New boat delivered with damage

Namakan

New Member
May 18, 2019
19
Minnesota
Boat Info
SPX 230 OB
Engines
Mercury
Unfortunately our new boat arrived at the dealer with damage to the windshield. Unsure if it left the factory this way or happened when transported. Anyway the damage is not horrible and the boat is perfectly usable but I’m hesitant to take ownership until I see it repaired.

They have filed a claim with SR who is sending a new windshield and side window (all one piece I believe) but no timeframe has been given yet. The estimate is 2-3 weeks which of course shortens our already short MN summer season.

Dealer has been great and says to take delivery and bring back for repairs. I’m leaning on waiting as I don’t want to be stuck with it if I’m not 100% happy with the repair. I’m also hoping my stance on waiting might speed up the process to make the sale happen.

Thoughts anyone?
 
That sucks. Tough call, but I think you're right to wait. You've got the leverage to make sure the repair is done right the first time.

You're going to have the boat for many years, so a few more weeks isn't going to make a difference in the long run.
 
Unfortunately our new boat arrived at the dealer with damage to the windshield. Unsure if it left the factory this way or happened when transported. Anyway the damage is not horrible and the boat is perfectly usable but I’m hesitant to take ownership until I see it repaired.

They have filed a claim with SR who is sending a new windshield and side window (all one piece I believe) but no timeframe has been given yet. The estimate is 2-3 weeks which of course shortens our already short MN summer season.

Dealer has been great and says to take delivery and bring back for repairs. I’m leaning on waiting as I don’t want to be stuck with it if I’m not 100% happy with the repair. I’m also hoping my stance on waiting might speed up the process to make the sale happen.

Thoughts anyone?

Do not ease up until the repair is done to your satisfaction.
Get the repair checked over by a surveyor.
 
You call all the shots until you write the final check. Then the dealer calls the shots.
 
I would love to hear from someone who understands how the dynamics of how the windshield is attached. My understanding is it’s simply screwed into the glass. I’m wondering how the replacement gets installed. Screws into the same holes? Screws into fresh glass, what happens to old holes? The boat is a 230SPX OB if it helps.
 
Ask the install guy. Fiberglass is very easy to work with. Drilling new or filling old holes. Nothing to be overly concerned with
 
IMG_4230.JPG
I would love to hear from someone who understands how the dynamics of how the windshield is attached. My understanding is it’s simply screwed into the glass. I’m wondering how the replacement gets installed. Screws into the same holes? Screws into fresh glass, what happens to old holes? The boat is a 230SPX OB if it helps.
Might be a blessing in disguise. I'd be willing to bet the screws installed at the factory were not properly bedded which is why so many of these boats have leaks and rot in the decks after ten years. Make sure that the screw holes are filled properly and redrilled and bedded when the new windshield goes on. I would insist on watching the removal and replacement. Ask the factory for the correct spec for installing the glass. SR has good specs, but they don't always follow them in the build process. Watch the dealer do it by the spec book.
 
The windshield is solid and my guess is was installed properly. The issue is at the top corner where the front and side meets. The top rail on the outside window is bent up and the black paint of the frame is missing. If I could only figure out how to post a picture from my phone.
 
Unfortunately once you right the check it will be hard to get it fixed on your terms - I've learned that the hard way. As long as you owe them $$ they will do any and everything to get paid. As far as the windshield installation, typically it is laid in place over some type of foam/butyl tape and screwed in place. I would want the holes filled and re-drilled. But ask for and insist they follow SeaRay's installation process.

Hate this for you, it would really take some effort on my part not to take the boat as is and trust they will fix it -- but don't.
 
The windshield is solid and my guess is was installed properly. The issue is at the top corner where the front and side meets. The top rail on the outside window is bent up and the black paint of the frame is missing. If I could only figure out how to post a picture from my phone.
Look at top of page, 'support CSR', and you'll be able to post pics.
 
Will the dealer allow you to take delivery but retain 5-10% of the sales price until the repair is complete?

You're just weeks away from summer ending...we're losing daylight now!
 
Take the delivery and enjoy the boat with a note on the repair in the contract. Things always crop up on new boats when you first use them so when they do you can get attention to these when the boat is in for the window repair. I'm assuming either where you purchased the boat is an authorized repair facility or SR will send a repair team to implement the work. Regardless, I don't really subscribe to the above "hair on fire" postings; if you feel you need some oversight, agree that a third party will ensure the repair is correctly implemented.
 
I understand the sentiments and thoughts expressed above and, while I do not disagree, I would go boating now and fix later. For any halfway decent repair shop, replacing a windshield is day-in, day-out type of work. In other words, easy. If you've got a good relationship with the place, that's even more of a reason to not worry about getting in done later.

Go have fun with your new boat.
 
I suppose it also depends on how far / close you are to the dealer, and if they will come to you for the repairs.
 
See and hear about things like this all the time. Some end positive and others, well - not so good. Brand New Boat should be in Brand New condition before you make final payment. If the dealer will allow you to hold back 10% until the repairs are completed properly, that is great. Although it has been my experience that most will not allow it. They say it has to be paid in full to take delivery. Don't know who made that rule, but it certainly was not the buyer. As said above, with their $$$ in your pocket, you have 0 leverage.
 
See and hear about things like this all the time. Some end positive and others, well - not so good. Brand New Boat should be in Brand New condition before you make final payment. If the dealer will allow you to hold back 10% until the repairs are completed properly, that is great. Although it has been my experience that most will not allow it. They say it has to be paid in full to take delivery. Don't know who made that rule, but it certainly was not the buyer. As said above, with their $$$ in your pocket, you have 0 leverage.
Sorry Korkie but this is simply not true and for the most part, hyperbole. If damage or any deficiency is listed in the closing document then the seller or dealer is bound to provide corrective measures. One needs to be smart enough to ensure they are covered..... There is no one that will allow delivery and accept a 10% retention to the buyer; just simply doesn't happen.

I bought a new Ford truck a little while ago and it was missing the floor mats; we noted it in the sales contract and I had new floor mats not more than a week later.....
 
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Dealers work a lot harder trying to sell a boat than they do after the check is in the bank, generally speaking.

Hold out for the fix prior to purchase and take advantage of the dealers motivation to complete the sale!
 
Update: Sounds as though Taylor is sending a replacement and boat may be ready as early as one week.

I made it pretty clear I was not going to take delivery until repaired which may or may not have sped the process up.

Although I’ve been happy with the dealer and their timely response I will make sure this is all documented in the event we have future issues with it.
 

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