Slugger55
Jetboaters Captain
- Messages
- 489
- Reaction score
- 299
- Points
- 212
- Location
- Jasper, AL
- Boat Make
- Other
- Year
- 2019
- Boat Model
- Other
- Boat Length
- Other
@Robert Sands Good Question!
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Hi Abner, this was our concern as well, but when we were still indecisive on which boat to purchase (Chaparral, yamaha or scarab), they all had their own issues. But that's all that we've ever heard, were issues because in most forums, they are normally used to share/help with "how to fixes". I can't say it's a hit and miss either, but your dealer (if they are helpful and knowledgeable) should be there for support. Before handing the boat over to you, they should do a complete walk-through and testing of your boat on water and the standard check list of items a really good marine dealer would do to ensure the product of of quality before handing you the keys. I have a 2018 255 that we purchased late sept and our dealer tested out boat for a few hours before handing us the keys. So far we've put over 12 hours on the boat and (knock on wood) only experience were USER ERROR.I have a 2018 Scarab 165 ID and i'm now really concern if I should take delivery on the boat. Seems like Scarab owners are having problems the Scarab is ignoring them!!
I know what you mean about only people with problems posting!! And in the mean time there are thousands of happy customers and as you say, there will always be issues with boats, cars and whatever other thing that need to be fixed.This is a risk for all purchases. Some folks feel abandoned by other manufacturers as well. Post sale service quality depends greatly on the dealer.
Feel free to hang out in their service Bay for a day or two to see how folks are being treated.
There are some members here that are happy and have had minimal issues with their boats, but they don't normally complain about that, so the messages from those with issues are very visible compared.
Boats depreciate super quickly. If you are handy and willing to learn I would steer you to a used boat that was much cheaper so you would not depend on dealer for warranty service.
Good luck on your decision. For the high cost and low return of buying new, I have avoided it always ior boats. Others like it and the new boat smell it brings.
@Abner Our intent here isn't to just complain about our particular problems, it is to keep other owners or prospective owners informed with trending issues and "how to's" with the watercraft. All of the problems that I have had aren't about the quality of the boat (I love my boat) it is with the manufacturer who took over the SeaDoo boat line without thinking about the support and service for the consumer...I know what you mean about only people with problems posting!! And in the mean time there are thousands of happy customers and as you say, there will always be issues with boats, cars and whatever other thing that need to be fixed.
I'm one of those guys that always buys new. I like to maintain my stuff in like new condition and make sure that all maintenance is done at the proper service interval. I plan to keep this boat for a while so over a long period the depreciation isn't that bad.
I looked at a 2016 that was like brand new with only 8 hours, but the price really wasn't that much lower and it didn't have the Wake Tower or a lot of other options. Plus on the 2016 and prior engines there some part that needs to be changed about every 100 hours. In the middle of the 2016 line they switched to the maintenance free part but the one I was looking at definitely didn't have the fix. Sorry can't remember what pat it is, but I sure many here will know.
Plus it was one of the very first 2016s delivered so it only had one year of warranty left.
So for a little, well some more money, I get the exact color I want and it's fully loaded, which the 2016 wasn't, plus I'm getting a 2018.
The dealer seems good and they have good ratings on the internet, so I will hope for the best!!
Is sucking a rope - related damage - honored as a warranty claim by Scarab?I've had the carbon seal break twice on my boat. The first time, I was 30 miles off shore by Catalina. The 2nd time, I was 100 yds from the launch ramp. Both times from a rope, and a lot of water in the boat. first time, $13k in repairs, 2nd time $4k. My dealer, Bert's Mega Mall in Covina, CA said they will no longer touch the boats. I purchased an extended warranty from them. Can someone fill me in on what's going on?
Is sucking a rope - related damage - honored as a warranty claim by Scarab?
If it is - I want a Scarab!
I think their (Rotax boat mfr) claims of the sleeve protecting the shaft from rope ingestion are basically FALSE. BUT - if you suck a rope, you suck a rope, and there is going to be damage. In Yams - it can quickly expand into a "cocoon" and crash the pump tunnel fiberglass.
Just seems strange that they would cover rope ingestion damage on warranty!
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Keep checking those cleat bolts...and oil filters. Good luck.I have the 2018 255 Scarab purchased in late September 2017. We've used it every weekend for the remainder of last yearsvseasonw without issues and believe Scarab corrected most the main issues with the newer models (2017/2018). Also knowing our local freedom sports dealer are trained and taking on scarab maintenance is a relief.
@ScarabMike - what boats, is there a list?Well I hate to inform everyone, but now these boats have been blackballed by the dealers, and they wont even take them in on trade. If you have one, you are stuck unless you can sell it yourself. The list keeps adding up. @Slugger55 just had to deal with this.
Who's the dealer?@ScarabMike - what boats, is there a list?
i'm close to buying a 2014 scarab 195 HO, 85 hours, from a large dealer
this worries me. should I stay clear?