Advise Wanted - Cracks in Hull

[brads- on]

Hi All, just after some general advise. Bought a new 5.4 fibreglass boat. Within 8 mths the hull developed cracks in the gel coat. The manufacturers of the boat did look after me and replaced the boat (transfered my motor etc). 6 mths later same thing has happened. At this stage don't want to mention name of manufacturer. This time they want to inspect it. What do you think my course of action should be if they decide they want to repair it or replace it again. Do you think it would be unreasonable of me to demand my money back?

[Roughasguts]

So where are the cracks, and what shape do they take.

[peterbo3]

Hi Brad,
If the hull was replaced by the builder, then the cracks went deeper than the gelcoat. Must have been a structural problem. If it was my boat, I would obtain an independent report from a Registered Surveyor prior to handing the boat back for inspection. Could be the best $$$$ you have ever spent. Someone like Grand Marlin on this site should be able to point you in the right direction as to whom to use.
Without the benefit of your own report, you are only shadow boxing.
I would also ask the Surveyor to pay particular attention to your trailer roller & spring setup. More boats have been stuffed by poor trailers than by salt water.
As to accepting repairs or a new hull (again), that is why you outlay the $$$$ for the report. There has got to be a REASON for this problem.
There are consumer protection laws in Qld but it is not super easy to get a refund. If you purchased a boat, motor , trailer package through a dealer, then they must be your first port of call again.
Softly, softly catchee monkey but make sure you have your own report in your whippy. Best of luck. Keep us posted.

[FNQCairns]

Great advice Peter.

cheers fnq

[fishingrod]

Ill just repeat what is often said on here when it comes to "problems" with boats and dealers.

DOCUMENT EVERYTHING - Like a diary.
Discussions at/with the dealer, bulider, phone calls and voice mails etc. Name, time, date, what was discussed.

Keep emails, get fax confirmation reports, and some people even suggest sending the other party a written (fax/email) confirmation outling the verbal discussions that took place at your boat yard today etc. This gives them a opportunity to object if they beleive that what you have recorded is wrong. If they dont object it could be assumed that they accept your account ?

The 3rd party inspection outlined above is a good idea too.

cheers
Rod

[Greg P]

Is this boat a Freedom ????