Just curious -- Option to return a boat?

[WIMUSKY]

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.


GOOD LUCK!

That's just the opposite in the lower 48. "As is" is implied unless both parties agree to some kind of warranty. By not signing any warranty paperwork, you automatically agree to "as is". Doesn't matter if it's a car, boat, snowmobile or whatever......

As said, talking to the dealer is the proper first step. It just may be a simple fix......

 

[UncleWillie]

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

If the pump is running almost non stop, be sure you have a battery charger plugged in continuously.
The battery will not power the pump for more than a day or two.
A second pump may be justified until the situation is resolved.
You should expect a bone dry boat to stay bone dry for days unless it rains.
A "Little Leaking " is still a little too much.

I spend a few hours bringing the boat back to acceptable after every outing.

 

[WIMUSKY]

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

Also, something could have vibrated loose during delivery.....

 

[ThrottleBack]

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!

Maybe, maybe not. If the dealer represented what they believe to be true on an "as-is" sale it's the same as a private sale.

 

[tpenfield]

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

Just jumping in here . . . Any sales contract that you and the dealer signed? That would outline obligations and responsibilities before and after the sale, and any warranties that may be in effect.

Typically, with a used boat, the buyer has the opportunity to verify the condition of the boat. Once the buyer accepts the boat, it is all theirs along with anything that goes wrong.

So, you may have the answer to your question in any agreements that you signed.

 

[automaticj5]

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

Yeah -- thats great advice from all of the above -- the dealer told me a few things today... He said to check for leaks in the engine compartment before starting the boat -- if I dont see any loose hoses or leaks around the engine or where the outdrive comes into the boat then to start the engine and check again..

He said the only thing he can think of is that a hose may have come off the engine or one of the houses from the outdrive to the engine has come off...

That being said - he only mentioned the engine compartment -- on my boat where else should I check?

Thanks again

 

[NYBo]

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

Look on the inside of anything that penetrates the hull (through-hull drains, outdrive).

 

[Fleetwin]

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

You mentioned that the automatic bilge pump had kicked on and it was pumping a lot of water.

With that said, I would not launch this boat until you check all of the above. Back it down the ramp and leave it on the trailer. Start the engine and start looking around. BE CAREFUL, there are spinning parts in there!

If it's just a loose hose, you can easily fix that. If it's a bellows, water will be pouring in from the transom area. That requires some additional work, not done on the water.

As far as anyplace else that water can come in? Look at every opening that is below the water line: transom drains, cooler drains, livewells?

Look at the boat, carefully, on the trailer. Granted, you can't see what's under the bunks/rollers but you should be able to see if there is any damage.

 

[Home Cookin']

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

here's the first problem, revealed in your post: "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?"
No. You learn about your boat and boating before you put it in the water and before you start operating. You can get lots of good information and advice here, but the internet is not where you learn boating, especially not after the fact.

second problem: you launched the boat, and have no trailer or means to remove it from the water; now your "bilge pump runs constantly." If that is literally true you are on the way to the bottom. Get that boat out of the water and regroup. It's your problem at the moment so deal with it, then see what the seller will/should do.

third problem: you have a problem and your first reaction is to take it back. While water coming in the boat while sitting is a big problem in itself, the cause could be as simple as tightening a screw on a $3 hose clamp. Find it, fix it and if you don't have the skills hire someone who does. It's your problem. Then address whether it is a sale issue and a problem you can shift back to the seller. Unless it's a big gaping hole (which you should have seen) it's not likely to be a return issue, but a "who fixes it" issue.

Boating is not "instant on." It is constant tinkering and fixing, and you have to be able and willing to do it yourself (unless you hire a full-time mate who stay aboard on every trip). You are always confronted with problems and solving them--often yourself. It's not like driving a car--plop in, turn the key, go, come home, walk away (as I had to train my daughters as they became boaters). If you are not willing to face and fix constant problems, that's fine--that's why they have golf.

 

[tpenfield]

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

I always wondered why there was golf. . .

 

[automaticj5]

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

Yeah once again I think your missing the point - and a boat sold in the condition that there are no issues, leaks etc is an "instant on". However again. No one even you - knows everything about the boat they are on. This also isn't the first issue. If you actually read the thread you would know I actually said "if I continue to find more things wrong". So instead of flaming me if you'd like to answer my questions and help like everyone else I'd appreciate the help and definitely constructive criticisms. Otherwise I'm sure there are more threads for you to check out.

Thanks - enjoy your golf game.

