Arizona240DA
Banned
I apologize in advance for the length of this post, but am looking forward to your response. We recently purchased a 2001 240DA on consignment from our local boat store. This is the second consignment purchase that we have made from the same store within the last year and a half (two-foot itis’ is indeed a debilitating condition). At any rate, the particular boat in question, the 240DA, was actually on consignment at another store out of state. We felt strongly about the boat and made arrangements to view it. Upon viewing, we made an offer through our local store, they drew up the agreement and our offer was accepted. The out of state store let us know that a compression check would be completed and the outdrive would be removed and inspected; as we were told, this is standard practice for any consigned boat that goes out of their front door. I must mention that we have had nothing but positive experiences with both the sales and service departments at our local boat store to date. Upon delivery of the boat, after the paperwork was signed, we discovered that the engine and outdrive checks and inspections were not completed (perhaps shame on us for not verifying this prior to signing). Throughout the transaction, it was assumed by us that these checks and inspections had been completed and we were going to be in receipt of a sound engine and outdrive (this could very well still be the case). Our local store was definitely under the impression that the out of state store performed these inspections prior to shipping and that any issues would have been brought to light; again, standard practice to our knowledge. If something were to have been found, we would have simply requested that the issues be remedied prior to the transaction being completed, or we would have tried to negotiate a more appropriate price due to the issues. Or, we would have declined to the purchase altogether and moved on. Upon discovering that the checks and inspections were never performed (we brought this discovery to light vs. our local store). They did agree this morning to pick up the boat and perform the agreed upon checks and inspections themselves. They agreed that this was/is a major error on their part and it should have never left their hands unless the checks and inspections could be unequivocally verified. This is where it becomes speculative; in the event that something is found during the inspections, such as a cylinder with abnormal compression, bad seals, shafts, bearings, etc. within the outdrive assembly, where do we go then? Again, this is speculative, but in my mind legitimate to an extent given the age of the boat, number of hours, etc. We absolutely realize that we purchased a used boat vs. a new boat and did not opt for a survey due to it coming from a highly reputable store who we have done business with in the past. The question is, if there is something found during the checks and inspections, who is responsible for the repairs? Us, because we purchased a used boat, or the store, in part, due to the checks and inspections not being completed as agreed? We aren’t the type that expects free lunch, ever, but we were under the impression that we purchased a boat that had passed their checks and inspections process.