alumacraft pontoon issue

[abqj]

I've searched this forum for the problem I'm having and couldn't find this topic anywhere - if I missed it please point me in the right direction

Issue - I have a 24ft alumacraft pontoon and it has now developed on two separate occassions 14" tears in the aluminum at the bend over point where the deck attaches to the pontoon. Local welding shop says this is a known industry problem with alumacraft - too much roll over angle stressing the alumimum.

Has anyone else experienced this? Has anyone been able to get alumacraft to handle the problem outside of the their warranty period?

 

[WillyBWright]

Re: alumacraft pontoon issue

Welcome to iboats.

Are you sure of that brand name? I don't recall Alumacraft ever making a toon.

USCG Recall Site

 

[Silvertip]

Re: alumacraft pontoon issue

No pontoons on their current web site and nothing as far back as 2004.

 

[abqj]

Re: alumacraft pontoon issue

No pontoons on their current web site and nothing as far back as 2004.

Yes, positive. They built both a 20ft and a 25ft pontoon - these are U-shaped pontoons. A great pontoon but with this one terrible flaw. I still have the brochure. I bought my 24ft in 1992.

I can't get Alumacraft to respond to my emails - I purchased a pontoon from them based on their stellar reputation. However, I am quite disappointed in them now. At a minimum I expected a reply email when I contacted them months ago. I sent one more email to them last night in desperation. I guess business is business.

 

[kenmyfam]

Re: alumacraft pontoon issue

That sucks, at least an aknowledgement would be a start if nothing else.

 

[abqj]

Re: alumacraft pontoon issue

That sucks, at least an aknowledgement would be a start if nothing else.

what chaps me is that this now known to be a result of the manufacturer applying too much of a roll over bend on the aluminum. Which means, I will continually have this problem. Pretty soon the entire length of the pontoon will be welded, then it'll be fixed. Although at $200 per ft.....this is going to be expensive. A very big disappointment.

 

[KCook]

Re: alumacraft pontoon issue

It's not unusual for E-mails to go ignored at boat builders. Pick up the phone instead.

Kelly Cook

 

[roscoe]

Re: alumacraft pontoon issue

$200 a foot !! ?

Pick up the phone is right.

 

[roscoe]

Re: alumacraft pontoon issue

Hmmmm,
I just "googled" "alumacraft pontoon" and got this response from google:

We're sorry...

... but your query looks similar to automated requests from a computer virus or spyware application. To protect our users, we can't process your request right now.

We'll restore your access as quickly as possible, so try again soon. In the meantime, if you suspect that your computer or network has been infected, you might want to run a virus checker or spyware remover to make sure that your systems are free of viruses and other spurious software.

We apologize for the inconvenience, and hope we'll see you again on Google.

 

[roscoe]

Re: alumacraft pontoon issue

Hmmmm, EVERYTHING I try to google, gives me that same response !

Anyone else having this problem with google?

 

[KCook]

Re: alumacraft pontoon issue

I got 85 hits on www.alltheweb.com :}

 

[WillyBWright]

Re: alumacraft pontoon issue

I still find nothing and I've worked for a few Alumacraft dealers. All had separate pontoon lines. Alumacraft must've either had somebody else make them a few to test the market, or they made a few to test the market. But for the welder to claim that it is a known industry problem sounds like pure hot air. Unless you're in an area where a test-market might've taken place. I've been in the industry since the 70s and never heard of or saw an Alumacraft pontoon boat.

Now here's a silly question. Are you in the US?

 

[Dunaruna]

Re: alumacraft pontoon issue

[colour=blue]@ 200 per foot there is more than aluminium being ripped! TIG welding is not that lucrative.

 

[abqj]

Re: alumacraft pontoon issue

I still find nothing and I've worked for a few Alumacraft dealers. All had separate pontoon lines. Alumacraft must've either had somebody else make them a few to test the market, or they made a few to test the market. But for the welder to claim that it is a known industry problem sounds like pure hot air. Unless you're in an area where a test-market might've taken place. I've been in the industry since the 70s and never heard of or saw an Alumacraft pontoon boat.

Now here's a silly question. Are you in the US?

Yes, I'm in New Mexico
I have the Alumacraft brochure (St. Peter, MN) from 1992. On page 21 is their SunClipper Pontoon Series. I have the Sunclipper Deluxe 240. They have a section that is titled "12 great reasons to buy an Alumacraft pontoon" one of which is "Alumacraft has been building watercraft since 1946 so you know we do it right." I know they are a very good company, that is why I purchased one of their pontoons. And I fully expect to have to put money into a boat as it ages, afterall they are referred to as "money pits" arent' they? But, when a manufacturer builds in an inherent defect (i.e. not a wear and tear nor ownership over time issue) of this magnitude, I expect an exceptional company to stand-up and offer to make things right - at least a response from customer service. When I call direct all I get is voicemail and no one returns the call.

I'm not bashing Alumacraft, I had just wondered if anyone else on this forum has heard of this problem and if they received some satisfaction from Alumacraft!

If nothing else, at least you folks on the forum listened and listened to my whining.....

thanks

 

[WillyBWright]

Re: alumacraft pontoon issue

Try that USCG website I posted way up above. That would have any info if there have been enough reports to raise a red flag. You can report your problem there as well. Way down below there is a manfacturer section. Post this there and maybe leave your e-mail. Somebody else with one might find it there.

 

[roscoe]

Re: alumacraft pontoon issue

Minnesota Phone: 507-931-1050
Arkansas Phone: 870-246-5555

warranty@alumacraft.com

 

[abqj]

Re: alumacraft pontoon issue

Last update
I received an email from Alumacraft stating the following: that there is no roll over problem with alumacraft pontoons and that indeed my warranty has expired. They stated they had decided to exit the pontoon business to focus on the products they are now supporting.

At least I received an answer.

And thanks to all on this forum for your thoughts

 

[drkristie]

Re: alumacraft pontoon issue

I too have an alumacraft Sunclipper 240 deluxe that I bought used in 2004. According to the title it is a 1994 model. I had to have one of the pontoons welded last year and the same problem developed this year the first time I took it out. I have someone interested in buying the boat, in spite of the problem, but I can't find any information such as blue book info on the boat. Does anyone out there have any idea what it might be worth - it has an 85 HP Yamaha motor on it - same age as the boat - no problems with the motor.
Thanks,
drkristie