 

[oldjeep]

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

Like it or not, he has given you a lot of good advice. Even a brand new boat requires that you know all of the important things about it before you put it in the water (like what are each of those 5 "drain holes" on the side of your boat attached to?)

Now the big question is - is this boat still sitting in the water with the bilge pump running continuously for the last 2-3 days?

 

[floatfan]

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

Wow...somebody's cornflakes are extra soggy this morning.

Even a new boat isn't instant on. What Home Cookin' was telling you is that there is a lot more upkeep and maintenance needed on a boat than a car...and that requires a working knowledge of your vessel or a thick wallet. When you started driving, chances are you weren't just turned loose without some sort of training and general knowledge. The same applies for boating. Unlike your car though, if something goes wrong, you often times can't just pull over to the side (especially in your case where water is coming in at a fast enough rate to have the bilge pump running full time).

You never did say...is the boat taking on water full time when it's at the dock with the engine off or only while it's running?

 

[H20Rat]

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

I agree with the posts above, when someone told you to get it out of the water asap, do it! A leak in the boating world is known as 'slowly sinking'... In any case, it needs to either be fixed or figured out what it is before the boat hits the water again. I've personally seen more new boaters inadvertently sink boats than I want to recall. Usually from having the plug out and not realizing it, but also from faulty bilge pumps that dumped back into the boat. Also have seen a couple bad bellows nearly sink boats. (enough to get some very expensive engine parts wet)

 

[slag]

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

Sometimes people don't like to hear the truth and think that since they paid a tidy sum for something, it should be perfect and without fault. It usually doesn't work that way.

 

[tpenfield]

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

Automatic:

Just wondering if you are going to return the boat, and if you have a sales contract that documents the terms of the sale and any statements of the boat's condition. Also, wondering, besides talking with the dealer, what steps did you take to substantiate the condition of the boat?

These two pieces of additional information might help 'us' understand your circumstances better.


If you are keeping the boat and addressing the issues. You may want to start a new thread for clarity purposes.

 

[BF]

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

No one even you - knows everything about the boat they are on.

That's a funny assumption to make. I don't know Home Cookin, but I do know that many long-time posters on these boards have usually owned/rebuilt/repaired MANY different boats often with decades of experience (and given good advice to hundreds of new posters). For a new boat owner and newbie poster to come on here saying they've floated a new to them boat where the bilge is running constantly and then seem to ignore all the warnings that they are in real danger of having the boat sink is strange. Having an attitude when you get advice you don't like is even stranger.

Running a boat is more like having a small airplane than driving a car. You need to have more than a turn-key level of knowledge of it to make sure a minor mechanical failure won't sink it or cause you to be stranded. You also need to be aware that there are several ways that you or others can be hurt/killed operating or just being around boats (some of which maybe you haven't considered). And you need to conscious of the weather.

It's not flaming you to point out that your attitude seems off. Good luck.

PS. My wild guess is that one or more of the winterizing drains on the engine manifolds are open (?), and that fills the bilge when the engine is running... . But you've never even told us what drive train the boat has.

 

[Geko45]

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

This is a potentially epic thread in the making.

For the OP, let's start with year/make/model/drivetrain? Also, what have you done to prevent the boat from sinking so far? Is the battery on a charger on shore power for instance? Do you have any means to get it out of the water? One good way to find where the water is getting in at is to take it out and watch for where it comes back out from.

 

[greenbush future]

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

Without more information on the boat and the posters experience level it really is difficult to offer much help beyond what has been shared. To think one could return a boat is most likely the reason some are thinking he/she may be at a Jr. boating skill level and experience level. Buying a boat based on pictures is done, but only by a person who has vast knowledge of the boat in question. There is no way I would ever consider buying a boat w/o a sea trial, I don't care how small it is. I bought a boat for $180 and made the owner take me out and show me everything before I spent that $180 as a extreme example. Please post the year, make, length and cost of this "picture only" boat so we really understand what has happened. We need pictures to also see what you see, then I'm sure many will really offer more helpful information. One thing seems rather clear, you wont be returning this boat, that isn't how it works.

 

[oldjeep]

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

This is a potentially epic thread in the making.

For the OP, let's start with year/make/model/drivetrain? Also, what have you done to prevent the boat from sinking so far? Is the battery on a charger on shore power for instance? Do you have any means to get it out of the water? One good way to find where the water is getting in at is to take it out and watch for where it comes back out from.

From his other thread it is a 2004 Rinker 250 FV