a private party? did you buy from a dealer, is it new or used? Unless it is a brand new boat with a warranty, I think you are going to find it very difficult to impossible to return it if used and even with a brand new one, it would be difficult to return it, they would address issues covered under warranty, but rarely have I heard of even a new boat being returned.

 

[KD4UPL]

Re: Just curious -- Option to return a boat?

You bought a boat sight unseen??
I'd call it a very expensive learning experience.
I'd never buy a boat without at least personally giving it a test run in water.

 

[Ki Ki]

Re: Just curious -- Option to return a boat?

You bought a boat sight unseen??
I'd call it a very expensive learning experience.
I'd never buy a boat without at least personally giving it a test run in water.

This. Water test or no deal. Usually boats unless they have a warranty or are new are as is.

 

[glenn property of pam]

Re: Just curious -- Option to return a boat?

2004 unless it was from a dealer then there is probably no warranty. You sound new to owning a boat so the first thing is to find out more about the boat. As you didn't seem to realize from a different post where the bilge pump discharged or the fact that mean the boat was taking on water I suggest you remove the boat from the water and start asking the simple questions on how you boat operates. This could be as simple as a badly fitted drain plug or a valve that was not fully shut. You should know every hole in the hull and what its designed to do. Even a brand new boat can not be returned if you can not tell them what is wrong with it.

 

[ThrottleBack]

Re: Just curious -- Option to return a boat?

I'm not sure how this is even a question.

 

[automaticj5]

Re: Just curious -- Option to return a boat?

Correct -- I am pretty new to boating -- especially a cabin cruiser... And yes it is a used boat, a 2004... and just because I don't know every hole, hull, part of a boat doesn't mean I shouldnt have it in the water, thats kind of absurd. Isnt this forum to learn? I didn't realize you had to be a complete expert to be in the water -- That would get rid of just about everyone I would think -- I talk to people on the docks everyday and they have been learning everyday since they started.

It was a simple question -- I asked the dealer 100 questions and got about 100 pictures, I talked to two dealers here in Indy and they said it is farely common to buy out of state without seeing the boat, usually a dealer will want to keep their reputation.

That being said this was just a question. The dealer told me no leaks, no issues at all. However that is clearly incorrect.

So yes -- the question was whether or not it could be returned if in the upcoming weeks I continue to find several other problems.

Sounds like I got my answer and a few poor criticisms as well -- Thank you for the answer.

 

[USS MINNOW]

Re: Just curious -- Option to return a boat?

I don't see where it would hurt to call the dealer and ask the same question. He may let you bring it back if it's a recent enough purchase or he may offer repairs. Either way, it's just a phone call and he should want his reputation protected.

 

[MTboatguy]

Re: Just curious -- Option to return a boat?

I agree the best course of action, would be to document any problems and discuss with the dealer you purchased from to see if you guys can come up with a plan of attack to address them.

 

[ThrottleBack]

Re: Just curious -- Option to return a boat?

Not really a criticism just that when you buy used from a dealer don't expect them to take it back unless you discuss it ahead of time or have some kind of warranty. You bought it as is.

 

[glenn property of pam]

Re: Just curious -- Option to return a boat?

Correct -- I am pretty new to boating -- especially a cabin cruiser... And yes it is a used boat, a 2004... and just because I don't know every hole, hull, part of a boat doesn't mean I shouldnt have it in the water, thats kind of absurd. Isnt this forum to learn? I didn't realize you had to be a complete expert to be in the water -- That would get rid of just about everyone I would think -- I talk to people on the docks everyday and they have been learning everyday since they started.

It was a simple question -- I asked the dealer 100 questions and got about 100 pictures, I talked to two dealers here in Indy and they said it is farely common to buy out of state without seeing the boat, usually a dealer will want to keep their reputation.

That being said this was just a question. The dealer told me no leaks, no issues at all. However that is clearly incorrect.

So yes -- the question was whether or not it could be returned if in the upcoming weeks I continue to find several other problems.

Sounds like I got my answer and a few poor criticisms as well -- Thank you for the answer.

Im sorry you took it that way. We have people on here that have bought a boat with no experience and sunk the boat on there first attempt at launching. You bought a complicated machine that probably didn't come with a manual so would you be surprised if there's a lever or valve you have to turn before launching. Half a water test is to see what you are buying the other half is learning from the owner how the boat operates and what all the switch's do. I didn't even know which of the 5 holes at the bottom of mine was the bilge drain so my first time out I plugged all 5 then wondered why the livewell would not fill up. As you do not know where the water is coming from how do you know if its broken.

The part where it shouldn't be in the water is because its leaking so until you work out the problem it need to be on a trailer not in a slip as the bilge pump wasn't designed to run 24/7

 

[JimS123]

Re: Just curious -- Option to return a boat?

This really has nothing to do with a boat. Would you buy a car sight unseen? Or anything of value? The warranty that was provided or implied will give the answer on how to proceed. An attorney will have the best answers.

 

[NYBo]

Re: Just curious -- Option to return a boat?

Talk to the dealer. But get the boat out of the water, pronto! A failed bilge pump or dead battery, and she'll sink and if you think you have problems now...

Meanwhile, take a peek inside the engine compartment and look for anything obviously amiss, like a detached hose.

 

[90stingray]

Re: Just curious -- Option to return a boat?

Only 3 hours cleaning? That's not so bad. I have found most people (non I boaters, of course) really dont take care of their boats. It takes time and effort, why bother, right? Its just a boat.

