New boat, is it worth doing it?

[Madman]

So our new ‘25 252SD has arrived and the dealer has suggested an added appearance protection option from Service Guard Systems. I’m not familiar with this company and normally dismiss these as unnecessary, but this one has me thinking… partly because I’m too old to enjoy waxing my boat anymore!

So the cost is approx. $1,950 and includes a “lifetime” ceramic protection to inside and outside surfaces, and covers damage to the upholstery and floor covering (including punctures, tears, stains, sun block… etc.). I still need to get more details and see the actual contract because the brochure seems to imply this is a renewable 5 year contact, which means to me there’s likely a recurring fee.

http://www.serviceguardsystems.com/UserFiles/File/Appearance_Protection_Brochure_Marine.pdf

Is anyone familiar with outfit or experience with others?

 

[Neutron]

So our new ‘25 252SD has arrived and the dealer has suggested an added appearance protection option from Service Guard Systems. I’m not familiar with this company and normally dismiss these as unnecessary, but this one has me thinking… partly because I’m too old to enjoy waxing my boat anymore!

So the cost is approx. $1,950 and includes a “lifetime” ceramic protection to inside and outside surfaces, and covers damage to the upholstery and floor covering (including punctures, tears, stains, sun block… etc.). I still need to get more details and see the actual contract because the brochure seems to imply this is a renewable 5 year contact, which means to me there’s likely a recurring fee.

http://www.serviceguardsystems.com/UserFiles/File/Appearance_Protection_Brochure_Marine.pdf

Is anyone familiar with outfit or experience with others?

To me it seems unnecessary because I keep my boat(and everything i own) in immaculate shape. But i might be interested if i kept my boat in a slip or on a lift or didn't have a lot of time to care for it.
2k for 5 years seems pricey, but if you have damage 2k could be eaten up quickly

 

[Acard7]

If you want, and have the means, to spend another 2k for peace of mind go for it! I wouldn’t only because I’m still young and ambitious, or so I think. We are happy our new boat is all white!

 

[FSH 210 Sport]

When I bought my boat I was offered a ceramic coating from a company called Vantage for $1400. But none of the other stuff that is offered with the one you have, I still think it is worth it. That company also sent me a gallon of T582 when I inquired about a way to deal with the water spots without having to worry about damaging the ceramic coating, and now I still use the T582 as a spray on wax.

The upholstery guarantee is the most attractive part of the one you mention but the exclusion part of the warranty is something to look carefully at. Seems to me that if it all looks good then the peace of mind knowing that you don’t have to treat your boat like a china doll would be nice.

 

[Madman]

To me it seems unnecessary because I keep my boat(and everything i own) in immaculate shape. But i might be interested if i kept my boat in a slip or on a lift or didn't have a lot of time to care for it.
2k for 5 years seems pricey, but if you have damage 2k could be eaten up quickly

Like you, I like making sure everything is kept in mint condition which is why we’re considering this. Spending a couple days waxing my boat isn’t as much fun as it used to be and the grandkids are… kids! We clean the boat after every use and store it inside year round, so there’s little to be gained there. The selling point for my wife is the idea of being able to enjoy a nice pinot noir on the boat. We still have a little time to decide…

 

[Madman]

When I bought my boat I was offered a ceramic coating from a company called Vantage for $1400. But none of the other stuff that is offered with the one you have, I still think it is worth it. That company also sent me a gallon of T582 when I inquired about a way to deal with the water spots without having to worry about damaging the ceramic coating, and now I still use the T582 as a spray on wax.

The upholstery guarantee is the most attractive part of the one you mention but the exclusion part of the warranty is something to look carefully at. Seems to me that if it all looks good then the peace of mind knowing that you don’t have to treat your boat like a china doll would be nice.

Part of the problem for me that I don’t know enough about ceramic coatings to know if they’re worthwhile and I always question dealer add-on charges. The fact it covers non-environmental damage to the interior caught my interest. Even if I puncture the seat covering with the screwdriver in my back pocket, get oil on the floor covering or the wife spills her wine. Still waiting to see the contract and hear how much it costs after 5 yrs.

 

[Madman]

If you want, and have the means, to spend another 2k for peace of mind go for it! I wouldn’t only because I’m still young and ambitious, or so I think. We are happy our new boat is all white!

You’re feeling cocky now, but remember… youth is only temporary! Fortunately, ours is misty gray, so keeping it clean should be easier than our black one.

 

[MTREADER]

I have worked for New Car Dealerships all my life... Don't judge! lol We have been selling/adding on products like this for years. Cars don't have much gross anymore so these help build profits. I have rarely seen claims on such items. Most people even forget they purchased them. That being said be sure to read the fine print. These companies often hold you to Inspections and or maintenace service needing completed on a time line and or a dealer to perform the services to keep the warranty valid. Read Carefully and see if your ok with all the rules. Ceramic isn't cheap so the pricing doesn't seem to out of line. Besure to look it over carefully before taking delivery and note any issues with anything.

 

[Madman]

I have worked for New Car Dealerships all my life... Don't judge! lol We have been selling/adding on products like this for years. Cars don't have much gross anymore so these help build profits. I have rarely seen claims on such items. Most people even forget they purchased them. That being said be sure to read the fine print. These companies often hold you to Inspections and or maintenace service needing completed on a time line and or a dealer to perform the services to keep the warranty valid. Read Carefully and see if your ok with all the rules. Ceramic isn't cheap so the pricing doesn't seem to out of line. Besure to look it over carefully before taking delivery and note any issues with anything.

I try not to judge… because I too worked in a car dealership when I was much younger! You did a great job of articulating my thoughts and experiences. I remember buying a lifetime rustproofing package on a new vehicle back in 1979 and it wasn’t until later that I learned about the required inspections and the total maximum payout, which was only slightly more than what I paid for the rustproofing package. So even in this day & age, I guess it’s still important for consumer’s to keep their emotions in check and do their own research.

 

[OCMD]

Generally speaking, these aftermarket add ons are a rip. Pure profit for the dealer. Then when you get into the fine print, your options become very limited. Have you tried to negotiate the price? I picked up a new car last month. Declined the extended warranty (and they only described it as "just a 30 dollar addition to your 1% APR monthly payment"). Flat out no. Then, how about if I give you "our" price? Boom, $4500 to $2500. How many suckers actually buy these extended warranties at full price (that end up covering very little and you have to jump through hoops to get payment)? I'd stay away from ceramic coating on the boat. Wax twice a year. 14 years later my boat still looks great.

 

[steelhorse454]

Madman- Check into Glidecoat out of Florida. I ceramic coated my whole boat for around $250. Very easy to do when the boat is new and not been splashed yet. Wipe on and wipe off in 3 foot sections, and hell I'm 61 years old.
My experience with this ceramic coating has been great as water still beads up since my initial application over 18 months ago.