*THE HULL TRUTH is the world's largest FREE network for the discussion of Boating & Fishing. Whether you're researching a new boat, or are a seasoned Captain, you'll find The Hull Truth Boating & Fishing Message Forum contains a wealth of information from Boaters and Sportfishermen around the world.
Welcome to the updated THT!
If you are having trouble signing in, please email feedback@thehulltruth.com with your username and we will help you. We thank you for your patience as we help you access the new site!
Random Quote: There are no bad boats, just some better than others...
Well, my 2 cents says you were lucky to have missed out on this one. Your being in the car business should allow you to know what kind of hit you'd take on that '05 leftover even with the big discount.
Have you priced any used '05 versions to see what the "new" '05 is really costing you?
Look em up on boattrader all used ones are within $8000 of this one with less power (singles or twin 150s) and two years of warranty already gone. Based on that I thought it was a good deal. In retail sales I've learned that you can't buy for resale (cars and boats aren't investments), and a "good deal" is only a good deal when the money in one's pocket is worth less than what one is interested in purchasing.
Miataguy
Hey, what they are listed for on Boat Trader and what they'll sell for are two different stories. The boat market really sux right now and great deals are out there to be had.
I've been in the retail business for over 30 years and have had a boat dealers's license for about 20. There are no ultimate deals on anything new. Bide your time and keep beating the bushes and you'll find a much better deal than what you had. Most lenders require a decent downpayment on a boat and you can bet there is someone out there who needs out from under a payment. I've bought several boats for less than the owner owed the bank just so the owner could get out from under it.
Many times the best deals are when some rich guy just wants something gone and is tired of tire kickers. It's definitely a buyer's market out there, so have fun!
__________________
"If I leave here tomorrow, would you still remember me?"
1974 Hatteras 58TC "Freebird", 1965 Hatteras 41DC "Nancy Cay", For Sale - Click HERE for info
Sounds like you did ok in the end. Don't give up quite yet!
While I don't have quite the budget you are shopping with, I can certainly suggest you look at the Boats for sale forum. I can't tell you how many boats I have looked at there that have made me question my choice of vocation.
It's supposed to be fun, enjoy!
Mike.
You are up against a really tough choice. The fact that the boat is new and has a warranty is unquestionably a plus, but the fact that it is a left over 2005 says something about the demand for the package. The only other place I'd expect to see left over 05's is at the Pontiac store, where I'll bet you can still find a new Aztec. The Whaler line has gone through a lot of changes and owners and I'd expect Brunswick/Mercury to ultimately get the product sorted out.
The one you are looking at seems to be priced right and well equipped, but it also seems to be blessed with an equivalent of "bad karma". You've met cars like that. They get backed into something and repaired before they even get on the truck and when you get them, the saga continues until they are bought back. The boat may not be that bad, but I think you'd be wise to assume that it will have bugs and problems that need to be sorted out. First, you have to be willing to do some of the work and trust the dealer to do the rest. Next, the boat has to meet your expectations in terms of ride, room, space and amenities. The price is certainly very attractive.
Obviously, you also need to know what the numbers would be for the '07 with the Verados. That would be a very nice package.
I'm glad to hear the dealer stepped up and did the right thing for you. I think I know the boat. I have the same package in an 02 model and love it, the boat has been rock solid and contrary to BW bashers, rides very well. We run run out of Morehead city and have been in some nasty slop. My optis are approaching 700 hrs, and have had 1 failed air pump, they are fuel and oil sippers, and would have another pair in a sec.(Although the Verado's are sweet). I hope something comes through for you, you have shown great patience though all of this. PM me if you have any particular questions on the package.
Without a doubt a better than average boat dealer in that he tried to get things right and at the end gave you your money back. Yes it really is that bad and worse at many dealers.
Sounds like my kind of dealer. Went the extra mile in every way including refunding your deposit and killing the deal.
It sounds like a dealer xfer gone wrong. The losing dealer probably misrepresented the boat to your dealer. Since it was a 2005 in 2007 it probably was a hanger queen source of parts for other boats. The boat may even have been xferred more than once and probably started with a dealer that went out of business.
You came out of this whole which is a lot better than many we about on this forum.
i'd walk and be happy that the dealer did not yank your chain-my thouhtsd on a boat----you will be lookin over your shoulder everytime out assuming it makes it away from the dock-whatever ever stars aligned to let you out of this thing with your shirt still on your back BE THANKFUL-whalers are decent machines i'd go out and do the research on dealers- and no matter what i would walk away from the folks that you dealt with-it sounds like they treated you right by giving you your cash back-but how many "mistakes" do your guys make when they sell a car? Even if they are totally on the up and i am not saying they are not somebody's patience is going to wear thin the next time around----my advice start anew-good luck to you the next time around
You were down to a bad hatch and an engine problem. You just recently got the attention of the GM, and at first glance it seems like he helped you out with a quick refund.
I'd say the GM knows that they will fix an engine issue, align a hatch, and sell that rig quickly at 80K to the next buyer who will have an uneventful test drive.
Then this new owner will post up on continiouswave.com about getting an 05 255 with full warranties, electronics and trailer for 80K OTD, and about 3 pages of "thats a great deal" posts will follow.
Be very happy you got out of the boat. Take your money back and keep looking !!! As many have said --this is a buyers market there are plenty of owners looking to move up to larger boats -- find a nice boat that is under warranty from a owner that is looking larger
Consider yourself lucky, you got your money back without having to endure any legal fees. It also goes to show you how far back in the dark ages the boat business is as compared to the auto business. You are 100% correct, you try even one iota of the way you were treated in the car biz and you would get your head handed to you.
