Cracks on deck floor - 2010 Mariah R19.9

[bailcam]

Three weeks ago I purchased a 2010 Mariah R19.9 bowrider, this is my first boat. The boat has been great but it has been sent back to the dealer & factory twice to repair cracks in the deck floor (the Sea Fox/Mariah factory is about 30 minutes from me here in South Carolina). Yesterday evening after picking it up from having the cracks and other things repaired I have yet another crack (3rd one, second in same spot) on the deck floor basically in the middle on the left and right of the walkway to the bow of the boat. Is this normal because I can't imagine it is? Does anyone know what my options are? If I had it my way I would take the boat back to the dealer and get my money back. Aside from the cracks, I have a laundry list of other problems I've had to deal with:

- screws falling out of the chairs
- radio speaker wires disconnecting
- pop-out ski hook breaking
- exposed screw visible through the fiberglass when installing the windows after repairing a poorly painted black dash cover
- windows off-alignment after removing them once to replace the dash covers
- poor installation of one cup holder
- vinyl seat replaced because it had a melt mark in it at delivery
- crack in corner of outer gelcoat at delivery

While most of this is cosmetic and the dealer is/has fixed these things, these are problems I would not expect on a new boat. Being a first time boat owner I wanted a boat that would be free (at least minimal) of problems. One huge reason I bought new and not used. Anyone have any help or advice for me? I am most concerned with the cracks as I am starting to wonder if there is a design flaw or a problem occurred in the molding process. By the way, from what I can tell South Carolina has no lemon laws for boats.

I attached a photo from after the 2nd set of cracks but because of the dimensions for this website it might be hard to make out.

Thanks!

 

[jkust]

Re: Cracks on deck floor - 2010 Mariah R19.9

I won't mention anything to about Mariah quality but to say you have some of the worst luck I have heard on a new boat recently. A few small issues are normal and likely not Mariah specific like the chip. The other things sound like just shoddy finishing work but just annoyances. The floor cracks on the other hand sound like the result of something structural or at least more concerning. One reason I like to buy all my vehicles a few years old is because aside from the first owner paying the depreciation price, trips to the dealer for small things that pop up right away have already been completed. All the annoyances on a boat are compounded due to the fact that depending on where you are, boating season is short. I hope you got a good deal on the purchase price.

 

[redone4x4]

Re: Cracks on deck floor - 2010 Mariah R19.9

our first boat was a mariah. compared to the maxum and the bayliner, obviously it seems very well built. High quality and good looks, thats why we bought it for the first boat. sorry to hear about the bad luck on it. I dont blame you for not wanting to deal with the cracks in the deck anymore though.

 

[bailcam]

Re: Cracks on deck floor - 2010 Mariah R19.9

Heading back to the dealer first thing in the morning to see what they say this time. Anyone out there have any sound advice for me?

 

[5150abf]

Re: Cracks on deck floor - 2010 Mariah R19.9

My advice would be to keep being nice and see what they will do for you, call the factory directly and talk to the head of customer service, explain your problem and see what they will do, save the screaming and lawyer talk till you are sure they aren't going to help you.

 

[bailcam]

Re: Cracks on deck floor - 2010 Mariah R19.9

Talked to the dealer today and they talked to the manufacturer and they want me to run the boat some to see if the cracks get worse or any others pop up. Took the boat out today and I now have another crack in the same spot for a 3rd time (middle of the deck, right side, it was already repaired twice). UGH! The dealer has been great and said they will get this right though. I'm just starting to wonder how they will get it right because they have patched it twice in two different spots and each of those have cracked again.

 

[haulnazz15]

Re: Cracks on deck floor - 2010 Mariah R19.9

I didn't even know Mariah was still in business! I thought they had a great looking boat back in the 90's, but I've heard lots of stories about poor quality and workmanship. I would keep going back to the dealership if you can't get them to take the boat back for clse to what you bought it for.

 

[fishon13]

Re: Cracks on deck floor - 2010 Mariah R19.9

Don't let this problem continue there trying to put a band-aid on somthing that needs stiches. I would try to get the dealer or factory to trade the boat for a new one. It sounds like something structural, the factory isn't going to tear the deck off to fix it and would you want that boat if they did. Be nice, be firm and do it fast. The more hours you put on the boat the harder your position will be, document everything make them give you paperwork every time you drop it off. Also make sure they mark the hours down on your paper work and don't let them tell you to take the boat out they should be the ones to test their work. Sounds like used boat problems not new hope everything works out good luck.

 

[CaptainKev]

Re: Cracks on deck floor - 2010 Mariah R19.9

I agree with fishon13.......the longer this goes on the more difficult it will be to get it resolved. Time is on their side. It will take a lot of patience, on you part, to keep their feet to the fire. You need to deal direct with the factory because the dealer is caught between a rock & a hard place, since the factory is their only resource and the factory screwed it up in the first place. I would be forceful, but not threatening. If this goes into the courts it will take months and nobody wins. Based upon the quality issues you have with your boat, I would also be somewhat concerned about the possibility of them going out of business before you got your problem resolved. Best of luck and keep the forum updated......everybody here is your advocate.
Kev.

 

[Willyclay]

Re: Cracks on deck floor - 2010 Mariah R19.9

The Renken family, current owners of Sea Fox and Mariah brands, has been building boats in the Charleston, SC area for over 50 years. They achieved that longevity in the industry because they build good boats at a reasonable price. Tell them what you expect and see what they say. Good luck!

 

[Nico2112]

Re: Cracks on deck floor - 2010 Mariah R19.9

I would try to get the dealer or factory to trade the boat for a new one. It sounds like something structural, the factory isn't going to tear the deck off to fix it and would you want that boat if they did. Be nice, be firm and do it fast.

