Six month over view of 22'Nauticstar Bay Boat

[Night-Hook]

A Copy was sent to the owner of NautiStar( Phil Faulkner) Mr. Faulkner is one of the previous owners of Sprint Bass boats that are no long in business.
Please read, any comments are welcome. Please English majors hold back, Thanks

This is a five month overview of a 22bay NauticStar.

1. Ordered in Jan 05, Boat received back in the first part of March 05.

2. First problem was the Seat Base plates that I requested were not on my boat. Two phone calls to your co., one E-mail, and a request on the order form your company still sent me the same plate that are rusting on the NauticStar. This is not a new problem and I know you are aware of it. As of now I have received one plate for the front and have been told now three times my back plate will come soon. Which to me I think that if you were going to get one made first it would be the back plate since it is the one that is exposed to salt/water all the time. I am still waiting for my back pole support plate.

3. Boat leans to the left when it comes off plan. When the whole boat is running in the water flat, no trim it pulls to the left hard. Now I reported this to the dealer and he said it didn’t do it when we took it out. When we took it out that day, the wind was blowing; temp was 30+ degrees and the run was about ¼ mile run. I took it home and check every thing I could. The engine set up, straight edge on the hull; distance on the keel, chimes, even disconnected the tabs and ran it with them tied up. The only thing that I found different was one tab is slightly higher then the other, and when I ran them tied up and out of the water it didn’t lean as much. So all I can do is live with it. I know that if ever I trim all the way down especially with a good amount of weight on board then I have to grip the hell out of the wheel to hold it.

4. I requested a Jack plate with my boat. Two issues here.
1. I was told I didn’t need one on this boat. I can just about agree with you. I was looking for performance and when I got to it, it didn’t seem to matter. I am running a 21 salt water series Yamaha prop on a 200hp turning about 5300-5500rpm running right at 50mph GPS. Well I had some problems with my engine and took it in for a check up.(32HR) Now, it want turn about 4800-5000rpm’s running 45-47mph. I know this is not your problem but I called your company to ask about engine height and prop performance and they could only tell me about the one prop I have on it.now. If that was my boat I would take it and test it and keep testing it till I found the best performance for the boat. With or without Jake plate and Prop it out with different props to get the ultimate performance.
2. The Base support bar for the jack plate that is put on at the factory is very sharp. So when you trim your engine up and down the top of the plate will cut your wires/cables going in the engine. It cut three wires so I used liquid tape and regular tape to seal it. If this does not work then I will have more problems with these wires in the future. I also filed the edge down on the bar.

5. When I received my boat the compartment where the oil tank and cranking batteries was had the battery in front with the oil tank behind it. That means it would take a funnel used for a transmission to put oil in it.


. The oil tank is used and checked a lot more the then battery so it only stand to reason that the oil tank would be placed up front. If you look closely both can be place so they are easily reached. I will be glad to send a picture. I fixed this!!

6. From the first week most all my gauges had condensation in them. My MPH gauge keeps water in it and the fuel gage has been nothing but trouble and is totally not working as I write this. I sent telfex an email and there response was it’s because of the location I am in. (Eastern N.C.) This is my third boat in this area and this is the first I have had with condensation in my gauges all the time. I have never had this problem. Many of my friends also have boats w/o this problem. My personnel thought on this is, the gauges are cheap!!

7. Rod holed that is on the side wall of the boat was cut to big so two of the screws that held the box to the boat missed going into any support. That caused the box to be very loose and shack and rattle. (Poor craftsmanship). I fixed it!!

8. After about three trips my steering wheel was about to fall off. Again I fixed this.

9. A water leak has been in my boat since I have had it. For every four hours of fishing out of it, 1 min of water runs out my plug hole when I pull it out of the water and pull the plug. It was worse then that till I finally took it back to the dealer and they sealed off the front box whole that has a drain to the outside just under the box in front of the boat. They now have any water going in my anchor box running in the hull not out the hole you made. I have read on the net where another nauticstar owner found his leak was coming from the lights in the live well were not sealed. I have not checked that yet.

10. Live well in the front spills water all over your feet when it is full. The water runs out and around the center console and on your feet. That is no problem as long as you don’t mind getting the shoes you are wearing wet and you are not fishing in the cold. I have cut the over flow pipe shorter but if you cut it to short the recirculation is so high then it want work right. I like the raise center console but if it causes this type problem and you can’t stop the water from coming out of the live well then put it back flat on the floor.
The trim that goes around the center console is held in by rivets. All the rivets are or have tried to come out. I am now looking at replacing all these with a SS screw.

11. Both seats I received with my boat had only two Fasco Fasteners to hold the seat to the base. The other two screws were only being held by the plastic seat itself. This fastener was design so that when tighten the screw only came to the top of the fastener not ½ inch above the fastener so if some one of weight seat down on the seat the screws would not go threw the seat and into there butt. I had two screw in each seat that went this far!! I bought fasteners and the right size screws to fix this.






