"Covid quality" boats

[Evil Sports]

I had planned to bring my 2013 down to Florida and get a new boat for up north next spring. Now Im not so sure I want to do it. I really wondering how long its going to take for these Covid quality boats to get cleaned up and some decent quality is produced again. My 2013 is been relatively free of issues and a good overall experience. Never had to go to the shop for anything to get back on the water.

 

[captainhook]

Some of these quality issues have been mentioned for years in this forum, prior to COVID so I would expect it to continue.

 

[the MfM]

Some of these quality issues have been mentioned for years in this forum, prior to COVID so I would expect it to continue.

But people weren’t having to go 6+ months without a boat waiting for warranty repairs back then.

 

[Neutron]

The QC issues in the last year seem more than the usual. I would wait till there production is back to pre covid normal

 

[Adrian @ JB Solutions]

But people weren’t having to go 6+ months without a boat waiting for warranty repairs back then.

My issues have all been things I can fix in the driveway.

Remember this is a forum and less than 1% of all owners but probably 80% of all issues.

 

[the MfM]

My issues have all been things I can fix in the driveway.

Remember this is a forum and less than 1% of all owners but probably 80% of all issues.

Fair enough but if you get one of the boats with bad alignment a new driveshaft is months out.

 

[swatski]

get a new boat for up north next spring

WHat are you looking at? Just curious.

Really depends on the business, I just got a new Parker which was built quite literally during the eye of the shit storm, if we are talking covid boats; it is, basically, perfect (well, knock on wood). After few months of use I feel about it as I feel about my Toyota Landcruiser (it's good).

If you are going back to Yamaha, those boats are hard to beat on value and versatility. For those reasons, we are keeping our AR240. While they have a lot of issues, most are fairly easy to fix in DIY setting, so it is just the mental attitude that makes a difference.

I had a lot of problems with my 2016 AR240 - she seemed to want to fall apart after her virgin trip to Bimini... Since it was my first ever new boat I was bullshit.

But, on a positive side, if I get another new Yammie which could happen - I will be so much better prepared and know what to expect and what to do - which, frankly, is half the battle.

This forum is great for that, too.

--

 

[Farmdog267]

While some minor stuff is usually to be expected, hopefully the QC process is better than what it is for the camper manufacturing process. I've heard several horror stories over in the department lately; well more than usual!

 

[Adrian @ JB Solutions]

Fair enough but if you get one of the boats with bad alignment a new driveshaft is months out.

How many are there realistically?

I mean either way you are a few months out from getting a boat lol.

 

[2kwik4u]

.......so it is just the mental attitude that makes a difference. .......

This is the key IMO. I've seen it for years in this brand as well as other brands. Watched neighbors send two boats and 3 trucks back under "lemon law" issues. They were extraordinarily picky, and mostly unreasonable. A lot of "I paid $80k it should be effing perfect" comments, and then rejecting reasonable solutions from the manufacturer. Axis, Centurion, Ford, and Dodge all "bought back" a lemon from these guys. I'm certain it was normal QC issues for any of them, but an unreasonable attitude made the deal go south and land in the courts instead of in an amicable resolution.

I've had a number of issues from my little 190. Various screws/bolts coming loose. Debris in the bilge. Obvious poor workmanship in a few places. I just address the issue and more on. In general the "big picture" items are in fine shape, and have performed well for me. Even had a busted intake grate (which is mostly unheard of here) in the first 10hrs of use. Dealership attempted to get it done under warranty, was denied, and they met me 1/2 way. Gave me the part for cost, and installed it for free. Typically, something I can fix quickly/easily, I will. Just isn't worth the effort to get the dealer involved most of the time.

In general, a "work with me here" attitude from both sides, and the realization that boats, by and large, are built by hand, by other humans will lead to FAR less stress, and FAR more amicable resolutions for both sides.

 

[the MfM]

How many are there realistically?

I mean either way you are a few months out from getting a boat lol.

Doesn’t matter if it’s yours that has the problem

My point is if OP has a reliable trouble free boat this isn’t the year to upgrade imho. With delays, labor shortages and part supply issues a relatively minor warranty problem might result in a missed season. More so this year then in the past.

 

[Evil Sports]

Well my 2013 has had pretty much zero issues that could have kept me off the water and given me no reason to look elsewhere. I do love the layout of these boats and the ease of servicing them. I dont have much for screens like todays connex boats, That is another concern. I wish they would offer boats with dials and switches again as an option to maintain the simplicity. 1 screen goes down and your not boating. 1 tach goes out and Im still running.

 

[Evil Sports]

Examples, https://jetboaters.net/threads/212x-one-engine-not-responding-connext-issue.32223/