You were down to a bad hatch and an engine problem. You just recently got the attention of the GM, and at first glance it seems like he helped you out with a quick refund.
I'd say the GM knows that they will fix an engine issue, align a hatch, and sell that rig quickly at 80K to the next buyer who will have an uneventful test drive.
Then this new owner will post up on continiouswave.com about getting an 05 255 with full warranties, electronics and trailer for 80K OTD, and about 3 pages of "thats a great deal" posts will follow.
Frankly, thats probably what I'd do if I was in his shoes. That's why I don't think I'll here from him. Better to cut his losses on one customer and try to make it up with the next. I think it's easier for him to do in the boat business than in the car business. Though, not only does he have a leftover 05 with motor probs, but he also now has specific electronics on it, and he ate the installation and a months worth of interest to pay off my loan. He's a couple grand deeper in it now than when he started.
Miataguy
Thanks guys for all the positive posts. I felt better just getting it out there, but even better still that I shouldn't have to expect this from my next purchase. Please don't get me wrong. I applaud the dealer for finally stepping up in the end. He could have yanked my chain for a while and it would have taken legal dealings and $$$ to right all the wrongs.
I could walk to the dealership from my house in ten minutes, he's 5 minutes from the ramp, and I think the whaler's a great product, personally. That's why I gave it so much time. If he comes through on a different model I'll definately be doing business with him. I'd mutch rather buy a relationship or dealer along with a great product than just a great product.
Miataguy
Miataguy - 6/25/2007 9:04 AM
I applaud the dealer for finally stepping up in the end. He could have yanked my chain for a while and it would have taken legal dealings and $$$ to right all the wrongs.
I could walk to the dealership from my house in ten minutes, he's 5 minutes from the ramp, and I think the whaler's a great product, personally. That's why I gave it so much time. If he comes through on a different model I'll definately be doing business with him. I'd mutch rather buy a relationship or dealer along with a great product than just a great product.
Miataguy
Please do us all a favor and tell us who this is. It sounds like a place I'd like to buy from. Frankly, your story was exceptional in outcome with no legal action required.
Now this post really strike's a cord, being in the car retail business my self and having recently purchased a boat and experienced many of the same issue's you have. One year later i can tell you the boating ind is somewhat similar to the auto ind it has by far a differnt culture that auto.
Sure sound's like you beat the deal up pretty, but as a GM did you leave the dealer enough margin to take care of any problem's in a very short order without having to go to the mfg for approval. Just a question you need to answer your self, it sure sound's like the boat dealer is going to extrodinary measure's to satisfy your need's ( remeber different culture)
Now buying any 05 carry over would scare me a bit, you know the old term "Lot Rot" it happen's in boat's to and is part of the deal. I really dont have any answer's for you hear, but use your own judgement and experience, to me it seem's like your dealer is going way beyond normal practice's and just doesnt have the resource's and probably not going to lose any more money for your convience but is being a gentleman by letting you our of the purchase. Again i am not admonishing you, just relfecting back some of the car ind culture.
I can see you value customer service and reliablity and that has a price .........and being a GM i know you understand that. If you crawfish on the deal remeber that when your sitting @ the table next time, do some basic's....... the demo drive, you know that corny old saying the feel of the wheel seal's the deal... it could have saved you a little heart ache here.
As far as where your at now, you have a dealer that is squarely behind you. Sound's like a great finacial postion, id stay with it, for now you are just experiencing a few speed bump's and when it's all squared away you should have a great ride, a good dealer that you know is right behind and perhap's you will look back at this and just grin..
Sure sound's like you beat the deal up pretty, but as a GM did you leave the dealer enough margin to take care of any problem's in a very short order without having to go to the mfg for approval. Just a question you need to answer your self, it sure sound's like the boat dealer is going to extrodinary measure's to satisfy your need's ( remeber different culture)
..
The first number that he put on the paper is what I paid. The only thing I negotiated were the things he screwed up - bigger trailer, electronics installed, etc...
Miataguy
Sure sound's like you beat the deal up pretty, but as a GM did you leave the dealer enough margin to take care of any problem's in a very short order without having to go to the mfg for approval. Just a question you need to answer your self, it sure sound's like the boat dealer is going to extrodinary measure's to satisfy your need's ( remeber different culture)
..
The first number that he put on the paper is what I paid. The only thing I negotiated were the things he screwed up - bigger trailer, electronics installed, etc...
Miataguy
Hmm guess he's a laydown, or not to experienced. But none the less again does he have the margin to to wipe all the issue's out of the way? You have the ability to walk from the deal....... ask yourself what is it your looking for by now you should know or see that the boating ind is not as cut and dried as the auto, and it sound's like a lot of customization going on, is that the part of the transaction that has you dissapointed with? As a dealer you should know thing's happen in that kind of process, the question is can you understand it and accecpt it, can you walk away or it is just satisfaction that you are looking for and he cannot provide it, if so find another dealer who will..
Re: Boat buying horror story- very long post. 
by now you should know or see that the boating ind is not as cut and dried as the auto, and it sound's like a lot of customization going on, is that the part of the transaction that has you dissapointed with? As a dealer you should know thing's happen in that kind of process, the question is can you understand it and accecpt it, can you walk away or it is just satisfaction that you are looking for and he cannot provide it, if so find another dealer who will.. 