12. The front panel switches are not in a good area. On top of two of mine being replaces, it is very easy to hit a switch and not even know it’s running till you shut your engine down, and that could be a while if you are running and trolling!!

13. Most people that have bay boats put depth finders up front with there troll motor. Putting string in the boat to help run wires threw the tubes was a good idea, my question is why they didn’t do it for the front so if you wanted to add electronics you could do it later with out going threw that problem.

14. The Fish box up front allows out side water to run into it when I am on the front deck fishing. The water runs threw the hole in the rear and in the box unless you have it plugged. This happen because the box is lower in the water line. What does that means is,
don’t use that box for storage and leave the box plug out. If you do then everything you have in it will get soaked.

15. All my screw that hold the chrome strip that separates the front deck from the bottom deck have came loose and two feel out. New screws and 5200 seal fixed that.

16. Leaning post seat strap that hold the seat down broke after the third time I used the boat. The screw that holds the seat from coming all the way forward has striped out and I have replaced it with a bigger screw.

17. It bothers me that every time I walk around inside on my floor I keep hearing fiberglass stretch and pop. I think the floor is laid so thin. Now I am 6’3” and weigh 245. No I am not a small person but should my floor feel and sound like this????

Overall I think the boat has the potential of being a good Bay boat. I think you have a good hull design with cheap crap on it. I like the pumps you have put in it. I am just not looking forward in the day I have to change one. The back hole is very small. . I think it has some good electrical connections but your gauges are cheap. Get the live wells straight with the water and those pipes are a pain to get in the holes. Last I would fire me someone if there craftsmanship was not better then this!!

As of now my thought are to get rid of this boat at the end of the season before something goes wrong that I will regret, I would appreciate it if you would get my rear base plate to me soon as possible.

[iron banks]

You are the first person I have seen that has such a negative post about nautic stars. They have gotten generally good reviews. Of all the things you mention the thing that bothers me the most is the floor feeling weak. Tightwads will get in on this thread and help you out. BTW, I like the hull and am surprised it is running with a lean. Possible hook in the hull

[cgott]

Is anyone else out there going to respond to this poor guy who is having all the trouble with the Nautic Star? As a potential owner of Nautic Star, I would sure like to see his issues explained and resolved. I have not seen any info regarding the chines on the Nautic Star. Does anyone know if they are designed to channel water down and away like some of the better bay boats? Also, has anyone heard any pros or cons about the new Black Jack bay boats?

[bossee]

Hi,
I think many new boats has some faults even when new from factory.
In my opinion a boat will never be built as good as a new "average" car for example.
Many boats are still built more or less by hands for example and I'm not sure the
quality control is a prioroty at all boat builders.

If all Nauticstar boats was built with the quality they did with Your boat I'm sure
they will not be in business much longer.

My boat (not a Nautic Star) had several faults that showed up rather quick efter delivery.
Some major faults was fixed by the dealer during winter when I do not use my boat.
Some I fixed myself since that was the easiest way.
Imagine if a new car had that much faults that Your 22' Nauticstar Bay Boat - nobody
would accept this, and nobody would fix the faults themselves. But with boats it seems
litle different (at least in my country, Sweden) - short season, if You buy new it is often delivered
just before season start and when You start to use the boat You are in the middle of the
season and You just want to use the boat, not take it to the dealer for repair. Many times the
dealer also has vacation in summer and can not take in the boat for warranty repair
immediately. That leaves You with the option to fix minor faults Yourself as good as You can to be able
to use the boat in this season.

If I was to buy a new boat again (I bought a new in 2003) I would first make sure I ordered
one early so it was delivered 1-2 months before season begin.
Then, before I pay, I would have a look at the boat and go through all I could see by visual inspection
and write down everything I find not to be satisfactory. Then show the dealer this list
so we could agree what was needed to be done. Tell the dealer to have this fixed in a week
or two or similar and tell them they will not get the money before it is fixed.
Last, If I would have bought my boat again in 2003 I would have mounted all extra equipement
myself - the dealer made a poor job on this - I had to redo many things they did.
My boat is only 19 ft so it is not a complicated boat really so much can be fixed rather easy
by a normal person.
Last - when in middle of the season and a minor problem occur it is almost easiest, in my experience,
to fix it (permanently or temporarlily) myself. After season is over the dealer can have the boat
of it needs to be fixed better under warranty.
That is just the most practical in my case and the rule of thumb I have followed.
So far it has worked rather good. I have a traioler for my boat so it is easy to get the boat on land
when needed.
Worst fault on my boat was fuel tank came loose in rough sea (it was embedded in foam from
factory). It was middle of the season and I had to make a temporary fix, that held together that
season. It was one day work but I know the dealer would not have time or people to fix that
emediately so I fixed it temporary myself. Then after season I just let the dealer fix the gas tank mounting
on warranty, and they did with OK result.

