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Random Quote: A superior boater uses his superior judgement to avoid situations requiring his superior skills.
We just purchased a new Scout Bay 19' 10" . Brand new from a local dealer. I have used this boat 3 times and the Yahama 115hp only has 9.50 hours on it. To my GREAT disappointment we are beginning to see gel cracks and more concerning to us our the quarter size holes/cracks/indentions on the flooring mostly at this time in one area. Near this cracks, are yellowish color distortions. I have spoke to my dealer along with the Scout Boat rep. for this area. They are trying to convince me that this all can be patched and the rep. stated these bubbles are normal, and usually get fix before the the final inspection at the factory. What you do not see does hurt you. ( my quote) However, I explained to the guy for the amount we payed including trailer 27,000 I expect and demand a boat in perfect condition, not one they want to repair. Has anyone had problems with them? I have contacted two boat surveyors as Boat USA.
What a headace this could turn out to be. Any advice? Any good attorneys on this board? I am insisting for a new/replacement boat. Not one that has been repaired not have the piece of mind knowing what else is underneather the floor that will not come out latter. Please email me your advice Mango34@aol.com
Mango, I have a 2004 185 that has had numerous issues, I also have spider cracks in the bow area of my boat, they showed up after 12 hours, I have spoken to Scout about the problem, and they have given me all sorts of BS answers. I also have had to have a hole cut in my new $25,000 boat to tighten a hose clamp these idiots forgotten to tighten up. I think my boat is a complete POS. There answer was we will repair this area and you will never know we had to repair it, That is complete BS, How would you feel if you bought a Mercedes Benz and had to have the car repainted w/ only 12 hours, I think this is a complete bunch of BS and these bastards have no accountability for producing a a POS. We both know that the boat will weather differently then the repair area, I am so pissed about my boat I can not see straight, I have a 2004 Scout that has (4) Gelcoat repairs, and 28 hours. Once again the consumer gets - Sorry, I will learn to watch my language -ed, What is your recourse???? They have you by the balls.
Anyhow, I am going to offer my two cents on every Scout post that comes up, I guess that all I can do, Consumer beware!
Ahhh..now I see. Whats your recourse? Sell it, and fast. Don't tell the next owner about the problems. Take a 2-3 grand hit (as you would on ANY new boat) and consider it a lesson learned. With the number of used 185's for sale (hardley any), It will be gone and out of your life I imagine with in the week.
And i wouldn't exactly compare a Scout to Mercedes. I mean I love my boat, but lets get serious for a minute.
Quote:
rustynutz - 7/11/2004 9:58 PM
Mango, I have a 2004 185 that has had numerous issues, I also have spider cracks in the bow area of my boat, they showed up after 12 hours, I have spoken to Scout about the problem, and they have given me all sorts of BS answers. I also have had to have a hole cut in my new $25,000 boat to tighten a hose clamp these idiots forgotten to tighten up. I think my boat is a complete POS. There answer was we will repair this area and you will never know we had to repair it, That is complete BS, How would you feel if you bought a Mercedes Benz and had to have the car repainted w/ only 12 hours, I think this is a complete bunch of BS and these bastards have no accountability for producing a a POS. We both know that the boat will weather differently then the repair area, I am so pissed about my boat I can not see straight, I have a 2004 Scout that has (4) Gelcoat repairs, and 28 hours. Once again the consumer gets - Sorry, I will learn to watch my language -ed, What is your recourse???? They have you by the balls.
Anyhow, I am going to offer my two cents on every Scout post that comes up, I guess that all I can do, Consumer beware!
What's happening IMO is the boating industry cannot keep up with the production and it seems like most every company is having some horror boats lately. Just look at this forum, pretty much every brand has had one or a few problem boats. Sales are up 30% but have any of you heard of mass hirings in the industry? Lots of glass issues which one would thing is caused by rushing things down the production line.
Comparing a Scout to a Mercedes is insulting to the Scout
Run copies of this thread and send them individually to all the big wigs at Scout...copies to the dealer...copies to anybody else you can think of...Boat Test mags, etc...become the biggest pain in the a$$ you got time to be and be as loud as you can about it...having read two different dissatisfied customers with same stories and same reactions from Scout, I can tell you I'd never buy one...sounds like the people running that company need schooling in CUSTOMER RELATIONS...after all, that's where the money comes from...doesn't sound like Scout Boats will be around long...
