Problem: Rear deck deflection around motor pod.

[jeeperman]

Re: Problem: Rear deck deflection around motor pod.

I would go visit that dealer or any other dealer that has the same model and newer version of yours.
Take your straight edge and camera with you.
Inspect the brand new ones and compare how the new one is constructed back there.
Especially underneath.
Take pictures.

Like posted above, your not likely the first owner of that model to experience that failure.
And I bet the newer models have something different or added verses how yours was built.
If yes, that is proof that the factory under-engineered the structure.

On yourds, check all the members that the engine bracket is secured to. Look real close for cracks in the aluminum.

I can hear the factory response now:
"But Sir, the sag will go away when the boat is in the water as the water helps to hold the engine bracket up to the deck."

 

[Silver Eagle]

Re: Problem: Rear deck deflection around motor pod.

I purchased a new Tahoe vista elite 22' (2008 model) this spring. I noticed there is a bow to the rear deck. About a 1/2" deflection in the middle. I took it by the dealer and he could tell by looking. So we have sent pics to the factory and I'm waiting to hear a resolution. (Still under warranty)

I only have a 75 hp 4 stroke EFI on the boat, it is rated for a 125.

I only trailer the boat about 1/4 mile to the lake so it's not from trailering either.

Notice first pic, you have to force the rear door to close and there is a big gap at the bottom. When I first brought it home that door had the same clearances at top and bottom.

My 2007 24 ft Starcraft has the same problem with the front door.I've been thinking about just removing the door .It's a pain trying to open it .I've already broken two door locks.

 

[Dkrager]

Re: Problem: Rear deck deflection around motor pod.

Well dealer got back to me, she said the factory is giving them the run around. (Won't return phone calls) She said that it usually takes the customer to call the factory to get anything done. She gave me the number and the contact info. So I'm gonna start that route.

I think another problem is that my dealer doesn't sell Tahoe exclusively, so I'm sure the volume of my dealer might be an issue also. But it still shouldn't matter. My dealer is kind of a mom and pap operation, smaller and less pressure, which is why I liked them. But in this instance I think it's working against me.

 

[EricJRW]

Re: Problem: Rear deck deflection around motor pod.

1. Yes still using boat (well when I have time)
2. Warranty good til May 2011

Yes I have called a few times since I last posted. I think last time I called was Friday the 10th. So that's why I was thinking about it again.

Well that's good. One other route, when you think things are breaking down (if they do) is the BBB. Assuming the manufacturer's rating is good, a complaint can often times really get things moving (and it can be done professionally and without malice - you just want your boat fixed).

 

[Dkrager]

Re: Problem: Rear deck deflection around motor pod.

Finally got some response, this is the email my dealer sent me......

Got a call from Steve @ Tahoe this afternoon. He says the only reason the door will not open is because it is on the trailer. If you were to put the boat in the water the problem would be gone and there would be no bow in the transom.
What is your feeling on this?

This was my response:

It's the same when on the water. That's when I first noticed it, while in the water swimming because it was at eye level. So do I need to put the boat in the water and run the string across it again to prove that or what?

Also how would it get better in the water?

The motor pod has no boyancy.

If it was a triple toon, then yes that would make sense. But a metal motor, and motor pod does not float last time I checked. So putting it in the water makes no difference.

Yep getting the run around for sure, I'm gonna try to call this guy at the factory and ask him to demonstrate how a 75 hp motor would float in water!!!!

 

[lncoop]

Re: Problem: Rear deck deflection around motor pod.

Yep, the dance begins. They're just trying to see if you'll go away. Hang in there. You'll get it resolved eventually.

 

[Dkrager]

Re: Problem: Rear deck deflection around motor pod.

Well it was bugging the hell out of me, so I called the factory.

He game me the run around at first. After he figured out I knew what I was talking about the conversation changed quickly. First he tried to say that we could put another spacer under the outside fence to make the door close. I said well yea, but that's a bandaid, it's not fixing the problem. So I basically told them it needed another "C" channel sistered to the other one. He finally agreed to that, and was suppose to get with his engineer on the size and instructions for the dealer to install it.

I also stated midway through the conversation about how they brag about their warranty and quality, and that they should stand behind it.

