New Boat–Excitement and Frustration

So, the exciting part first. We bought a new boat. This one is a foot longer and a foot wider, so it gives us lots more room and some added capacity. Also, its interior configuration includes quite a bit of storage especially designed for fishing, including special places for rods and reels. There are also two very nice live wells, with built-in minnow buckets and water circulation/refresh. The gas tanks are built-in, so we no longer need to stumble around carry-on tanks. There is a built-in radio/CD player too. Seats can be located in any of seven different locations, including two locations at the bow and stern that are ideal for fishing. There are new fish finders and a new trolling motor too. Its Mercury outboard is lots bigger than what we had before and is powerful enough that we can use the boat to pull people recreationally on water skis or tubes. The first picture below is the manufacturer's photo of the whole package, and the second two pictures show us with the dealer when we went to pick up the boat yesterday.

Now for the frustrations. We made the deal on the boat about 9 days ago, trading in our old one in the process. There were several optional items that we asked to be installed, including an extra seat, some electronics, and a stern-mounted boarding ladder (to use on those occasions when we use the boat for skiing or tubing). Initially, we were told we could get the boat last Friday. When things dragged on, we called (frustration number 1: they weren't keeping us apprised of the status) and learned that some of the parts had to be ordered and were delayed in shipping. In fact, the boarding ladder has to be manufactured and may take four to six weeks. So, we asked them to finish up what they could (most everything except the ladder), and we would take delivery now and get the rest done when parts are in.

We went over to pick up the boat yesterday and got a good overview of all its features. After driving over to a resort near our cabin, we put the boat into the water. While I started it up to run it up to our cabin, Kathie drove back to the cabin with the trailer and our truck. Unfortunately, as soon as I backed out of the landing, the motor died, and I could not get it restarted. I called the dealership, and they walked me through some things to try, but we had no success. Fortunately, I had grabbed a paddle and had gotten the boat back to the landing. Kathie eventually figured out that there must be a problem and came back to join me. In the end, the dealer asked that we bring the boat back in for a more detailed investigation (frustration number 2). They did offer to come get it, but we thought it would be quicker for us to take it back.

Of course, back at the dealership, the motor started right away and ran well, or so we were informed. They theorized that there had been air in the gas lines and thought everything was OK. At least they bought us lunch for our trouble at a nearby restaurant. Sooooo, we pulled the boat back to the resort and again launched it. Guess what!? Same problem (frustration number 3)! This time, they sent over the mechanic who had prepped our boat, and he was able to observe the problem first hand. He hitched up the boat to his truck and took it back to the dealership, and so far, that is the last we have heard. I imagine we get a phone call sometime today and will have a third chance to take delivery of our boat. Not the best boat-buying experience so far, though our enthusiasm for using the new boat is still holding steady. More later!