Stress cracks may be common, but not all boats get them. Why is that?
Can't answer that. But I burned up a transmission in 26K mile 2003 Chevy Tahoe (with 5.3 l motror and towing package) a few weeks back pulling my 3000# Scout B-M-T. Why don't all Chevy's burn up tranny's? I think its a case by case basis. My Scout doesn't have any cracks that I know of (and the scuppers don't leak either) so maybe I got lucky with the boat and unlucky with the Chevy. But just as I wouldn't say all Scouts get cracks because of a few that do, I wouldn't say all Tahoes tranny's stink because mine burned up. I think the words are "sweeping generalization", and it sometimes can be a bad thing.
I have a buddy whose dad had a 20' Scout that he bought new in '94 or '95 that had similar issues when he first got it. Scout themselves were very professional and speedy in fixing the hull...they just didn't do a very good job of it. I can't remember how many times they towed the thing back to the factory for repairs after the local dealership was unable to fix it. They finally put a new hull on the boat only to come back after the first day out on the water to notice that seaweed was hanging from the bottom. Thought that looked a little strange ane when they pulled it off they noticed that the screws that were used to hold in the gas tank were too long and went all the way through the hull. IMHO they make some nice looking boats but seem to have a lot of quality issues.
In mass we have a law 93-B that will let you get the boat repaired,replaced or refunded and it's up to you to pick which one you want call the dealer and tell him you are on your way back to the dealership with the boat and that you want-------- and move on you will be happy that you did
To my GREAT disappointment we are beginning to see gel cracks and more concerning to us our the quarter size holes/cracks/indentions on the flooring mostly at this time in one area. Near this cracks, are yellowish color distortions.
Mango
I can understand your disappointment and I believe that it is an excellent idea for you to consult a competent marine surveyor. I feel that the fundamental issue is weather or not there is a structural defect or merely gelcoat imperfections. Frequently, gel coat does contain voids/bubbles etc. that although visually upsetting they present no threat to structural integrity. Gelcoat is soft and porus and if that is the only problem a proper gelcoat repair is a proper repair for even a new boat. To some extent I credit Scout with their honesty in advising you that this is a common occurance and usually repaired prior to shipment. Trust me, Scout is not alone in conducting such gelcoat repairs, it is a consistent element in boat manufacturing. I think a knowlegebale surveyor will be able to tell you if the condition of your liner meets acceptable manufactoring standards. I would photograph and date each and every instance of a crack or a void and submit it to both the dealer and Scout. Expecting a gelcoated fiberglass boat without ANY void or bubble in the gelcoat is an unreasonable expectation. Paying 27K for a boat that has STRUCTURAL defects within 10hrs of use is un-exceptable. Document your case, rely on experts, don't be unrealistic, and pursue recourse with a reasoned approach. Bottom line: if its a bubble in the gelcoat, let them fix it, if it is a structural crack in the glass, let them replace. Prior to threatening any lawsuit I would check with an attorney. Frequently, this is not the type of case they would take on a "contingency" which means you would pay them up-front and hope to get attorney's fees in some litigation to enforce the warranty. My guess is there is no provision for compensation for your "pain and suffering" so it isn't an easy course for you to chart. Good luck on this deal, it is understandable you are less than a happy consumer.
I have never mentioned the word law suit. It would be at the bottom of my list. I have been in contact with Boat USA consumer protection mediation and sent them photos. Believe me when they were, I will not quote out of my promise for privacy to them. However, Highly recommended I get a surveyor ( out of my pocket)...WA. I would post photos he but do not know how to get them through..
Harvey
Mango34 , I received a Tackle Box mail from you and I am not sure you intended it for me. I cannot respond to it for some reason. You may want to resend to the intended person if not me. Anyhow, I can post the pictures if you would like. Please email them to =edited by JSHERMAN= and I will post them for you. I hope everything works out for you. Good luck!
What makes me forget for a second about what I am going through and about to go through is knowing the people on this board. Thank you for posting the photos.
Opinions will be appreciated. There were others, but these give you a sense what there is on the flooring.
Mango34
Scout Boats, Inc. 
