Don't drink the Kool-aid

[Germaine Marine]

Just my .02 from being on both sides of the fence....

[talltigeguy]

Consumers are free to do as they please, just as us vendors and dealers are free to do as we also see fit. Its a 2 way street, and that street can be shared quite well if everyone remembers just that. When you start to get into "Well F it, Ill do whatever is cheapest" you start to muddy the waters. While completely within your right, it may not serve the relationship best; and in all likely hood one you might need down the road.

I see how dealerships are free to use whatever oil and products they see as the same because they have the reputation of knowing what they are doing, and have a relationship with the mfg. I would still be concerned if I buy a new boat and it hasn't been back to the dealership in 2 years and suddenly needs a warranty claim. I waltz into the dealership with a manilla envelope full of Rotella receipts with oily fingerprints on them, and the dealership is going to go to bat for me? A good dealership will, but I think that a lot won't.

I think it is different once it is out of warranty, and common sense can dictate that I don't need an $800 water pump. Otherwise, I think you should toe the line pretty tight if you are doing your own work, and be prepared to prove you did things right.

[Bakes5]

Regarding $400 winterization. All I can say is that any decent dealer has their entire lot full, the parking lot and the local street lined up with boats in need of winterization. Most seem absolutely over run during that period and even send out mass emailings to come get their boats in a timely fashion to make more room. If I'm a dealer, I'm not sure I'd want to increase my workload and decrease profits just to give someone a great deal. In fact, I would say that a $600 winterization is a better proposition for the dealer (*Except for people who bought their boat there. Then make it like $100 for them). It will reduce workload and allow them to work on warrantee and other type items that tend to really polarize people to a dealer. Let's face it, when I want to be on the lake in October but have a "quick" warrantee item, I really don't want to hear that the dealer is really busy winterizing everyone.

I do my own winterization because it's pretty simple and hate to take my boat to the dealer where it gets left outside in the rain, dirt etc. Plus I know for a fact it's done right.

[smoothtoup]

Regarding $400 winterization. All I can say is that any decent dealer has their entire lot full, the parking lot and the local street lined up with boats in need of winterization. Most seem absolutely over run during that period and even send out mass emailings to come get their boats in a timely fashion to make more room. If I'm a dealer, I'm not sure I'd want to increase my workload and decrease profits just to give someone a great deal. In fact, I would say that a $600 winterization is a better proposition for the dealer (*Except for people who bought their boat there. Then make it like $100 for them). It will reduce workload and allow them to work on warrantee and other type items that tend to really polarize people to a dealer. Let's face it, when I want to be on the lake in October but have a "quick" warrantee item, I really don't want to hear that the dealer is really busy winterizing everyone.

I do my own winterization because it's pretty simple and hate to take my boat to the dealer where it gets left outside in the rain, dirt etc. Plus I know for a fact it's done right.

Got any links or instructions on how to winterize a Tige?

[freeheel4life]

Regarding $400 winterization. All I can say is that any decent dealer has their entire lot full, the parking lot and the local street lined up with boats in need of winterization. Most seem absolutely over run during that period and even send out mass emailings to come get their boats in a timely fashion to make more room. If I'm a dealer, I'm not sure I'd want to increase my workload and decrease profits just to give someone a great deal. In fact, I would say that a $600 winterization is a better proposition for the dealer (*Except for people who bought their boat there. Then make it like $100 for them). It will reduce workload and allow them to work on warrantee and other type items that tend to really polarize people to a dealer. Let's face it, when I want to be on the lake in October but have a "quick" warrantee item, I really don't want to hear that the dealer is really busy winterizing everyone.

I do my own winterization because it's pretty simple and hate to take my boat to the dealer where it gets left outside in the rain, dirt etc. Plus I know for a fact it's done right.

Bakes,
While I totally agree with you that its frustrating to not be able to get warranty from your dealers service dept. during peak of wint season, I will try and give you the other point of view. Not knowing the definition of a "quick" warranty item(guessing theres a story here), and I don't know your dealer, but I can tell you my opinion. We did over 500 wints between September and end of November last year in a 2 bay shop and 3 sets of hands(normally 2 techs, but our service manager is pretty much full time tech during this time). As Mike stated, correctly as usual, there are obvious highs and lows associated with boating. The rate at which warranty work is paid from Tige is substantially less than our retail labor rate. So it makes since during peak times to capitalize on the scores of people that aren't able to winterize their boats themselves. I cant tell you how many people call last minute and expect to bring their boat in the next day and instead find out we are booked out until the following week, and even sometimes two weeks out. Which in turn can result in them taking boat elsewhere.
So I guess it comes down to is it fair that you are still boating in October and need warranty work ASAP on your boat? No, and in a perfect world you would be put at the front of the line. Unfortunately we have to make hay when the sun shines as GPA says. If Tige paid out at our shop rate and it truly was a "quick" warranty item, we would get you in, but as it is it just doesn't make sense for us to lose out. At least that is my logic. Cant speak for your dealer. Driving up our price $600 to discourage business so I'm free to do warranty work at lower rate for the minority that is still boating in Oct would be a pretty terrible business plan. I also don't know the Denver market but around here very few people still boating in Oct.

[Jetdriver]

Got any links or instructions on how to winterize a Tige?

Depending on your boat and what engine/drive are in it there are instructions in the “how to” forum. There are also instructions in the owner manuals that are located under the downloads section.



Bakes is hardcore! Pretty sure he was out braving the 50 degree November water at Pueblo res!

[Bakes5]

See. That why I don't own a shop.

What I do own is Lake Pueblo for the next 2 months. 70 degrees and low wind today. Guess whose getting his first day on the water in about 2 hours.

As far as braving November and December, noting brave about it Water still reasonable and clear sunny days...Some of the best days of the year.

[outkastmunkey]

I WANT TO SURF!!!!


Sent from my iPad using Tapatalk

[freeheel4life]

It's still ski season man . Head on up to Stevens!! Just wish doc would sign my permission slip. I'd be skiing against his orders anyways, but that would mean a lot of griping from my darling wife. Funny how the wife's opinion can matter more than my surgeons.

[outkastmunkey]

I know I am closer to Crystal and the snow is good right now I just hurt more after a day on the slopes.


Sent from my iPad using Tapatalk

[Jetdriver]

It's still ski season man . Head on up to Stevens!! Just wish doc would sign my permission slip. I'd be skiing against his orders anyways, but that would mean a lot of griping from my darling wife. Funny how the wife's opinion can matter more than my surgeons.

Thata boy! What do doctors know anyway?!
How’s the old adage go? Happy wife, happy life

[Bakes5]

Colorado sucks for snow this year. I barely have 10 days on the mountain. Usually double that by now.

[freeheel4life]

I wrecked my shoulder on day 15. Had to cancel two more ski camping trips I had planned. The last few weekends have been great conditions. Been pretty agonizing. Being a one armed mechanic is pretty frustrating too. I'm definitely feeling more like 30s and lot less 20s after this one. Guess it is time to turn in down from 11.

[chpthril]

I wrecked my shoulder on day 15. Had to cancel two more ski camping trips I had planned.

At least you didnt loose a fight with a 1/2" power drill that left you with a gimp hand just as the busy season is ramping up.

[freeheel4life]

Damn Mike!! Did it bite and spin and tag ya or what??