New Fisher Leaking--Problem Solved?

[UpstNYer]

Got my '02 Fisher 16 Pro Avenger back from the dealer on 9/24. Purchased the boat new from them on 4/18/03 (leftover '02) and dropped it off with them on 7/23 complaining of an approximate 2gph leak. The dealer traced the leaks to multiple bad welds and returned boat & motor to Fisher for resolution. According to dealer, the keel and transom welds were ground off and re-welded. Bottom and transom were repainted. On return, dealer filled boat with water and did leak check before returning it. Supposedly the leaks are fixed.<br /><br />There were some issues at pickup on 9/24:<br />-missing transom saver (it was part of package-not aftermarket and I agonized about letting it go back with the boat)<br />-motor skeg damaged (didn't have a scratch on it when it left)<br />-boat exterior & trailer filthy<br />According to the dealer, Fisher paid someone to tow it to their plant and return it behind a pickup truck--so they got about 2000 mi. use out of my trailer...and probably bounced the lower end off a railroad crossing on the return trip after they forgot the transom saver.<br /><br />Was getting boat ready for the water yesterday and kept finding things that weren't right:<br />-trailer side guide bunks loose. One was very sloppy and moving around on trailer frame.<br />-trailer front winch mast loose and shifted aft over an inch, boat also riding about an inch or so further aft than previously.<br />-windshield on side console loose, all four screws needed to be snugged down.<br /><br />Woke up this morning with the conviction that I should pull up all the decks and check out everything below before putting this thing back on the water. I'm a first time boat owner and feel I have been a little too trusting. Can I assume that everything below decks is tight and ship-shape? Can I assume they put the flotation foam back after rewelding? Whaddya think Iboaters? Am I being silly? Am I paranoid? <br /><br />There was an earlier thread on the leak problem. Thought I'd provide a synopsis here to save peoples' time.<br />Bob

 

[MFG197]

Re: New Fisher Leaking--Problem Solved?

Sorry to hear that, boat companies never cease to amaze me with their carelessness and terrable customer service. Re: suds and my father's problem with new Sylvan.<br /><br />All I can say is check it over thoroughly, what is the warrenty period? If not sufficient I would demand an extension. I would also demand they fix the in-transit damage.

 

[roscoe]

Re: New Fisher Leaking--Problem Solved?

One question?<br />Was this boat made after Fisher was bought by Tracker?

 

[salty87]

Re: New Fisher Leaking--Problem Solved?

i'd say the dealer should be responsible for re-checking the delivery status of the whole rig. they should make sure its in good order and clean as if it were brand new...hell, it basically is (or was).<br /><br />they sound reasonable so far, try telling them that this isn't exactly the new boat experience you signed up for. <br /><br />if they aren't willing, on saturday take your boat/tools/lawn chairs/ice chest/kids/dogs and start working on it as close to their lot as you can legally get without getting kicked off. be sure to tell all the prospective customer's how good the service is. maybe a nice large banner too.

 

[rodbolt]

Re: New Fisher Leaking--Problem Solved?

Hello<br /> I hate to tell you but by all means check your boat. no one else will.most of the people that work on boats at the factory are there for minimum wage and care nothing except to make it through another day. we quit selling prerigged boats on account of this factor. good luck and keep us posted

 

[UpstNYer]

Re: New Fisher Leaking--Problem Solved?

Good question Roscoe. Don't know when Tracker took over Fisher, but the boat is a 2002 model that appears (from various scraps of paper in its records) to have been built in late 2001. If that pins it down for you, let me know the answer.<br /><br />The experience with the dealer has been less than ideal, but I tend to cut them some slack. They are, after all, caught in the middle between an unhappy customer and a marginal boat builder. That and, even in good times, it's tough for any business to survive in New 'not for profit' York. <br /><br />Bought the boat to help relax a bit. I'll send it to the bottom of Lake Ontario before starting a vendetta over it...life's too short.<br />Bob

 

[UpstNYer]

Re: New Fisher Leaking--Problem Solved?

Update on the Fisher Fix: Nothing out-of-whack when I pulled the decks and they appear to have stopped the leaks. Three times on the water since getting it back and nothing runs out when I pull the plug. Credit where credit is due; they've fixed it. It's a dry boat now. <br /><br />Now to get that 40HP Merc upgraded to a 90HP something. Local Johnson dealer looked at it yesterday. Does $3700 installed, plus the Merc sound reasonable for a new 2004 90HP 2-cycle Johnson? I prefer Merc's but have heard the 90HP Johnsons are smoother at low speeds.<br />Bob

 

[roscoe]

Re: New Fisher Leaking--Problem Solved?

I don't know exactly when Tracker took over production of Fisher, or if some are being made by Tracker with the Fisher name put on them. Sorry.<br /><br />Price doesn't sound too bad to me, maybe a little room for improvement. Does that include new controls?<br /><br />I guess if I was spending that kind of money, I might check into a 4 stroke.