Question:
I recently (within the last month) bought a used 16ft runabout from a
dealer close to me. The docks were still closed, so I couldn't `test
drive' it, but was assured that the motor was tuned up. Before picking
it up, the mechanic there went through the boat and said everything was
fine. Upon taking it out the first time I noticed a) it won't idle
after the engine warms up (within 2 minutes of use, shifting to idle
will stall the engine. b) the mechanic told me the steering was stiff,
but that was no problem. Yesterday while approaching the dock the push
rod cable broke (it's not a cable-pulley system, it's a thick, flexible
push rod from the steering to the engine). c) the trim motor was fixed
by the mechanic before I took possession, but it still freezes on
occasion. Their answer? Hit the motor with a mallet and it'll start
working again. Sure that works, but c'mon....
I guess what I'm asking is what can I hope/expect from the dealer in
repairs? What should I pay for and what should the dealer pay for?
They seem real reluctant to talk to me (I can't get past their voice
mail and no one returns my calls). I dropped the boat off early this
morning before they were open, and now I still can't get past the voice
mail!
Any help/ideas/thoughts would be appreciated. I've only had the boat
out 3 times for less than 5 hours!
Answer:
Check the sales contract. Look for any liability on the dealers part to
operational functionality. Look for any statements about dates and time
limits for satisfaction. Most states now have contract time limits where
the buyer can cancel the contract if so many days have not expired. In
Florida it's three business days. It may simply say "AS IS". The problems
you describe are not major and you may be stuck fixing them at your expense.
Never, ever, buy a boat without a sea trial and on larger boats a survey is
called for. You may have to strike this one up to a lesson learned. BTW,
what is the Make, Model, and Year of the boat and motor?
