Quicksilver Inflatable

[Harry Seeger]

On June 10, 2002, I sent this letter, along with photos to David Peck, the headguy at MercMarine after their Inflatable Department shared their insight with me. Peck's response was to qualify the 5-Year-Pro-rated Warranty, and because no previous complaint was on file, no action will be taken....<br /><br />Dear David Peck, <br /><br /> I purchased my Quicksilver 330 ID# USA67889F495, in May 1995 from Carlson’s Sport Center in Eau Claire, Wisconsin, for seasonal use as our dingy four months a year on Lake Superior. About the third year we started developing a gooie decomposing of the upper tube on the starboard side where I sit. This becomes progressively worse as time went on.<br /><br /> The boat was bagged in September 2000, prior to our relocation, and recently opened and registered here in Florida, May 22, 2002. As I assembled the boat I noticed the adhesive that secures the transom to the tubes let go. Upon further investigation, several other glued areas are also separating. The portside front cleat let go completely and virtually every weld can be pulled away with very little effort.<br /><br /> I called the Merc Marine Consumer Department to see how this can be repaired and was informed that this has been a known problem and the solution is to “consider discarding my inflatable and consider purchasing a NEW ONE!” That “ the decomposing will continue and the adhesive will continue to fail. No repairs are suggested.”<br /><br /> I’ve been a Merc Guy most all my life, that’s one of the reasons I purchased the Quicksilver, and it’s no surprised that this suggested remedy really hits a nerve. Is it too much to ask for a $1200 inflatable to stay structurally sound for more than SEVEN years? Actually, only TWENTY-FOUR MONTHS of continuous use!<br /><br /> My question is this: if this was a known structural defect, why was I not notified of this potential danger? I’ve been sole owner since new, registered to me at my home in Eau Claire, Wis, and any and all problems could have been dealt with in a reasonable fashion.<br /><br /> I shudder to think if this thing came apart on my family and myself on the frigid waters surrounding the Apostle Islands, or anywhere afloat for that matter.<br /><br /> I hope we can get this matter resolved.<br /><br /> Harry B. Seeger

 

[JS2]

Re: Quicksilver Inflatable

Always buy an inflatable made of hypalon and not PVC. The biggest name in inflatable boats, Zodiac, has a long record of problems with their PVC material.