[Shallowmind]

Night Hook,
I am sorry that you are having all these problems for you and for me. I recently purchased a NS 2200. I have been very happy with it, but have not used it enough to have any problems. I did notice that the front live well would leak because the tube was too high, but I thought I could simply make it shorter. What is the problem with doing that? The last time I got on the boat the deck pop and moaned a little. But I have not stepped foot on it in 2 months and it was covered with a black cover. I assumed the extreme heat probably made the deck creak a little. Please post the outcome with all of this. It seems buying into a new company can be tricky. But if NS will stand behind there product they could have a very loyal customer base. Did you mention to NS that you would post this on THT? If not I would. I hope they see fit to reply. Because alot of people including myself looked here before buying. I am very satisfied with my boat and I hope that NS will make yours right.
Matt Bennett

[cgott]

I think the dealership that Night-Hook purchased the boat from has a lot of the responsibility here, especially with the hardware and equipment installation. Anyone know what dealership he used??

[Wading Mark]

cgott - 7/30/2005 12:56 AM

Also, has anyone heard any pros or cons about the new Black Jack bay boats?

Blackjack has a great layout and rides well but is slow. You would definately want 225 or 250 on back. For that reason, I got a Kenner Vision 2100 w/ 225 Mercury Optimax. 225 hp gives us a 65 mph top speed.

[cgott]

Whoaa 65 m.p.h., is that a GPS or your boat speedometer? Of course you are giving up 9" of width as opposed to other bay boats that are 8' 6" wide. I wonder why Kenner offers two models (2102, 2103) that are so similar to each other?

[james morton]

Seems to me that you should have stepped up and*paid another 10 to 15 grand to get a Pathfinder then complain about that as well.. It also seems all your problems are dealer related and mooch related. You have a ten year warranty take it back to the dealer and have them address the nitpicking problems.This form of cyber blackmail is uncalled for so take you mooch list of grievances and stick them where the sun doesn't shine. You sound like a first time boater that owns a Saab car, and you also sound a lot like you have a John kerry bumper sticker on that car. Lighten up and take it back to the dealer or sell the thing and keep your butt on land and stop whining like a little girly democrat.

[Wet-n-Wiley]

Sheese.... looks like James has had too much sugar in his coffee again today

[james morton]

Sorry Wiley but these kinds of cyber blackmail posters really tick me off.

[Joe]

Cyber blackmail poster? Whos' to say hedoesn't own one? If the guy is having problems I'd like to know about them. I might be looking at a nautic star one day.

I saw the Nautic star deck boat yesterday at the landing. Nice looking boat for its style. It may have been the boats maiden voyage, I don't know. It still didn't have registration numbers, and the guy driving it definitely wasn't up to speed with its operation yet.

[Shallowmind]

whether he drives a saab or ford who cares. He has some problems with his boat and wants to put them on THT, and then he gets blasted for it. I have seen many such post here, it seems to be what people do to get some answers. And blackmail, IMO if NS replys or writes or calls him then he will post accordingly and then NS is a great company that takes care of their customers. They will probably tell him to contact his dealer and the problems can be dealt with. Maybe he has a sorry dealer. I am a NS owner and feel that the company should be willing to at least acknowledge the problems and help deal with them. Even if some of the problems seem to be minor, all added up they equal frustration. All that being said I have not had any problems with NS the company and they have always replied to my emails and phone calls.
Matt Bennett

[Wading Mark]

cgott - 7/30/2005 4:45 PM

Whoaa 65 m.p.h., is that a GPS or your boat speedometer? Of course you are giving up 9" of width as opposed to other bay boats that are 8' 6" wide. I wonder why Kenner offers two models (2102, 2103) that are so similar to each other?

GPS. We run a 23p prop and had a light load. 60+ mph on a moderate load easily. The 2103 replaced the 2100, which I have. If I were to buy a 2005 bay boat, I would get the Blackjack w/ Mercury 250 XS b/c I don't like the layout of the 2103. Our boat is 2004.

[james morton]

[james morton]

[james morton]

you ordered the boat*I do not understand why the Yamaha gauges were not ordered unless you did not get the Yamaha engine. Those gauges never get condensation. If you said you wanted a jack plate that should have also come with the boat and not given you the problems you say you had there. I also don't know why the boat came in without the bass seat plates you ordered. The dealer had a list of options you wanted and should have checked that boat for proper equipment. Did you get hydraulic steering? I think your dealer made some big mistakes.

http://www.nauticstarboats.com/2200.html

[Cracker]

james morton - 7/31/2005 12:43 PM



you ordered the boat*I do not understand why the Yamaha gauges were not ordered unless you did not get the Yamaha engine. Those gauges never get condensation.

http://www.nauticstarboats.com/2200.html

Sorry to blow your theory there James, but I have a factory installed Yamaha guage that has condensation in it and is basically unreadable

[icatchem76]

I will jump in with a review....

