What would you guys do?

[Domsz06]

very good point Dog. I'd even so much as have several people look over the letter, or maybe even pay someone to proof read it. Someone that does it for a living that could help you out.

[talltigeguy]

The Extreme trailer I have is a bit different because the boat does not sit below the level of the wheelwell(?), but I did notice that the wood is fastened with a bolt, and then there are two nuts to lock it in place, so I think it would be very unusual to have it back out.

[raythompson]

Trailer Problems

I had a problem with my Phoenix trailer where the brakes were dragging. This caused severe overheating, blew grease out the caps, and basically left me stranded at the lake.

I put the boat into dry storage for a month, called the boat dealer and they had the trailer towed to their facility. Phoenix came and picked up the trailer, examined everything, repaired anything that needed repairing. The problem was caused by a kinked brake line in the swing away coupler. All this was done at no charge to me. I then called, and wrote, the owner of the trailer company and asked for my dry storage fee. The trailer company sent me a reimbursement check.

Phoenix trailers stood behind their product, above and beyond what I expected. Was it a problem with the trailer? Yes, the line in a swing away coupler should not be that prone to kinking. Phoenix stepped up to the plate and did what they could and what was reasonable to solve the problem and make it right.

This goes a long ways towards customer good will. I suspect the dealer influence helped as the dealer purchases many trailers from Phoenix. Loss of business is never a good idea.

I say all of this because your trailer vendor needs to realize this little gem about customers. Word gets around fast between dealers. Loss of one dealer could well mean the loss of others. Not good for business.

In your case there was a problem with the trailer that caused a problem with the boat. The offending screw would be no different than bunks that were improper and damaged a hull. The trailer design caused problems with the boat. This should fall under the rules for suitability for use. You could also make the argument that the screw sticking through is a hazard to human flesh if the screw can do that damage to gelcoat. Product liability comes to mind.

Write a firm letter to the trailer manufacturer CEO stating the problem and the remedy that you desire. If the trailer manufacturer fails to provide the remedy you seek then use small claims court. That gets their attention and the cost is minimal. The company cannot use lawyers in small claims court. If they fail to show a default judgement is rendered then the company becomes legally bound to provide the remedy otherwise they become in comtempt of court which is not pleasant.

Besides, we may get to see you on Judge Judy.

[CP3]

Maybe I am reading what you wrote wrong, are you suggesting that a faulty design requires no accountability to repair the damage?

No no. still their responsibility to repair and replace it. and make you happy. just stating that it is not a warranty issue.

[scoot18]

May be good news. I have been speaking with another person from my dealer who seems to have taken an active interest in getting this resolved. Last we spoke; I asked him if he felt they had any interest in taking care of this, his reply was, yes they are interested in taking care of it. Not holding my breath yet, still have a little bit of patience left in me.

As always I will keep you guys in the loop.

[G-MONEY]

You should demand a new boat... take nothing less....

[scoot18]

You should demand a new boat... take nothing less....

That would be a good idea, wonder if they will let me keep the 1st one!

2 for...........................

[dogbert]

That would be a good idea, wonder if they will let me keep the 1st one!

2 for...........................

Ok, that's where the word reasonable comes in.

[kko]

if you bought your boat new this is what should happen IMO!!!you didnt buy the trailer from easy loader you bought it from the dealer. he should fix your boat and trailer no questions asked!!!!!!!!!

[scoot18]

The saga continues, it just keeps getting better and better.

We went out yesterday; and wouldn't you know, I continue to have bad luck or problems with this thing. The entire time I've had this boat and trailer I have been a little miffed at how hard it is to get it off of the trailer. 3/4 to almost full throttle to power off the trailer. Through trial and error I have learned how far to back the trailer into the water. Too deep and it immediately rides up over the starboard fender as it kicks to the right. To shallow and not enough water depth for the water intake. About the rear 1/3 to half way up the fender in the water seems to be the sweet spot, but it takes so much power to get it off the trailer. The service tech that checked it for the vibration condition (I continue to seek answers about) 2 weeks ago just about had the hitch ball in the water to get if off (entire trailer in the water, fenders probalby 1.5' to 2' under water), thinking he could float it off the trailer, still had to use a good amount of power to get it off, and that is a normally steep ramp. Anyway, back to the bad luck, backed off yesterday and as I finally floated away from the trailer, there was the forward port side bunk floating in the water. The metal upright brackets were bent back about 45 degrees, and ripped the bunk off. "NOT HAPPY!" :mad Luckily the marina where I was at had a big MF pipe wrench and I was able to halfway bend the upright supports back, drill a couple new holes and reattach what was left of the lag screws back into the bunk so I would have something to load onto when we came back. Just not a good way to start off your afternoon of what should be pleasurable boating with friends.

Called the dealer today to see if he still had my old boat. Told him I was just about done with this. I'm not having fun anymore, and this experience isn't worth the several hundred dollar a month investment I am making to have this boat. I do understand that it's not the boats fault, but it is all part of a package. Stuart and the dealer seems to want to just get me another trailer and loan me a bling blinged out trailer until he can get it worked out. I have difficulty in putting faith in some of the things I am told, because I have been told many things through out this, and I seem to be the one to make all of the follow up and try to make things happen. IT is at the point now that I am afraid to take if off the trailer in this condition, because next time, I am sure that the bunk will come off even easier now that the uprights have been comprimized and bent that far back. Still don't know if there is any hull damage, if there is any in the area that rest on that bunk. So now I have a broke and brusied boat, and a trailer that is falling apart and difficult to use.

Again fella's, what would you guys do?

I am usually not the type of person to raise hell, but my patience tank is pretty much empty. like I said I am just about done with this. A row boat is starting to look appealing. If I dare I may go with a trolling motor.

[chpthril]

Did you e-mail our Rep Randy? PM me if you want his phone# also!

[da.bell]

Take the bling bling trailer until the dealership can get this fixed. Maybe the dealership will forget about the trailer and now you have an upgraded trailer.

Done, end of story.

[zad0030]

Have you tried driving the trailer in real deep to get the bunks wet and then pulling out a little to where you know you can safely unload?

My boat is hard to get off the trailer also and what I do instead of slamming the throttle down is, give it shots in reverse and then let it float back to the center. I do that a few times and then Im off.

I think most of these trailers aren't built to a very good quality. On my Prestige all the bunks are out of allignment and the boat sits on it crooked.

If I trusted that the dealer would make it right, I would take the bling bling. And if that doesn't work out, I would say forget it, thanks for trying!

[scoot18]

Did you e-mail our Rep Randy? PM me if you want his phone# also!

Chpthril, "no I haven't," I remember you suggesting that earlier in this thread. I was hoping that through normal means and it would get taken care of. I will PM you to get that info. Do you know if he handles the state of Virginia?

[chpthril]

Chpthril, "no I haven't," I remember you suggesting that earlier in this thread. I was hoping that through normal means and it would get taken care of. I will PM you to get that info. Do you know if he handles the state of Virginia?

I'm sure he does. I know he goes as far North as Mass.