Sounds like it's gonna be taken care of, I hope anyways.

 

[lncoop]

Re: Problem: Rear deck deflection around motor pod.

Nice job. Sounds like now that they know you're not barefoot and pregnant they intend to make it right. It's unfortunate, but that's usually how it works.

 

[ralphl]

Re: Problem: Rear deck deflection around motor pod.

My experience with most pontoon boats is that the quality control is nothing like the automotive industry. I've long ago learned to live with boat imperfections that I would never accept with my vehicles.


Hopefully, the dealer repairs both issues, but if not, you still have a great boat.

when I was shopping for my pontoon, and looked at a bunch of both new and used units, it seemed like a lot (not all) but a lot, of the "rebuilds" were overall better quality than some of the low end new stuff. Rebuilders and restorers took great pains to go first rate.

 

[jeeperman]

Re: Problem: Rear deck deflection around motor pod.

I would go visit that dealer or any other dealer that has the same model and newer version of yours.
Take your straight edge and camera with you.
Inspect the brand new ones and compare how the new one is constructed back there.
Especially underneath.
Take pictures.

Like posted above, your not likely the first owner of that model to experience that failure.
And I bet the newer models have something different or added verses how yours was built.
If yes, that is proof that the factory under-engineered the structure.

On yourds, check all the members that the engine bracket is secured to. Look real close for cracks in the aluminum.

I can hear the factory response now:
"But Sir, the sag will go away when the boat is in the water as the water helps to hold the engine bracket up to the deck."

LOL, what did I tell ya?

Still a good idea to go see how the current models compare to yours.

 

[Dkrager]

Re: Problem: Rear deck deflection around motor pod.

Yea I'd like to look at the new ones. My dealer hasn't ordered any tahoe's this year because of the economy. They don't want to be stuck with inventory. I have a Avalon dealer close I'll have to look at them since they are the same as Tahoe.

 

[steelespike]

Re: Problem: Rear deck deflection around motor pod.

Just for the heck of it I dropped Greg Night an email on the 19th saying we on iboats and my many acquaintences were watching their poor response to your problem.His only reply was "please be sure you are stating facts" I emailed back about the pics and did he go to iboats and observe your post.No other reply.
Hope it works out for you.

 

[Dkrager]

Re: Problem: Rear deck deflection around motor pod.

I ended up talking with Steve Arens the parts guy. Greg had forwarded the pics to him.

 

[sosumi]

Re: Problem: Rear deck deflection around motor pod.

Since I own a Avalon, just curious to know if you've had any response to your latest enquiries (over 2 weeks)...keep us posted, okay?
Thanks,

 

[Dkrager]

Re: Problem: Rear deck deflection around motor pod.

Yea I really do need to do a follow up with my dealer. Factory told me that the wheel's were in motion, but I need to verify that with the dealer.

I've been busy at work. I'm sure it will be a good winter project for my dealer, so I'm not in a real hurry. But I will keep progress posted......

 

[Baysidejoe]

Re: Problem: Rear deck deflection around motor pod.

Dkrager,
After reading your post I went outside and checked my 2008 LS2000 Avalon and found that I have small deflection as well. (about 1/4" to 3/8"). I have a 50 hp Yamaha 4 stroke. I'm sure that Avalon and Tahoe will not like to hear this but, I will be giving them a call. Please let us know how you progress as I start my inquires.

 

[Dkrager]

Re: Problem: Rear deck deflection around motor pod.

Stopped by my dealer yesterday just to see if they had heard from the factory. They already have the part the the factory sent them. We are going to wait til they slow down winterizing, then I'll take it up and they will install the new beam.

So things are being taken care of!!!!! Thanks to all that helped with this matter! And thanks to Tahoe for standing behind their product.

 

[lncoop]

Re: Problem: Rear deck deflection around motor pod.

Always a good feeling when someone stands behind their product. Glad it worked out for you.

 

[jeeperman]

Re: Problem: Rear deck deflection around motor pod.

Please elaborate on what the fix is.
Just another crossmember same as what is already under there?

 

[Dkrager]

Re: Problem: Rear deck deflection around motor pod.

Adding a second crossmember to the existing one. As long as it will take shape. Might have to flip the existing one.