Porta Bote Question

gearyg

Petty Officer 3rd Class
Joined
Aug 28, 2006
Messages
84
I purchased a used 1996 Porta Boat (square transom Genesis III) from a guy who had all the reciepts from when he bought it new in 1996. However, according the the manufacture, (based on the last 2 numbers on the hull ID xxxx80) it is a 1980 model. They said it was a prototype where only a handful (approx 25) were made and they did a "recall" (internal company recall) where they offered to replace or repurchase these as they did not live up to Porta Botes standards. They then went back to the canoe shape type boats up until 1990.

In the past when I called Porta Bote, they told me that the Genesis III was made from 1990 to 2000, and now they tell me that the prototypes in 1980 was also called Genesis III....what the HELL? Next they tell me that they get alot of calls where old boats are sold as newer boats...what the HELL?

I called back to try to make sense out of all of this and the guy then Hung Up on me because he told me I was calling their 800 number and told me to call their 650 number. I then called back pretty mad and spoke to someone by the name of Sandy who seemed to explain a diff story that the first guy, but at least he did not hang up on me.

I don't think the guy that sold me the boat is lying as I saw all the original paperwork So a dealer held a boat for 16 years (and being a dealer did not know about the recall -or- "repurchase" what they now call it once I told them that a recall was never registered with the Gov)...what the HELL?

Does anyone out there know anything about this? Isn't there something called strict liability? Or they jut trying to make a sale.

Oh, and I forgot to mention, the first guy mentioned that he is not sure why he is telling me all of this because it will be something that I will never be able to resolve...what the HELL?
 

Drowned Rat

Captain
Joined
Jan 20, 2004
Messages
3,070
Re: Porta Bote Question

"Oh, and I forgot to mention, the first guy mentioned that he is not sure why he is telling me all of this because it will be something that I will never be able to resolve...what the HELL?"

Agreed.
 

Capt.Matt

Recruit
Joined
Oct 27, 2007
Messages
5
Re: Porta Bote Question

I had a similar experience. I own a 1990 12' I bought off the original owner. It states on the Registration its a 1990. I called California and the guy says it can't be a 1990 after I described the boat. I recently called there because I need the plastic transom piece as mine has cracked from the sun weather exposure. I am in the marine repair business. He tells me that you need a $300,000 machine to install it. I told him I'll figure out a way and he told me to go to Home Depot and buy a sheet of neoprene and glue it to the old transom piece. Have not had a chance yet. He also asked if I wanted to purchase a scratched/ non perfect hull at a discount. I'm not crazy about there customer service, thats for sure. capt.Matt
 
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