Problems with Dealer on Used Boat Sale

smokeonthewater

Fleet Admiral
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Dec 3, 2009
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9,838
I like to put forth the best info I can to those who might benefit from it.

Just because I disagree with, or feel I have something to add to, something you said does not mean I don't think you or anyone else knows anything...

That said, the rollers absolutely DO have a weight rating hence the reason the manufacturer told the O/P that the number of rollers on the trailer indicated the weight rating to be 2/3 of what he thought it was..

Too much weight per roller will deform the hull and the roller.... Bad news

Upgrading springs does nothing for the rest of the components on the trailer that are overloaded....

I am not attacking you and you give plenty of good advice in these forums but you got this one wrong.... No need to go on the warpath.

I've been wrong too and stood corrected. We are, after all, human.
 

Willyclay

Captain
Joined
Sep 8, 2006
Messages
3,263
My two cents because I have gone to small claims court twice and won each case. Judges will listen to what you and the other party have to say BUT absolutely love it when you provide documents supporting your claim; such as a Bill of Sale noting what you thought you paid for and the trailer manufacturer's specifications of what you actually bought. Putting a dollar figure on your claim is the challenge. Good luck!
 

MTboatguy

Fleet Admiral
Joined
Jul 8, 2010
Messages
8,988
I like to put forth the best info I can to those who might benefit from it.

Just because I disagree with, or feel I have something to add to, something you said does not mean I don't think you or anyone else knows anything...

That said, the rollers absolutely DO have a weight rating hence the reason the manufacturer told the O/P that the number of rollers on the trailer indicated the weight rating to be 2/3 of what he thought it was..

Too much weight per roller will deform the hull and the roller.... Bad news

Upgrading springs does nothing for the rest of the components on the trailer that are overloaded....

I am not attacking you and you give plenty of good advice in these forums but you got this one wrong.... No need to go on the warpath.

I've been wrong too and stood corrected. We are, after all, human.

Who in the he!! is on the warpath? If I were mad you would know it, but I don't get mad, it is not worth it when you are talking to someone through an internet forum system that you don't even know.

To be honest with you, the OP looks to have found a solution, but I still don't think he has much of a chance with the dealer, he bought it and accepted it and signed on the dotted line, end of story when you are purchasing used stuff, as is where is.

Around here I can purchase a 4000lb rated 20 year old trailer for less than $500 dollars I have a 10K rated 24 year old shorelander sitting in the front yard right now that I bought a couple of weeks ago for $700, now I just have to find a boat to put on it.

But again, mad, no way, no how. One larger trailers with heavier boats, I use bunks and not rollers.
 
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Maclin

Admiral
Joined
May 27, 2007
Messages
6,761
Interesting thread, nice passion displayed. I would be more worried about what abuse the boat itself has "seen" being on not enough rollers for it's whole life. I also imagine that some small pro-rated dollar amount settlement may be obtained for an upgrade, but only be just enough to make the effort required to obtain said settlement end up a wash.
 

smokeonthewater

Fleet Admiral
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Dec 3, 2009
Messages
9,838
Good to hear... Sounded like you were taking things as an insult.... Often thoughts are lost in text.

Good deal on the shore lander... Looking forward to your boat shoppin thread.

O/P keep us informed on how it goes for ya.
 

GCartwright

Petty Officer 2nd Class
Joined
Jul 1, 2012
Messages
149
Interesting thread, nice passion displayed. I would be more worried about what abuse the boat itself has "seen" being on not enough rollers for it's whole life. I also imagine that some small pro-rated dollar amount settlement may be obtained for an upgrade, but only be just enough to make the effort required to obtain said settlement end up a wash.

Just to claify, the boat has only been on this trailer for the last six months, prior to that it seems that the boat had one owner who keep it on a lift on the same lake as the dealer I purchased from. The po may not have taken the original trailer or got rid of it as some point since he didn't need it.

The local dealer who I am purchasing the Shoreland'r from is going to inspect the hull when they have the boat up in the air doing the transfer.
 

Maclin

Admiral
Joined
May 27, 2007
Messages
6,761
Just to claify, the boat has only been on this trailer for the last six months, prior to that it seems that the boat had one owner who keep it on a lift on the same lake as the dealer I purchased from. The po may not have taken the original trailer or got rid of it as some point since he didn't need it.

The local dealer who I am purchasing the Shoreland'r from is going to inspect the hull when they have the boat up in the air doing the transfer.



Thanks for clarifying, sounds better all the time, good luck
 

GCartwright

Petty Officer 2nd Class
Joined
Jul 1, 2012
Messages
149
The transfer has been done. Need to get on the hull and get all the roller marks off now. The boat looks a lot smaller sitting much lower on this trailer. Hopefully I have a good set-up now.

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oldjeep

Admiral
Joined
May 17, 2010
Messages
6,455
Little acetone will take off the melted roller stuff easily. Just make sure to rinse well and then toss some wax on.
 

moosehead

Chief Petty Officer
Joined
May 29, 2012
Messages
437
She looks solid on the bunks. You'll be much safer and happier towing her. I tend to me more careful and paranoid under tow than under way on the water.

Not sure if your original dealer is going to buy the first trailer back, but that could be cleaned up and sold pretty easily, especially this time of year.
 

seven up

Petty Officer 1st Class
Joined
Jun 4, 2006
Messages
275
Last fall I purchased a 1991 SeaRay 225BR after having it surveyed and a Seaworthy test. The boat was deemed to be in very good shape. This well known SeaRay dealer was selling the boat/trailer as a package like most. The boat has a dry weight of 3900lbs and close to 5000 when it is fueled and ready for the water. I was told that the trailer had a 6000lb capacity (which is noted on the sales contract as well). A few weeks ago after moving the boat a few miles, I noticed one of the roller support arms had broken off and the hull strake was resting on the support damaging the gel coat.

I called ezloader to inquire about replacement parts , gave them the vin since the trailer plate was too worn out to read a model number and they tell me I have a 4000lb capacity trailer. The fact that it only had 24 roller should have been a clue to both the dealer and myself.

I contacted the dealer, told them the situation, they said they didn't have a used one available but would discount me on a new one. I'm located a few hundred miles away and told them that I won't pull the boat on this trailer and that I would prefer they purchase the trailer back so I can find a local one.

They have agreed to this but are offering very little in my opinion. I believe I should be entitled to the markert value price of a 6000lbs capacity 1991 tandem galvinized trailer since this is what they told me I was purchasing, as well as the cost to transfer the boat to a new trailer, plus the cost to repair the damage to the hull (getting a quote this week) plus compensation for having to go through all this when I should have been supplied a trailer that was suitable and set-up properly for the boat in the first place.

Opinions appreciated.


Hi.

You would file a claim based on Errors & Omissions Liability insurance for whatever entity certified the trailer(dealer, surveyor).

You called the trailer manufacturer a couple of weeks ago = delayed discovery.

Glad you're here with us. This could have turned into loss of life and property.
 

Outsider

Lieutenant Junior Grade
Joined
Apr 24, 2007
Messages
1,022
Never, ever buy a boat trailer without verifying the carrying capacity. Never, ever buy a boat when actual weight is a guess. You can't determine if the former is adequate without knowing the latter. Not from a dealer, not from Craig's List, not from a private owner. The trailer is something dealers have been known to push limits with, a great many buyers have little clue ... ;)
 
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