I have had my NS 2100 since day before Xmas '04. This weekend I just logged my 112th hour. I have a Honda 150 on it. So far I don't see any of the problems that prompted this thread. I have/had some mionor issued...mostly dealership rig-up stuff that has all been taken care of by myself or them. I am very critical and very honest. I haven't put my boat in freshwater yet and we fish every weekend out of Cocodrie, La. The Honda has been absolutely bulletproof averagine about 4.3 gph so far over the life of the engine. My fron tlive well does leak when it's full and there is any bouncing with waves. Of course we all know that never happens in the Gulf. I tried to seal the seam where I think it is spalshing out...so far no luck...but hey don't call "Whine-1-1" Yet ...I don't need the Whambulance. I will live with it or iff I get froggy when it cools off I will take care of it for good. I will be gald to anser any specific questions including whatn time I need to pick you up for some fishing and camp time. Just make sure you can drink beer and play cards. Fishing skills optional!

[tightwads]

ok... just ran across this thread...

I've had my NS2200 for a year and a half now... most of these issues you've brought up sound like dealer related items to me... here's a few thoughts...

1) Two month delivery for a boat order doesn't sound unreasonable to me....

2) Sounds to me like you ordered "custom" (different) plates than the factory usually supplies They should have had them installed (if they could get them in time)... but if it came without them, I can't understand why you haven't had your dealer take care of this issue... even if they have to supply them and install them themselves. A "Good" dealership takes care of good customers, and (assuming you are a customer they ever want to see again) I don't understand why your dealer hasn't resolved the issue for you or why you are trying to deal directly with the manufacturer.

3) Why is your dealer not solving this issue for you?

4) I REALLY don't understand why your dealer isn't solving this issue for you...

5) MINE came with the oil tank installed in FRONT of the battery.... I *THINK* this is a dealer installation item when rigging the motor (unless it came this way from the factory). Again.... I fail to understand why this wasn't addressed by your Dealer... assuming that you DID bring it to their attention?

6) Gauges properly sealed won't get condensation... why isn't your dealer fixing this?

7) Sounds like poor factory work... but should have been addressed by your dealer if you brought it to their attention...

8) See #7.

9) See #7.

10) Sometimes when it's rough, I have water overflow from the front livewell and run around the console and drip on my feet if I have them all the way forward... usually I either stand with my feet slightly further back, or sit on the leaning post and use the footrest to keep my feet from being dripped on when I'm running with a full front livewell in rough seas. I see no way to easily rectify this problem without taking the time to find a way to "seal" the front livewell, and I haven't taken the time to give this a shot yet.

11) See #7.

12) Where else would the switches go? This is the same general area on the console that most every other manufacturer out there uses. I haven't had any issues with any of my switches yet, and although I agree that it would be easy to turn one on unintentionally, I see that being no different than it would be with any other brand of boat. Maybe you need to fabricate some sort of "cover" for the switches if you're somehow hitting them inadvertently on a regular basis? Anyway... this hasn't been an issue for me yet.

13) I have to disagree with you on this one. Most of the people that I know with "Bay Boats" (and I know a LOT of them) do NOT have a depth finder up front. The tubes are there for line access... how hard can it be for you to run a new wire through there? If it's that difficult for you, have the dealer perform the installation.

14) My dealer explained this to me when I bought the boat.... no big deal... put the plug in place and leave it there unless you're draining the box.

15) I have posted this issue multiple times in my earlier posts... perform a search and you'll see that..... nothing that can't be fixed with a tube of 4200 and an hour and 15 minutes or so of your time. I do agree that IMO the factory should do this... but apparently not every user has this problem... maybe we use ours harder than some?

16) This is IMO a design flaw... the seat WILL have stress on the strap that will eventually cause it to fail because every time you get off the seat you cause it to pull on the strap. If you're as large and heavy as I am, it WILL eventually fail. Simple solution to this is to use a "bungee" type cord to secure the seat... it allows the seat to move slightly without breaking the strap, or stripping the screws. I've never had a problem with the limiting strap... maybe you stressed/abused yours unintentionally?

17) I'm 6'2" and 225 and do NOT have this issue. See #7 above.

Overall it sure sounds to me like your dealer is maybe not as responsive as they should be. However, having not heard their side of the story, I'll hold off on judging them as being incompetent just yet....

If there IS a reason why you're dealing with the factory instead of asking your dealer to resolve your issues, please let us know what it is.

Luis