And the leak, look in the engine bay and see what is leaking. Might not be worth a trip back to dealer. I have bought things sight unseen... but I always give a look over before I hand over any cash. At a minimum, I would call the seller and see where you stand in his eyes.

Good luck!

 

[condor74]

Re: Just curious -- Option to return a boat?

I am a new boat owner as well. I have a thread on here about my trials and tribulations with buying an older boat. There is lots of good advice on here. I was all set to buy a boat and luckily prior to the lake test the motor proved to be damaged. If you are going to a dealer to buy a used boat site unseen see if the dealer will give you a warrenty just for this type of event.

 

[automaticj5]

Re: Just curious -- Option to return a boat?

Fair enough - and ya I should just call the dealer and will do that.... I had a couple people take a look at the engine compartment and a few other spots. They didn't see anything either but they both said they know there has to be a 3rd valve to check they just didn't know where it was - again this was just a look over. I'm home for the week now so I'm going to figure out where to look this week and possible common problems to check....

And yes I agree sight unseen wasn't the best idea - which is why I bought from a dealer as well as asked and re-asked questions and for pictures...

The reason I had delivered is because it was kept on water since new and doesn't have a trailer nor do I have a truck to tow that with as well as I'm keepin in a covered slip.

Either way I need to figure out the problem!

Thanks

 

[pckeen]

Re: Just curious -- Option to return a boat?

Hi Automatic,

I'm sorry you are having a bad experience with your new boat. I see that some individuals have suggested that you bought the boat 'as is,' and that you cannot expect to return it. I didn't see anything in your posts to suggest that you had bought it 'as is.' Unless you agreed to buy the boat 'as is, where is' (meaning you agreed to buy it without any warranty, and meaning you have agreed that the seller has made no representations about the boat), then you may well have some recourse.

If the boat dealer told you that the boat had no leaks and no problems - and in fact it both leaks and has problems, then there are two possibilities. First, as a new user, you are making some sort of elementary mistake, such as not putting the boat plug in before using it, allowing the boat to fill up with water. The second possibility is that you are doing nothing wrong, but the boat in fact has significant issues and leaks badly. In either case, a call to the boat dealer is the place to start.

If you are doing something wrong - hopefully the boat dealer can point you in the right direction.

If you are doing nothing wrong, and if the dealer is reputable and will stand behind their product - they will take back the boat that was supposed to have 'no issues', because it leaks. Given that the dealer has told you repeatedly the boat had no issues - you should be able to expect this is the case. If the dealer won't take the boat back, this may be a sign of a problem dealer, or worse. If the dealer won't take the boat back, or wont fix it, or won't 'make it right', then I suggest making a quick call to an attorney in the state where you bought the boat. I'm not suggesting you start an expensive lawsuit, but the state you bought the boat in may have some sort of consumer protection legislation that will help you. A call to an attorney shouldn't cost a fortune. Find out your options before throwing up your hands.

By the way - welcome to iboats! There is lots of good advice and advisers on this forum. Buying sight unseen is always a risk - but in this day and age, people do it all the time. Sounds to me like you took a number of good sensible steps to reduce the risk, and you cannot be faulted for that.

Let us know how this problem works out....or doesn't. When people post here, they like to learn the rest of the story.

GOOD LUCK!

 

[automaticj5]

Re: Just curious -- Option to return a boat?

Thanks. I appreciate that - and one thing the driver did that delivered it was make sure that myself and my friend watched him put the plug in as well as tighten it - now I guess there could be a second plug somewhere? But my guess is if the plug was out the pump would overflow. But it could definitely be a bad plug ill check that out....

I did send the dealer an email with the issues (I like emails because if he does explain what to do its in writing for me to look back at) also emails are documentation which is the primary way I purchased the boat(so I have it documented with dealer saying no issues, leaks, etc). If I don't hear I will have to call...

Hopefully it doesn't get to the attorney level but if I have several thousands of dollars in repairs to a boat that was mis-represented so be it - ill have to call...

I did read thru the manual today - it wasn't to thorough which is why I turn to forums usually anyway!!

Thanks again

 

[agallant80]

Re: Just curious -- Option to return a boat?

Hello Automaticj5,

I am not sure if the dealer will take your boat back. They may allow you to take it back for credit on another boat but I doubt they will do anything accept help you understand the systems on the boat. Also once the boat came in to your possession you could have blown the motor in 5 min. Point being they don't know what has happened to the boat once you had it. I doubt you have done anything to cause harm to the boat just yet. But it will be a he said she said type thing and no one can prove anything in that case.

Have a read through this thread. There is some good info in there

http://forums.iboats.com/boat-topic...earned-my-first-two-weeks-boating-618918.html

Also don't be afraid to ask questions, there may very well be nothing wrong with the boat or something simple like a bad drain plug. I remember buying my first boat and the damage I caused to it not knowing things like you will damage the raw water pump if you run it out of the water or not on muffs.

 

[jasoutside]

Re: Just curious -- Option to return a boat?

I buy stuff (cars and boats) all the time sight unseen, course my expectation are very clear going into the deal so I've never had a problem.

As I see it, the dealer gave you assurance that the boat doesn't leak (and whatever else he told ya). Well, apparently the boat leaks. So contacting him is right off to let him know is no doubt the best course of action. He should stand by his claims. On your end, you need to identify exactly where the leak is coming in, take some photos/video for the dealer to check out.

If this were a private sale, you'd be toast.

Since this was a dealer, and he has made some statements regarding it's condition, you certainly have some recourse. I can't think that you'd be able to "return" it though.

All the best!