Newbie Question re: JD Power Survey

arcturner

Cadet
Joined
May 23, 2004
Messages
7
I recently ran across a 2001 JD Power boat owner satisfaction survey summary and have since been limiting my shopping to the top 3 in that survey: Cobalt, Sea Ray, and Crownline, but also considering Bryant (not on the list for some reason).<br /><br />I'm looking for a 21-23 foot 300+ hp bowrider for cruising, skiing, and boarding, mostly on Colorado and Wyoming waters. <br /><br />Major goal: STAY OUT OF THE SHOP unless it's routine maintenance. <br /><br />Questions:<br />1) Is that JD Power report credible/accurate 3 years after publication and has there been a more recent version published?<br />2) Are there any references, or a surveyor's website or publication, that give a more "Consumer Reports" like complilation of expected reliability for certain boatmakers and brands?<br />3) The more I research, the more I realize that the dealer makes a huge difference in your boating experience. Unfortunately, I don't know anyone whose into boating out here and I hear a giant sucking sound where information should be. Other than the BBB, where can I turn to find out about local (Denver) dealer reputations.<br />4) If $$ wasn't a problem (I wish),and reliability and craftsmanship were MAJOR goals, what 21-23 ft bowriders would most experienced boaters here consider buying?<br /><br />I know -- lots of quesions, that maybe don't have concrete answers. Opinions gratefully accepted though.<br /><br />Thanks in advance,<br />Mike
 

delsol

Senior Chief Petty Officer
Joined
May 27, 2002
Messages
749
Re: Newbie Question re: JD Power Survey

i sold cars toyota jd power always impressed me with the new cars rated.<br />toyota honda acura lexas, i think they do a good job as for boats??<br />buy i will buy a crownline 18FT<br />ORchap 4.3 18ft they are rated good by them and i looked at them and they seemed build best for money quailty etc
 
D

DJ

Guest
Re: Newbie Question re: JD Power Survey

The dealer is the most important factor.<br />Cobalt is in a much higher league than the other two. I would imagine a Cobalt dealer is first rate.
 

KCook

Lieutenant Commander
Joined
Jan 24, 2002
Messages
1,624
Re: Newbie Question re: JD Power Survey

1) You can see the current JD Power ratings on their web site - JD Power boat ratings page . I think DJ hit the nail on the head. These ratings are for customer satisfaction. As long as boat is fixed, customer will be satified. So the ratings answer the "who has the fewest problem dealers?" question better than "who builds the highest quality boat?".<br /><br />2) For bowriders, no. There is a specialty publication for saltwater fishing boats. But that isn't going to help you at all.<br /><br />3) Here you are in luck. There are other Denver boaters who have posted about their dealers - Trailer Boats Boards » ... » Colorado Dealers <br /><br />4) Bryant or Cobalt. But that doesn't mean that all the other boats are a POS, by any means!!! Typically whatever "issues" the new boat has will surface early in the first season. Regardless of brand. With a good dealer these issues will be quickly attended to. Followed by trouble free boating. The cheaper boat will start to look doggy a few years ahead of the premium boat. But both will still be running off the same Merc or Volvo engine. Very much many shades of grey, rather than black-and-white. With different $ ranges to match.<br /><br />Kelly Cook
 

arcturner

Cadet
Joined
May 23, 2004
Messages
7
Re: Newbie Question re: JD Power Survey

Thanks everyone. It is very helpful!<br /><br />Mike
 
Top