Exactly what I would do.

Tell them you didn't buy a new boat to be dealing with these issues. All you mention is normal when you buy a used boat, NOT when buying new and paying full ticket price.

For a moment it sounded like one of the hundreds of horror boat stories in 3rd world countries (like mine). You buy a boat new, a dealer import it for you, you receive the boat dirty, cleats missing, wrong bimini size, trailer fenders missing, cd player missing, dents and the list could go on!

THIS SHOULD NOT HAPPEN IN THE U.S., NO WAY!

Ask for a replacement, and go get your new boat ASAP.

Good luck

 

[Jet Lag 176flyer]

Re: Cracks on deck floor - 2010 Mariah R19.9

i agree.... get out from under that boat asap. this many hull problems now just admagine what its gonna be like 5-10 years from now.and by the way mariah boats here in illinois went out of buisness a few years back.huh wonder why.......

 

[haulnazz15]

Re: Cracks on deck floor - 2010 Mariah R19.9

i agree.... get out from under that boat asap. this many hull problems now just admagine what its gonna be like 5-10 years from now.and by the way mariah boats here in illinois went out of buisness a few years back.huh wonder why.......

That's where I remember them shutting down. Someone just bought the name/rights and started making them again.

 

[bailcam]

Re: Cracks on deck floor - 2010 Mariah R19.9

SeaFox bought the name, rights and molds a few years back and make the new Mariahs here in Moncks Corner, SC (outside of Charleston). As far as my boat goes if I could take it back and get my money refunded I'd be all over it in a minute but I don't see the dealer or manufacture willing to do that. My second option would be to get a different boat. This is my first boat and the way I have been told it is like buying a new car that when you take it off the lot it automatically depreciates and you are kind of stuck with it. Without a lemon law for boats in SC I think my hands are kind of tied. Does anyone have any idea what kind of legal protection I have? So far I have been very nice and patient about the whole thing and doing what they ask me to do.

 

[Nico2112]

Re: Cracks on deck floor - 2010 Mariah R19.9

I think as a consumer, you received a product that wasn't of the quality you expected.

When did you buy the boat?
Is your hull covered by a warranty?

Time is not a luxury in your case. I think they are aware there is a problem with that boat's deck, and it should be dealt with properly. They have to fix it for good or give you another boat or give you your money back.

As far as my boat goes if I could take it back and get my money refunded I'd be all over it in a minute but I don't see the dealer or manufacture willing to do that.

Why do you say they are not willing to do that? Have you talked to them about it?

This is my first boat and the way I have been told it is like buying a new car that when you take it off the lot it automatically depreciates and you are kind of stuck with it. Without a lemon law for boats in SC I think my hands are kind of tied.

As you drive out of the dealership it loses value, that's true, but you received a "defective" unit, they should be responsible for this.

I'm really amazed at your case. As I commented on my previous post, all these kind of situations are "normal" here, never heard of something like it in the U.S.

I don't have a clue as to what "lemon law for boats" is, so I can't be helpful; nevertheless, I'm sure there is something you can do about it.

I hope somebody pitches in and give you a piece of advice you can use to solve this situation.

Sorry mate

 

[WTR4FUN]

Re: Cracks on deck floor - 2010 Mariah R19.9

You could trade it in on another boat and cut your losses now.

 

[bailcam]

Re: Cracks on deck floor - 2010 Mariah R19.9

Nico...the boat was bought on 23 May and everything is covered under warranty. No we have not asked for our money back or a different boat but I think me and the wife feel that we give them one more chance (3rd time) to fix the problem and if it happens again then we ask for our money back or a new boat. They seem to think they can fix this problem so I like to think 3 chances is plenty fair. We really do like the boat a lot (minus the problems) but this whole thing has just been to much for us and we so want to get this behind us one way or another.

 

[Nico2112]

Re: Cracks on deck floor - 2010 Mariah R19.9

Fair enough

Well, I really hope they can address the problems properly this time.

Best of luck mate!

 

[lkbum]

Re: Cracks on deck floor - 2010 Mariah R19.9

Many years ago (25 to be exact), I bought a Citation (by Fiberskiff I think) and had problems with the hull (severe blistering after a few weekends of use). I was persistant and told the dealer that I would have the boat destructively tested to prove that the hull was resin starved in the areas with problem. The manufacturer agreed to replace the hull. It took two months, and in essence the manufacturer took all the running gear, hardware, seats etc from the first boat and put them into a new hull. Never had another problem and I still pass this boat on occasion on the lake I boat on.

 

[180shabah]

Re: Cracks on deck floor - 2010 Mariah R19.9

My advice would be to keep being nice and see what they will do for you, call the factory directly and talk to the head of customer service, explain your problem and see what they will do, save the screaming and lawyer talk till you are sure they aren't going to help you.

best advice so far

I didn't even know Mariah was still in business! I thought they had a great looking boat back in the 90's, but I've heard lots of stories about poor quality and workmanship. I would keep going back to the dealership if you can't get them to take the boat back for clse to what you bought it for.

Put a new Mariah next to an "OLD" one. The difference in materials and the fit and finish is night and day. However, the "new" ones are also cheaper than the originals were.

and by the way mariah boats here in illinois went out of buisness a few years back.huh wonder why.......

They were bought out - and things are very different now. The original Mariah set out to compete with premium manufacturers like Cobalt - hard to do without a reputation to back it up. The Renken/Sea Fox plan has revolved around "Affordable Luxury" - the emphasis has been on affordable.

To the OP - The new Mariahs are not bad boats(I kinda made it sound that way above) and the issues you are having are not common. IMHO any structural cracking is unacceptable, and two or three repairs of the same thing - NO WAY should that be tollerated. It is time for Mariah to either buy you out or replace the boat.